Protest held against proposed Essar jetty in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR - Representatives of various trade and commerce bodies Monday took out a rally to protest against the jetty planned by corporate giant Essar near Salaya in Gujarat, saying that the proposed jetty will pose “new dangers” to their existence.

Adam Bhaya, secretary of the Salaya Sailing Vessels Association told IANS that the various trade bodies as well as the fishermen’s and sailing vessels representatives had taken out a rally to the district headquarters at Jamnagar to protest against the move.

The secretary said that over 50,000 fishermen, their families and dependents will be affected by the decision to construct the jetty which will completely ruin fishing in the area.

“Already both Essar and Reliance have jetties at Vadinar in close vicinity to the proposed site. The wider area around these jetties has already become out of bound for fishermen affecting their livelihood,” Bhaya said.

“We shall face a similar situation if this jetty comes up. Moreover the pipeline which is expected to carry hazardous cargo will pass through the town posing new dangers to our existence,” he added.

The memorandum submitted on behalf of the Salaya Machhimar Sahkari Mandali has urged the district administration to provide a clear picture of the prevailing status of the jetty project so that the people can take appropriate action in the matter. The administration must come clean on what clearances have been given to the project by the various official agencies.

“We are determined to resist the construction of this jetty at all cost. If necessary we will seek judicial intervention to fight for our right to livelihood,” he added.