Karwar, Nov 3 (DHNS): The taluk administration, under tight police security, demolished 201 huts along the Karwar beach, constructed illegally by local fishermen to house their fishing equipment, on Sunday.

The action was taken following the Supreme Court order to clear encroachments on government lands. Tahsildar Madhukar Nayak had sent notices to the fishermen three months ago in this regard.

The drive, that began at 7 am, went on till evening and huts along the beach between London Bridge and Devekar College were demolished. Five earthmovers began the demolition from London Bridge side.

Around 400 security personnel including 10 platoons of armed reserve force stood guard.

Fishermen protest

However, when the earthmovers tried to clear the huts near Aquarium, many fishermen protested and even blocked them. While the women from the community were weeping over their plight, some of the protests burnt portraits of District Incharge minister R V Deshpande and local legislator Sateesh Sail.

Unmindful of the protest, the officials went ahead with the demolition drive. At some places, fishermen voluntarily demolished their huts.

“The action is being taken following the apex court order and it is under the guidance of district administration that taluk officials have cleared the huts. But the district administration is also committed to the welfare of the traditional fishermen.

The administration is contemplating providing place near London Bridge and Devekar College for fishermen to keep their fishing equipment like boats, nets and others,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner H Prasanna.

The drive was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner H Prasanna, Tahsildar Madhukar Naik, Additional SP K G Devaraju and others.