Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jan 17: Meenugarika Sahakara Sangha, an association representing the fishing community, on Saturday January 17 came out in strong support of the fishmeal industries that recently hit headlines over pollution concerns. The association asserted that the factories provide employment to locals in the area, and there is no problem regarding their operation in the vicinity.
Addressing the media here association president Vasanth Suvarna said, "Fishmeal industries are operating from the past 60 years in this area. They have given jobs to locals, helping us to earn our daily bread. They encourage us by giving market rates for fish required for fishmeal factories. It is common to have fish smell in the surroundings.
"Those who levelled certain allegations against the factories about pollution are not locals. They are residing in the area from the past two years and living a retired life. Whenever any problem is faced by the locals here, we bring it to the notice of the factory officials and they take necessary action. In reality, we have not faced any problem due to the operation of these factories.”
Jagannath, manager of Mukka Fish Meal and Sea Foods Industries, said, "A few locals complained that the factory is causing health issues. Based on that, deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K V Rajendra had called for a meeting on December 23. The owners of fish meal industries agreed to take all kinds of measures and address the problems faced by the public in the meeting. As per the directions of the DC, we are installing technologies such as bio filters and scrubbers which are 95% efficient and will reduce the foul smell and can address the problems faced by the public. Bawa Fishmeal Industries also have agreed for the same in the meeting. The DC had urged the officials to inspect the factory after March 31.
"Even those who complained against the factories attended the meeting. Despite knowing that the DC has given a deadline of March 31 to take measures regarding the issue for which the factories agreed, they conducted a press meet and again levelled baseless allegations against our factories," he said.
Locals Vittal Shriyan, Kishore, Vinod Kumar, Prashanth Salian, plant engineer Suman and others were present.