Fishermen object to kayaking project at Mithmumbari jetty

Devgad: A dispute broke out on Sunday morning between local fishermen, villagers and promoters over the launch of a kayaking project at the Bagwadi jetty in Mithmumbari. Villagers objected that the project was being started without consulting local fishermen and could hurt fishing, and the atmosphere was tense for some time.

The project was being launched by Naresh Damri and his associates. Sarpanch Balkrishna Gavkar said the gram panchayat had approved it and that it mattered for tourism, local jobs and village income. Speaking for the promoters, Anil Korgaonkar said the required legal process had been completed and that tourism and fishing could go on side by side.

The fishermen said their livelihoods depended on the jetty. They were not against tourism, they said, but the project should go ahead only after local people had been taken into confidence.

As tension rose, Devgad police reached the spot, and assistant inspector Santosh Ugalmugle urged a peaceful settlement; panchayat samiti chairman Ganesh Rane also tried to mediate. Guardian minister Nitesh Rane has taken note of the matter and a joint meeting of the promoters, villagers and fishermen will be held, Adv Siddhesh Mangaonkar said. With everyone agreeing to decide the issue at a special gram sabha, the dispute was put on hold for now.

Source: Pudhari