Karnataka

Congress, BJP caught in ‘jetty politics’ of Karwar

Karwar: The order by the Director of Karnataka State Environment and Karnataka Coastal Regulation Zone to stop export activities at Belekeri port has not come as a surprise to many.

Although the director has given not conducting the public hearing about the transportation of iron ore from the jetties set up at Belekeri as the reason, the decision is seen in the political context.

The Belekeri port is an important point for iron ore exports. It is the nearest port to Hospet and Bellary area. The port is managed by private companies. Although three companies operate at the port now, many had applied for permission to build the jetty. But now, the export of iron ore has declined drastically and only a few companies are exporting from these jetties.

Most companies that had applied for licence to build the jetty had done so long ago. But because of the CRZ norms and opposition from the local people, these applications are pending with the Government.

But the order for temporary closure of the jetties at Belekeri came as a surprise. This order is seen in the context of the upcoming by-election to the Karwar Assembly Constituency.

When contacted, port officer of Karwar said the ban order was issued by the Environment and CRZ departments. He said the jetty owners were given time till August 31 to hold public hearing. This was because of complaints regarding the CRZ norms violation by various companies. But the jetty owners failed to hold a public hearing and the CRZ Department banned cargo movement from these ports, he said.

When contacted, the regional director of the department said he did not have any details about the closure order.

The public perception is that politics is being played by ruling and opposition parties over these jetties. In August last, there was a hue and cry over the issue of building a jetty at Belekeri by a Bangalore-based company.

The Congress blamed Minister for Fisheries, Science and Technology Anand Asnotikar for this. Although the company had applied for permission to build the jetty, it was not granted. The Congress alleged that Mr. Asnotikar was a partner of the company and the company had started the construction of the jetty soon after he became the Minster and the Government was covertly supporting the construction.

Opposition leaders V.S. Ugrappa and R.V. Deshapande visited Belekeri and held a press meet condemning the misuse of power by the Minister. Then the BJP leaders defended the Minister and blamed the Congress for raking up a non-issue to settle personal scores.

Now, the Congress is at the receiving end. Owner of one of the jetties in operation has been shortlisted as probable candidate of the party in the by-election.

About two years ago, the then Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada Ritesh Kumar had seized this jetty for encroaching the sea and for illegal construction violating the CRZ norms. The encroached area was fenced and police kept a vigil over it. After closure for a brief period the jetty was allowed to function. But a case is pending in the court.

Minister for Ports and Environment Krishna Palemar visited the jetties at Belekeri with Mr. Asnotikar and inspected the encroachment. Immediately after the visit, the order for the closure of all the jetties was issued.

Now the Congress is crying foul and terming it as a political witch hunting.

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