ndiaBoat rally from Kutch to protect coastal environmentBhuj | Tuesday, Oct 4 2011 IST Dr Kanubhai Kalsaria, rebel BJP MLA from Mahuva who spearheaded farmers protest against Nirma company s cement plant, has announced a boat rally from Randh port in Kutch to Umargam port in South Gujarat to protect coastal areas from industrial pollution. Addressing a meeting of fishermen, farmers and salt workers at Randh port in Bhadreshwar taluka of Kutch yesterday, Dr Kalsaria said the state government s approach towards industries is that of a mythical figure Dhritrashtra , who does not want to see anything but the industries. The state government is insensitive to the concerns of farmers, fishermen, salt workers and cattle-owners , he said. The BJP leader said the dates for the boat rally will be finalised shortly. The purpose of the rally is to create awareness among the people about the need to protect the environment along Gujarat s 1600 kms coastline. Veteran socialist leader Sanat Mehta said if the fishermen, farmers and salt workers failed to wake up against the upcoming industries, they will have to lose their traditional means of livelihood. The people of this area have been opposing upcoming power plant of OPG company, he added.
