Re-imaginings from 22 July Ankola to Karwar protest march

They came from the beaches. They came from the river banks. They came from the valleys. They came amongst fishers. They came amongst agriculturists. They came amongst peasants. They came amongst tribal communities. They came amongst various fishing communities. They came from transport workers. They came from number of villages. They came from Ankola Taluka of Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. Thousands of them. They were men. They were women. They were youth. They were old. They carried common resolve in heart. No to Port at Keni Beach waters!

In the morning of 22 July 2026 they assembled in Ankola town. They unpacked their bags and placards moved in different hands. This day thousands had taken break from their livelihood engagements. They stopped their agriculture work. They stopped their fishing work. They stopped all their kinds of work. They stopped it all for a day. They had their voices ready. Ready to roar. Ready to dare.

They assembled before the two statues of personalities that inspired them. One of those statues is of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi at Ankola Swatantrya Sangrama Smarak Bhavan.                                   . 

Few thousand people were taking inspiration from the Indian Freedom Movement. That era Movement was directed against British rule. Today movement was directed against corporate rule with Jindal Steel Works (JSW) as invader of Keni coast in Ankola with State backing.

They term their revolt as "horata". They publicly condemned imposition of Port at Keni "Dikkara". They carried placards. They shouted slogans. They advocated defence of shores from the Ports. People with a purpose thronged the roads that connect the highway. And soon they were marching on it. They had sound system to amplify their voices. They had secured permissions for it though negotiations with police. 

They found their voice on National Highway (NH - 66). They walked. Police alongside. Lady police included. Thousands walked. Few emergency vehicles from fire safety department. Few ambulances to lift and take to hospital in case any protesters collapsed while working. Walking on highway was unprecedented. Seeking permision from the administration is story by itself. Permission was sought for march from Ankola to Karwar covering nearly 35 kms. Permision was denied citing that it is monsoon season and rains would make walking difficult in addition to risks of accidents on highway besides the safety of those walking in case of health emergencies. Negotiations followed. Authorities allowed walking upto to 05 kms and then buses and other vehicles to be used to move to Karwar. 

After 05 kms walk vehicle carried protesters to Karwar to disembark under the flyover facing Karwar Beach. From here another march. This time more people joined from Karwar and the surrounding villages to express their support and Solidarity. People even came from far away places like Belgaum, Honnavar and Goa to support the protest demands. From National Federation of Small-Scale Fishworkers (NFSF) two office bearers participated. Raju Tandel, Organising Secretary, Karnataka and General Secretary Sebastian Rodrigues. 

March moved with thundering slogans through the air attracting attention of passers in the Karwar Town for nearly 03 kms. The final destination of the march was the office of Deputy Commisioner, Karwar who heads administration in Uttara Kannada. Organisers were as much disciplined as they were sensitive. They made sure that there would be no breach of law and order situation during the protests. Internal system was put in place to diffuse the tension. They were also very sensitive to arrange adequate water and good tasty lunch for several thousands people. They even arranged chairs for the needy and tired to sit under the flyover. All the waste generated during the lunch was picked up and taken for disposal.

Protests started in front of the closed gate of Deputy commisioner. Police guarded the gate from inside. Protesters sat in front of the gate and shouted slogans. No traffic disruption was seen as police handled that aspect well. V.N. Nayak and others were seen near the gate. After some time gate was opened few amongst protesters went in. Deputy commisioner Laxmi Priya walked near the gate and stood few meters away from the gate. V.N. Nayak who is a scientist and others like Vikas Tandel were allowed inside the gate. V.N.Nayak then presented the objections to Port projects at Keni. The entire conversation was in Kannada. Sound system was arranged to ensure that voices are heard even beyond the gate. 

Deputy Commisioner Laxmi Priya then addressed the protesters and said that the Keni Port has not received Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). She also informed that the Keni Port has not received CRZ Clearances too. In the absence to these required permissions work on site will not be started.  Her speech was greeted with clapps. 

Within a minute however churnings were felt. Questions were raised on what Deputy Commissioner spoke. Some felt it was expected state response to situations Ike this. Others felt that her coming to the gate and meeting protesters itself was an achievement. Still others believed that what she spoke was far below the expectations to the range of declaration of cancelation of the Port project. A sensitive dissenting voice questioned as to why women protesters were not allowed to have direct communications with Deputy Commisioner. There is lots to think about as the organisers go about evaluating the past and planning for the future of on ground resistance to Port at Keni.

Word of appreciation to Sanjeev Balegar and his team at Ankola  Sarva Samajagala Hitarakshana Sangha for conducting such a huge show of dissent. Protest march of this magnitude demonstrated will and determination of Ankola people. Their actions are certain inspirations to everyone concerned about defence of coastal areas in the face of such Port projects that spells doom to coastal people in several ways.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Forest -The Living Breath of Nature

1. Importance of the Forest

A forest is not just a group of trees. It is home to millions of living beings. The forest is nature's factory that gives humans air, water, rain, and food. One tree produces enough oxygen in a day for 4 people to breathe.

2. Hub of Biodiversity

Tigers, elephants, bears, deer, monkeys, hundreds of types of birds, reptiles, and insects live in the forest. Every creature is an important link in the food chain. If even one species is destroyed, the entire balance is disturbed.

3. Climate and Rain

Forests attract clouds and bring rain. The roots of trees hold the soil together and prevent floods and landslides. The saying "If there is a forest, there is rain. If there is rain, there is a crop" is absolutely true.

4. Humans and the Forest

Humans have lived with the forest since ancient times. Tribal communities worship the forest like a god. We get medicinal plants, fruits, and timber from the forest. But when we cut down forests for our own selfish needs, we end up harming ourselves.

5. Threats to the Forest

Today forests are being destroyed due to excessive deforestation, forest fires, poaching, plastic, and pollution. This is leading to problems like climate change, destruction of animal habitats, and water scarcity.

6. Our Responsibility

Saving the forest means saving our future.  

- We should plant trees  

- We should stop deforestation  

- We should reduce the use of plastic  

- We should protect wildlife  

Conclusion

As poet Kuvempu said "Grow the forest, save the land." Humans cannot survive without forests. To give a green earth to the next generation, let us all love and protect the forest starting today.

--- Apeksha R Tandel

On confidence

Confidence is believing in yourself. It doesn’t mean you never feel scared. It means you try even when you are scared.

Confidence grows slowly. Every small success adds to it. Every time you speak up, try something new, or finish a task, your confidence improves.

Mistakes don’t reduce confidence. They build it. Because after every mistake, you learn and become stronger.

You don’t need to be perfect to have confidence. You just need to start. The more you practice, the more confident you become.

Remember: Confidence is not given by others. We build it from within.

 

Apeksha R Tandel

Our Town - Tonka Kasarkod, Honnavar

Tonka Kasarkod is a beautiful coastal village near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.

The special thing about our town is its location. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, and to the east flows the Sharavati River. The sea is our life. Every day fishermen go in boats and bring back fish. The beach in the evening is very beautiful.

In the middle of the Arabian Sea there is a beautiful hill. Its name is Netrani Hill. This hill is the pride of our village. Tourists and locals come to see this hill. Netrani Hill adds more beauty to our sea.

The main occupation of our village is fishing only. There is no agriculture here. Hundreds of families depend only on the fish from the sea for their livelihood but for the last few years we have been struggling a lot because of the HPPL company.  

HPPL means Honnavar Port Private Limited Company. Because of this company’s projects, fishermen are facing problems to go to the sea. Our livelihood is coming to a dangerous situation.

Apeksha R. Tandel

The Real Heroes of the Sea

Fishermen and Fisherwomen: The Real Heroes of the Sea 🌊

Their day starts at 4 AM, while it's still dark. Rain, cold, or storm — the sea is their workplace and their life.

The Fisherman 

From dawn till dusk, he casts nets, steers the boat, and battles the waves to catch fish. He knows every current, every shift in the wind. But there's no guarantee he'll get a fair price for the fish he risks his life to catch.

The Fisherwoman

It's not just about catching fish. She also carries baskets of fish on her head to the market, stands in the sun and rain to sell them. She manages the house, the kids' studies, and often helps her husband with the boat work too — all by herself.

What are their struggles?

1. Climate change: Cyclones and rough seas put their lives at risk

2. Middlemen: They rarely get the right price for their hard work

3. Pollution: Plastic and factory waste in the sea means fewer fish

4. Debt trap: Loans for boats and nets are hard to repay

And yet, they keep smiling and moving forward. Because for them, the sea is everything.

The next time we eat fish on our plate, let's take a moment to think about the hands that brought it to us. Let's be their voice.

Apeksha R Tandel

The Fisherman - A True Warrior of the Sea

Summary:

A fisherman is not just a profession. It’s a life of courage, patience, and struggle with nature. In every bite we eat, there is a story of his sweat and hard work.

While the whole town is still asleep at 4 AM, the fisherman is already heading to the sea with his boat and net.

For him, the sea is both mother and teacher. He understands the rise and fall of waves, the direction of the wind, and the movement of fish — all from years of experience.

Hardship and Sacrifice

Fishing is not an easy job. He has to face the scorching sun, heavy rain, and even storms. Some days he returns with an empty net. But the very next day, he goes back to the sea with the same courage.

His Contribution to Us

The fish curry and fried fish on our plate are all the result of a fisherman’s hard night work. Without him, the lives of coastal people and the hotel business would come to a standstill.

Challenges Today

Today, pollution, overfishing, and climate change have made a fisherman’s life even harder. But still, they continue to live with respect for the sea, using their traditional knowledge.

           Apeksha R Tandel

Joys of Turning Pages

Summary

No matter how much technology grows, nothing can match the smell of a book and the experience of turning its pages.

The Importance of Books in the Digital Age

These days everything is on mobile and the internet. But even now, reading books is still important. Books don’t just give us knowledge. They also bring peace to the mind. 

If we read on a screen for 10 minutes, our eyes get tired. But when we hold a book in our hands and read, our focus increases and our memory also becomes stronger.

A book is our best friend. It tells us stories, gives us new ideas, and reduces stress. If we make a habit of reading one book every week, our lives itself can change.

Apeksha R. Tandel

 

The Fishy farming paradox

On 09 July 2026 Government of Goa organised function in Panjim to celebrate National Fish Farmers Day. The narrative that was presented at the function is that marine capture fisheries production is going down as fish catch has reduced in the waters of Arabian Sea off the Goa coast. And this the reason fish farming is promoted with all the gusto with State backing.

This State driven narrative however hasn't gone without scrutiny amongst the fishers who attended this program. The logic of this narrative is increasingly facing contestations. The questions that are raised by fishers present at function of national fish farming day are very important and merits attention. This is more so because the fishers are intimately connected to the Sea. So here lets dive into the issues raised by fishers post- national fish farmers day per the presented logic and its deconstruction. 

Need for Fish farming 

In Goa we always associated the idea of farming with paddy fields that cultivated rice, sometimes twice a year for certain but certainly once during monsoon. The farming was economy by itself and was sustained through efforts of local people that has almost entered pages of history. Idea of farming was associated with activities on land connected to agriculture. Only way it got connected to Fisheries was in case of farming in reclaimed lands in Goa known as Khazan lands regulated through sluice gates which are also in a dilapidated state. 

Current narrative presents the situation at shortage of fish to harvest via capture fisheries and therefore need for fish farming - aquaculture of various types.

The situation of fish scarcity

While the state assessment of the shortage is true what is worrying is also scarcity of State efforts to identify the causes of the declining marine fish. These is scandalous non-attention to this aspect by Goa Government towards governance of fisheries. Fisheries however have their own understanding as to why there is shortage of fish in waters of Arabian Sea. Few of these concerns are outlined here.

Connections of scarcity with LED Fishing

It's well known admitted fact that despite ban on use of LED in fishing practices it is used for the purpose widely, illegally. This matter was even heard before Goa Bench of Bombay High Court several times where in Director of Fisheries defended right of fishing vessels to carry generators on board but prohibited to use them for lighting of marine waters through LED. This status has created enforcement nightmare with open and flagrant advantage being taken by the industrial fishers. Violations are open and visible even from the beaches on the entire coastline of Goa at night. State enforcement through Fisheries Department as well as Coastal Security Police are few centuries behind and are one of the prime reasons for generation of food insecurity through smooth functioning of LED lights on industrial fishing vessels. This understanding of fishers themselves and deliberately pushed under the carpet.

FMFO as destinations for juvenile fish

LED Fishing blinds and traps even tiny juvenile fish in industrial fishing gears attached to the vessels at Sea. These unethical harvests are brought dead to the shore and directed into Fish Meals for Fish Oil (FMFO) for variety of industrial reasons. This causes deliberate depletion of marine fish species. There was never shortage of fish in waters before the industrial fishing was introduced. Neat and clean sweep of marine commons even within 05 kms from the shore by the Industrial fishing fleet has triggered the crisis point in marine waters popularly known as fish famine. Government of Goa has not put these industrial fishing practices under the scrutiny as possible contributors for destroying marine ecology, causing fish depletion and triggering food insecurity. On the contrary the are instances in the past when Goa Government even facilitated these very industrial fishers to prosper and even falicitate them on World Fishers day. I this context Goa Government have failed in governance of Fisheries at least partly and even terribly betyed. Celebration of Fish Farmers Day is the indication of collapse in marine fisheries governance in Goa.

Plastic harvest in fishing nets

It's increasing trend these days when proportion of plastic harvests is overtaking fish harvest in marine fisheries. From gillnet fishing to cast net fishing fishing nets are the sites for plastic harvests in fishing nets. Goa Government has been negligent in identifying the source locations of garbage dumping instances in marine waters often through connected rivers. Fishermen even narrate that there are several patches where sea floors and riverbed are covered with thick layers of mature litter. This is not even on the agenda of Fisheries department or any other agency of the Goa Government. 

Deliberate marine destructive projects

Indian government in collusion with Goa government initiayed marine destructive projects in Zuari river. MPT under central givernment jurisdictions signed out several lakh square meters of Zuari river fronts to two corporates at prime locations in Nauxi and Sancoale via 30 year lease deed in October 2010. People including Fisher have combats this past decade and a half and successfully protected fishing spaces all along. Draft EIA study of Nauxim Marina infact confirms that through the Marina project there will be long term irreversible negative impacts on fisheries. And still Goa Government backed it up. Matter is pending before Goa Bench of Bombay High Court and have witnesses serial postponements from September 2025.

Casino invasion of Mandovi

Most dramatic disrespect to Fisheries is visible in Mandovi river. Several gambling centres on floating vessels have occupied mandovi waters past several decades. It's is not just physical spaces of fishing in river waters but also daily clandestine release of sewage water early mornings that contributes to degradation of fishing waters and pollution. Yet Casinos being convenient transformers of money into white its getting daily boost and vitamins one and all the nefarious of the world. This ensures continues degradation of fishing waters. This is also the context as to why fish farming is promoted in Goa.

Marine metros and marine ecology 

There are talks that Goa Government is considering another project known as marine metros in Goa. Routes are getting mapped in rivers to install metro services. Reasons given are decongestion of passengers on road and promotion of Tourism. What is missing however is impact on marine ecology and impact on fish behaviours when marine metros takes off.

The above points are just few points - tip of the iceberg - based on leads from ground level churnings amonsts fishers of Goa. There are lots more things to ponder about and express. I invite you too to join in this action-reflection venture in diverse ways.

Sebastian Rodrigues 

Goodbye Prabhakar...

Today 23 May 2026 evening at 5.30 pm marked death of my friend Prabhakar Padekar from Cacra village near Goa University. 

Prabhakar always wore smile on his face every time I met him from April 1996. He served as the President of Cacra Nagrik Vikas Samiti (CNVS) and successfully led the campaign to defend his village from being buried under thousands of tons of Cement to construct off shore stockyard and Berth by mining company from Goa - Fomentos under police cover during Pratapsingh Rane rule.

After this successful chasing away of corporate invasion of the village Prabhakar worked at Goa DESC at Mapusa for few years in late 1990s.

Prabhakar moved out of Goa to aquire qualifications as Physical Education teacher and was employed in school at Sattari till his death. 

It was Prabhakar who convinced me to involve with fishers of his village on Zuari river Bank in 2015.

Prabhakar visited me with team of fishers to Vanxim many times after death of my wife Maggie in 2021 to console me.

Prabhakar has wife and children after him.

And for us he has left glipmse of his deep thoughts in his paper :

https://mandgoa.blogspot.com/2008/02/turmoil-and-struggle-of-village.html?m=1

Prabhakar smiled everytime he met me. It's long struggle that we got to continue and he taught me with smile struggle is joy.

His role though invisible his love for land was deep. He was Gawda, an indigenous Tribe in Goa.

Good bye my friend. Good bye Prabhakar. You left young yet with a smile. 

Your death day Prabhakar is on birthday of late Fr. Bismarque Dias. I pay tribute to both of you for all that you'll stood for in your own ways to defend homeland.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Petition against operation of PNJ Boats in Sinquerim-Nerul river

 25 May 2026

To,

Governor of Goa

Lok Bhavan,

Dona Paula,

Goa

To,

Chief Minister,

Government of Goa, 

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Minister of Fisheries,

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Minister of Ports,

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Minister of Tourism,

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Chief Secretary,

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Secretary (Ports),

Government of Goa, 

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Secretary (Fisheries)

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Secretary (Tourism),

Government of Goa, 

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Captain of Ports,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Fisheries,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Tourism,

Government of Goa, 

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Urgent Call for enforcement of Director of Fisheries letter no. DF/ENF/WS/2025-26/1267 dated 18/06/2025 

Sir/Madam,

Please find above refered letter enclosed/ attached for your urgent consideration of enforcement. 

The contents of this letter addressed to the Director of Tourism is very important to support livelihood of large number of traditional small scale fishers in Sinquerim-Nerul river in the months of June, July and August is reproduced here for your ready reference:

"It is to inform you that the department is in receipt of letters dated 15/05/2025 and 28/05/2025 from the Kandollchea Kharveacho Ekvott and All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union respectively (copies elclosed) regarding "disturbance caused by watersports/PNJ Boats operating in Sinquerim-Nerul areas.

It is informed that Watersports/ Tourism boats in the Sinquerim - Nerul areas disturb the livelihood of Fishermen in that area by operating boats with high power emgines and disturbing the fishes during their breeding season.

In view of the above, you are requested to stop watersports/tourism boats from operating in the Sinquerim river upto Nerul Bridge from 01 June to 31 August, every year."

These directions of the Director of Fisheries were violated in the 2025 resulting in damage to fishing breeding process in Sinquerim- Nerul river as well as tremendous troubles to the traditional fishers of Sinquerim-Nerul river as PNJ Boats operated non-stop with shameful support from the authorities.

Kindly initiate decisive steps to ensure that no PNJ boat operates in Sinquerim-Nerul river and the livelihoods of fishers are promoted and fish breeding process in the river remains without disruptions from PNJ boat outboard motors of any capacity. 

Thank you. 

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar, 

Secretary