Mangalore: The Mangalore special Economic Zone authorities (MSEZ) pleaded innocence in a public meet on Friday, and argued that it had not violated any Coastal Regulation Zone rules.
The regional for environment of CRZ, clarified after people of Melukoppala -Athrebailu visited him on May 4, Friday with some environmental activists, who requested Mahesh Kumar (CRZ) to inspect the spot.
Kumar saw that mud was dumped over a stretch of 1,500 metres and told the uneasy residents that mud will be removed from 300 metres along the banks, while widening the corridor.
He confirmed that mud had not been dumped into the river, and no rule was violated in a 300m stretch.
Dinesh Shetty, resident pointed out that Kumar was standing on a heap of mud, and telling no mud had been dumped!
Godfrey D’ Souza said that residents were not allowed to construct houses near the coast, but CRZ legalised violations made by MSEZ.
The protestors are likely to meet chief vigilance commissioner for redressing their grievances.