Goa, Aug. 6 -- Fishermen from Betul have voiced strong opposition to the proposed dredging of the Betul River and adjoining Arabian Sea, warning that the project would threaten their livelihoods and damage the region's fragile marine ecosystem.

According to members of the fishing community, dredging could destroy sea shell beds that serve as a vital source of income for many families in Betul. They argued that similar dredging work had been carried out in the past, but the river and coastal stretch eventually silted up again, rendering the exercise ineffective.

Instead of dredging, the fishermen have urged the government to construct a retaining wall, which they believe would provide a more sustainable and long-term solution for protect...