Farmers sore as UPCL releases saline water into fields

Farmers sore as UPCL releases saline water into fields

Mangalore Today News Network

Padubidri, June 28, 2014 :  The  UPCL thermal power plant  near Padubidri which has resumed power generation  on June 27, Friday after a gap of several days, has  created more problems for residents of the locality.

The areas in the vicinity of the plant are now facing problems due to  gushing in of saline water released by the plant into drains and fields. Similar problem has cropped up  about two years ago and  following a warning from the government  the company had stopped releasing treated saline water   and used to let it to the sea through the pipeline.

However, on June 26, Thursday the saline water was directly released  to the drain instead of the river  resulting in saline water entering fields in Ulloor, Ellur, Padebettu arnd other areas. Local residents have complained that their  crops have been damaged due to the problem and say the officials were apathetic towards their woes.Some residents also complained that  even salt water has seeped into their wells.