Local MLA wants Govt to demonstrate scientific viability of Yettinahole Project

Local MLA wants Govt to demonstrate scientific viability of Yettinahole Project

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 18, 2016:  At least 200 members of 36 organisations went on a one-day hunger strike in front of the DK DC  office gate on March 17, Thursday opposing the Yettinahole water diversion project. They also warned of intensifying the agitation if the government does not stop the project summerily.

 

 

 

 Local MLA  J R Lobo stated the government needs to scientifically make evident the actual availability of water that can be obtained from Yettinahole project. Addressing the hunger strikers and public demonstration organized by  Nethravati Rakshana Samyuktha Samiti (NRSS) the MLA said, "It is must a scientific study on the availability of water in Netrhavati river and from the Yettinahole project catchment areas are proved. I already object to the Yettinahole project and as an elected representative of the region, I support this protest that is apolitical. The government must conduct a scientific study to ascertain the availability of water in the project locale."

The MLA went on to say, it is the duty of the government to listen to the grievances of the people of the region especially when they are agitating. "I would not have opposed the project had it been given the go-ahead by the government after a scientific study. The government has failed to give adequette assurance that project will not adversely affect the Western Ghats or the people on the coast, "

Workers of all political parties have come together to fight against the project, M.G. Hegde, another activist, said the movement would be taken forward apolitically.Mr. Hegde later told reporters that the participating organisations have planned a ‘Maha Sankalpa Day’ at Town Hall. The date is yet to be finalised. If the government does not backtrack even after that event, which is expected to be attended by thousands, the organisations plan to ask people to voluntarily “shut down the district”,