October 25, ultimatum for Govt meet on Yettinahole

October 25, ultimatum for Govt meet on Yettinahole

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sep 29, 2014:    Speaking at an awareness programme organised by the  Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya members  forum on Yettinahole project on September 28, Sunday, Convenor Dr Niranjan Rai said that after October 25, severe protest against the project will be organised across the district and tough decisions will be taken. Educationist M G Hegde, in his keynote address, said that the State government is trying to cheat the people of coastal Karnataka and Malnad.

After changing it’s name four times, the latest project report doesn’t offer any commitment to the district. DK depends on tourism which is based on river Nethravathi, the project will be a deadly blow to it. The project would also affect fishery business,” he said.   The Sanchaya, has strongly condemned the State government for giving its nod to controversial Yettinahole drinking water project .

An ultimatum to the Govt was given till October 25 to convene a meeting of public from coastal districts and Malnad to discuss the dangers of the project.

Death of  rivers  :   The project is to supply drinking water to Bangalore.  The water will be supplied to industries as well, for sure feel all concerned.  Environment activist Kishor said that the government has planned to fill 527 lakes using this Rs 13,000 crore project. According to law, it can not be a drinking water project and the government should get an environment clearance. As per the project sub-rivers of Netravati like Gundia and Kumaradhara which are live during monsoon will be affected, he said.

Religious leaders support :  Vajradehi Mutt seer Rajashekharananda Swamiji said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could have discussed about Yettinahole and Niddodi power project during his visit to the coastal districts. “Yettinahole project is against nature, so we have to start a movement against it at the earliest,” he said. Sayyed Yahab Tanjal of Bolangady Jumma Masjid also said that the Koran also suggests to use water, a gift of God but not to misuse it.

Former MLA Vijay Kumar Shetty declared that he is ready to fight against the project at any cost. Environmentalist Dinesh Holla opined that the meeting should be called in Mangalore and not in Bangalore.

Mangalore International Airport former director M R Vasudeva said that the project has already got approval and only tender process is due; protests should proceed he said. Jai Tulunada Vedike President Shailesh R T condemned continues harassment on Tulunad through various developments projects to help other parts of the state like petroleum gas pipe line, Niddodi and now Yettinahole project. It is a deliberate attempt to crush coastal people and if it continues people may have to demand separate administrative status for Tulunad, he warned. Subrahmanya Mutt seer Vidyaprasannatheertha Swamiji and Mangalore Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza had sent letters in against the projects too.