Yettinahole, DK bandh taken on seriously today

Yettinahole, DK bandh taken on seriously today

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 19, 2016:As per general reports, life in Dakshina Kannada and particularly Mangaluru city, will be disrupted today, may 19. It is seen that  people from all walks of life are supporting the bandh call by Nethravathi Rakshana Samyukta Samithi in protest against the Yettinahole project.

Essential services, like hospitals and ambulance services, milk and newspaper supplies, however, are unlikely to be affected by the bandh.

 

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Mangaluru division official said that they would operate services depending on the situation and the number of passengers, however, posters have been put up on majority of private buses informing of the voluntary bandh.


Bus and auto associations among others have extended sympathetic support. Also, political parties including Congress and the BJP are part of the call, the bandh seems to be going for an almost total closed day. It has come to light that organisations like Infosys too would shut down its campuses at Kottara Chowki and Mudipu in support of the bandh. Sources said that the local offices informed of their decision and Bengaluru had supported it. Infosys Mudipu campus depends largely on Nethravathi River for water.

On May 17, Tuesday as reported DK DC Adoor B Ibrahim’s efforts to stem the Samithi members to withdraw the bandh call had no effect. On May 18, Wednesday, the DK DC stated that as the members of the Samithi had declared that the bandh was voluntary and no force would be used, any coercion would be dealt with severely according to law. He stated that District in charge minister B Ramanath Rai has assured of holding a meeting with the Samithi members with Chief Minister and it would be done soon.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Mangaluru cyclists would lend their voice and support to the Dakshina Kannada bandh today, in protest against the ongoing Yettinahole water diversion project and the larger Nethravathi River diversion project.

Cycling Support:   This DK bandh, will bring life to a grinding halt, hopefully there will not be any untowward incidents said Evans Sumitra of  MBC Mangalore Bicycle Club, which has been organising several green-initiatives has taken the lead in organising todays ’Save Nethravathi Protest Ride’ .

As of now, more than 60 members have confirmed their participation while 24 are keen on joining the ride even as many more are expected to take a call by late tonight, according to MBC. On the other hand, members of  MACC, Mangalore Cycling Club too would be joining the ride. Members of both the clubs had participated in Save Nethravathi Ride from the city to Nethravathi confluence with the Arabian Sea at Ullal recently.