All religious prayer to protest Yettinahole project held

Mangalore Today News Network

Magaluru, Oct 29, 2015 : A mammoth gathering of people from different faiths and communities took part in the all-religion prayer service Oct 27, near the Netravathi Bridge here in support of the agitation demanding a the stop of Yettinahole diversion project.

Large number of people took part in the programme organised by the Ullal unit of Netravathi Samrakshana Samiti. People marched from the Thokkottu New Bus Stand to the bridge, where they offered prayers.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajashekarananda Swami of Gurupura Vajradehi Mutt said malnutrition and other health problems and lack of wellness faced by residents of Kolar, Chikkaballapura and other arid regions will be also spread to people of this region if the diversion took place.

Principal of Al-Furkan Arabic Institute Maulana Yayyah Tangal Maudany said all religious texts consider harm to natural resources as sin. Politicians should check on technical matters with care and not allow such project that causes extensive harm to the Netravathi and to the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. Rev Dr John Baptist Saldanha, parish priest of Thokkottu of Mangalore catholic Diocese also spoke explaining the dangers and injustice of the Yettinahole project.

Women took part in large numbers in the event. Around 30 fishermen, who attended the programme, came with two boats in from Adaman Kudru. They stood in the river by holding banners against Yettinahole project.