Close UPCL till all problems are solved: Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji

Mangaloretoday News Network

Udupi, March 24: Pejawar Seer Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji has requested a meeting with CM B. S. Yeddyurappa to find a solution to the UPCL problem. The seer had begun fasting on Saturday demanding the closure of the power plant till it finds a proper way to dispose of its fly ash.

 

In a letter to Mr. Yeddyurappa, copies of which were released to the press here on Wednesday, the swamiji said the Government should monitor the working of the power plant. It should see to that the company adopted state-of-the-art technology to control pollution. The Government and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) should ensure that the all pollution control norms were adhered to.

The equipment installed by UPCL should solve all the problems connected to fly ash, saline water and transportation of coal. Even if these problems were solved now, there was the threat of pollution in future. Hence, a permanent Supervisory Committee should be appointed to keep an eye on this. The members of the committee should be paid salaries and allowances.

The Government should appoint environmental experts suggested by him (the swamiji) to the committee. These experts should have powers to inspect everything. Even after implementing all these measures, if pollution did not come down, then alternative arrangements should be thought of.

The UPCL should be shut down temporarily till all the pollution-related problems were solved. The seer said he was ready to hold talks with Mr. Yeddyurappa on this issue. He made it clear that his fast was against the pollution caused by the thermal plant and not against the State Government. “During my fast for the last three days, I am having only one meal a day. I have special affection for you (Mr. Yeddyurappa). Even during my fast, I pray for your success and that of your Government. If you solve all the pollution problems of UPCL, I can happily end my fast,” the swamiji in the release.