Mangaluru: Blocking Yettinahole gets hot in coastal areas

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 26, 2015: The meet  by Karavali Jeevanadi Nethravathi Rakshana Samithi on Sept 25 Friday passed a resolution summarily  demanding the State government to stop the Yettinahole project moving forward any further.

 

It demanded proper discussions on the project in Mangaluru instead of Bengaluru. They demanded that the affidavit on water user right submitted to the National Green Tribunal, be withdrawn and warned that the government be ready to face ’Karavali Chaluvali’ otherwise.  Samithi Convener M G Hegde was vociferous in that the government is trying to convert Mangaluru into an industrial zone. The ban on Kambla, which is closely related to the farm culture was a part of this conspiracy.

Under no means will killing off  river Nethravathi for a fake project be tolerated. Serious protests will be organised right from village-level. This will be a movement to end imposition of other cultures and harassment on coastal people.

Former mayor K Ashraf demanded the organization to give a call for Dakshina Kannada bandh within a week. The elected representatives, who can not support the public movement, should resign. It will add more strength to the protest. If they don’t cooperate, the protesters will agitate  in front of their houses.

Bunt leader Maladi Ajith Kumar Rai stated that the protest should be converted to a people’s movement and should be strong on all counts. Bunts have passed resolutions against the project during Ganeshotsava celebrations and decided to start signature campaign from children and elders. Rights will not be let down. If  farmingis lost it will be a big loss for culture and language.  Catholic  Diocese of Mangaluru representative,  PRO Rev William Menezes called upon all religious leaders to unite for the cause without any barrier. It pains when religious sentiments are hurt; it is now the time to save Nethravathi river that the area is dependent on. The message should reach the political rulers who are in Bengaluru.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president Harikrishna Punarooru opined that strong protest is the need of the hour. Mohandas of Akhila Bharatha Billavara Mahamandala urged the elected representatives to oppose the project inside the Assembly. Yashwanth Mendon warned of separate state if the state continues imposing of projects on coastal Karnataka.

The meeting made it clear that alternative schemes should be initiated to provide water to the parched districts like Kolar and Chikballapur.

Karavali Jeevanadi Nethravathi Rakshana Samithi vice president P V Mohan, Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya Convener Dinesh Holla, Rev. Lancy D’Cunha of Catholic Sabha, Fisheries leaders Vasudeva Boloor, Mohan Bengre, All College Student Association president Uttam Alva were present and sentiment ran high.