’Niddodi project has to be shelved to protect environment’

’Niddodi project has to be shelved to protect environment’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sep 1, 2013: Dr Ravindranath Shanbhogue, President of the Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi has stressed the need for all out efforts on the part of the people of the district to prevent the government from taking up the proposed Niddodi thermal power project.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA) and Balmatta Karnataka Theological College, at Sahodaya Hall here on August 31, Saturday, he  said there was a need for  awareness on the hazards of such plants.  Even the option of going for a legal recourse should be considered, he said.

 

He said there were numerous examples including the UPCL plant at Padubidri which reveal that coal based plants are highly hazardous. He said man will have to pay a heavy price for all his follies that destroy the ecological imbalance.

Kiran Manjanabailu, Convenor of Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samithi, Niddodi and journalist  who also  spoke  highlighted the drastic consequences if the proposed project was implemented. He said as per the information received by the Samithi the main plant will come up in a 200 acre government land, while adjoining 800 acre land would also be acquired. He said he project need to be shelved if the environment, agriculture and the culture of the coastal districts are to be protected.

Alphonse D Souza, President of Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana  Samithi also spoke on the occasion.

The seminar was earlier inaugurated by Rev Dr H M Watson, Professor of Karnataka Theological College.

IFKCA State Convenor Dennis D Silva, President of Mangalore unit of IFKCA Roy Castelino  and others  expressed their views about the proposed project.