Mangalore Bishop pledges full support to ‘Save Niddodi Movement’

Mangalore Bishop pledges full support to ‘Save Niddodi Movement’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 8, 2013 : Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, has pledged his full support to the ‘Save Niddodi Movement’ that is being led by Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samithi  (MSS) opposing the proposed 4000 mw ultra mega thermal power project in  the village which fears losing thousands of acres of agricultural land.

 

 

 

 

 

Representatives of the Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samithi who met Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza  at Bishop House on August 8, Thursday, apprised him of the problems which people of Niddodi in Moodbidri would face in case the project was implemented.

‘This is a people oriented movement to save the land, greenery and the healthy ecology of the rural scenario. We need to protest against  such  projects which would take away our cultivation, nature and identity of farmers. We need to stop such projects from their very inception lest we should lose our battle.   I congratulate you, the people of the locality who are extremely cautious in-spite of the fact that no official information is shared with you with regard to UMPP’’the Bishop told the Samithi representatives.

 ‘Be united till the end in this movement transcending the parameters of religion and creed. See that no one shows support in the front and acts the opposite at the back. We are fully with you in your people oriented movement and I have already expressed this to the members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and requested the support.  If God is with us no one can be against us in this movement,” the Bishop opined.

The Samithi  office bearers  while thanking the Bishop for the support given, appealed to him to communicate the fears and demands of the parishioners of Niddodi, Sampige, Kateel, Kinnigoli, Kirem, Pakshikere, Mulky, Neerude, Ferar, Moodbidri etc. to the state as well central governments.

‘The Nandikoor UPCL can produce 1200 M.W. power but just 300 M.W. is being generated because transmission of more power through the lines passing  above the houses of the people would be dangerous. We need our land, fields and the green nature.  No amount of incentives and promises will change our mind and outlook’ said Alphonse D’Souza, President of Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samithi.
‘The people will take oath in their respective temples, mosques and churches as to support the movement and as to not to part with the land.  Every house will attach a sticker in front of their house showing their voluntary support to the ‘Save Niddodi Movement’’ said Valerian Sequeira, the director of the Samithi.

‘We are united and we will be united in this fight till the end’ said Poovappa Gowda, Executive  President of MSS. In the days to come a huge protest would be organized in Moodbidri for which too the Bishop expressed his support. 

Vinodhara Suvarna, Secretary of the Samithi and others were present.