Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Nov 2: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt has repeated his earlier demand for closing down operations of the thermal power plant of Nandikoor-based Udupi Power Corporation Ltd till the committee of experts submits its report on the company’s working.
“I have been receiving incessant reports about water, air and environment pollution created by UPCL. The experts will give an opinion about the possibility of controlling this pollution. Till then, the plant should stop functioning. If the report opines that pollution cannot be stopped, the first plant should be closed down, and no permission should be given to the second unit. Moreover, the government should take steps to shift the plant elsewhere,” he urged, addressomg a press conference held here on Tuesday November 1.
The Swamiji accused the company of getting licences by providing false information to the government and concerned authorities. “The company’s statement about the land in question here being barren, and minister, Acharya’s claim of implementation of modern technology, have been proved false. The company has been using age old techniques and equipment. “Minister Acharya, who was vehemently opposing the plant in the past, has turned its supporter. I have failed to comprehend the reason for the shift in his stance,” he said. He also charged the government with not paying even the travel expenses of a committee of experts which visited UPCL site for inspection.
The Swamiji hastened to add that he is not opposed to thermal power plants, but added that such plants are not suitable for coastal environment. He said that Chief Minister, D V Sadananda Gowda, has promised him not to give permission for the second plant of UPCL. He also urged the deputy commissioner to convene a meeting to enable people to air their grievances, noting that the meeting was postponed twice earlier, immediately.
He expressed resentment at the adverse comments passed by union minister, Veerappa Moily, against the successful campaign the former had launched against the second phase of Mangalore Special Economic Zone. “Heads of Mutts cannot become mute spectators to the sufferings of the people, and also when interests of the society get affected. Veerappa Moily, in spite of being in politics, engages in literary activities. There is nothing wrong in Swamijis getting involved with social service. I invite Moily for a detailed discussion on MSEZ and acquisition of farmers’ lands for the purpose,” he added.