Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (PS)
Bantwal, Dec 13: The opposition to the Shamboor AMR Power Project gained momentum with hundreds of people joining the public protest on Monday December 12. The protest has been going on for a few days, and is being led by Bantwal Nagarika Rakshana Vedike and ZP former member Thungappa Bangera.
The protestors shouted slogans against the company in front of it from 8 am. They demanded that the DC and senior officers of the company arrive at the venue and listen to their demands.
As per the direction of DC, Nandavar tragedy investigating officer, Mangalore assistant commissioner (AC) Venkatesh arrived at the protest site and held discussions. The protestors told AC that though a week has passed since the drowning incident, no response has been given from the district administration and the company. They complained that the taluk tahsildar too did not take any action.
AMR was given the permission for electricity production till November end, but in violation of the rules it is continuing operations till February end. Due to irregular water release, the water flow increases, and lives have been in danger. The people alleged that the siren was blown after the water was released.
The AC assured the protestors of immediate action.
Later, holding discussions with AMR company officers, the AC announced Rs 75,000 as compensation for the families of the three student who were victims of the Nandavar tragedy.
He also said that the AMR company is not the reason for the tragedy. “Primary investigation revealed that the students died since they did not know swimming. On the day of the incident, the water level was the same in Tumbe dam. Also, next day, after the incident, the water level was the same. On humanitarian grounds, the officers of the company agreed to the compensation. Also they have been directed to provide compensation of Rs 1 lac instead of Rs 75000,” added the AC.
Also, he assured that the district administration will see to it that a cautionary board is placed near the bank of the river and a siren in Pane Mangalore. He added that clear details about the cause of the students’ death will be known after a thorough investigation.
However, the protestors urged for compensation of Rs 10 lac each for families of the victims and threatened to conduct a ‘Rasta Roko’ on national highway soon. The protestors also urged the same amount of compensation of Rs 10 lac for the families of 11 students who died in the last three years.