Mangalore: Won't Allow Demolition of Temples, say Families Displaced by MSEZ
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Oct 12: The families displaced by Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) project, and whose fertile agricultural lands were notified, are facing yet another threat of losing their ancestral temples in Nellidadi, Bajpe area.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday October 12, Laxmana Chowta head of the Nellidadi Guttu family said that of the 1,800 acres of land notified for the first phase work of MSEZ, the notification order affects the agricultural land in which Nellidadi Guttu Kantheri Dhoomavathi Temple and Nellidadi Guttina Mane too are located.
He said with the stages of land acquisition complete, 800-year-old Nellidadi and Kantheri Dhoomavathi temples are also facing the danger of demolition. "There are 18 houses and none of them agrees to the shifting of temples," he said.
"Though the lands in Kalavar, Bajpe, Permude and Nellidadi were notified for the first phase of SEZ at the same time, petition was filed in the court of law against land acquisition in Nellidadi. Also, fight to save Kalavar Benkinatheshwar Temple was successful. When the protest was planned to save Nellidadi Guttu, the then MD of SEZ, A G Pai assured us that Nellidadi Temple would not be harmed. Believing him, two acres of land in Paila, Bajpe was given to the company," Laxmana Chowta said.
However, plans have been made to acquire the land in Nellidadi. Agricultural land in the area has been damaged by filling soil and the historical Nellidadi and Kantheri Dhoomavathi Temples have been facing the threat of demolition.
He said MP Nalin Kumar has assured of safeguarding the temples. "The families are ready to give their lives but will not allow the demolition of the temples. A case in this regard has already been filed in the high court," he said.
Chandrika of Nellidadi said that her house was demolished on May 10 and no compensation package was given to her as promised by the SEZ officials.
Kishore Shetty, Suma B Shetty were also present at the press meet.