From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Aug 23: A delegation led by Mangalore MP,  Nalin Kumar Kateel, called on Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister M Veerappa Moily and Union  Surface Transport Minister Oscar Fernandes and urged the ministers to prevail upon the Centre to drop the proposed of ultra power project at Niddodi near Moodabirdri in the interest of the public.

The delegation, which called on the two ministers in Delhi on Thursady, submitted memoranda opposing the project on the ground that it would deprive thousands of villagers of their sources of livelihood.

The delegation said pointed out that thousands of residents, who believe their lands will be directly or indirectly affected if the proposed 4,000 MW mega thermal power plant is established at Niddodi, have been opposing the project.

It said villagers have also written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asking him to scrap the project.

The Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samiti, Niddodi has been opposing the project on the grounds of displacement of villagers of Niddodi and nearby villages of Yedapaduv, Nirude, Puttige, Kateel, Mucchuru, Padu Perar, Mudu Perar and Thenka Yedapadavu.

The Samiti has also sent similar letters to the Prime Minister and the President as also the local MLA, Deputy Commissioner.

The delegation included Samiti President Alphonse D’Souza, and its office-bearers Jagannath Shetty, Baskar Devasya, Poovappa Gowda and Sudhakar Suvarna.