Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Apr 18: Even as a large part of Karnataka observed bandh demanding Mekedatu project, former union minister and Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary on Saturday April 18 urged the state government to effectively implement the Mekedatu project over Cauvery river and drop the ongoing Yettinahole project.

Addressing a press meet at the district Congress office here, Poojary said, "Chief minister should effectively implement the Mekedatu project as this would solve the water scarcity problem in places like Kolar, Tumakuru, Bengaluru and many parts of Karnataka.
If this project is effectively implemented, it will be an achievement."

He also said Yettinahole project would affect the people of Dakshina Kannada, hence instead of spending crores of rupees on Yettinahole, the government should effectively implement the Mekedatu project where the districts facing water scarcity in Karnataka would be benefited.

"Already, many parts of the city and the district are facing the water scarcity problem. If this Yettinahole project materializes, the district may face famine and agriculture will collapse completely. Water problem would also impact buliders," he said.

Slamming the politicians who supported Yettinahole project, Poojary said, "Some politicians who have vested interests are supporting Yettinahole project. It will harm the people of the district. People who voted for them should question them. Let the people question everyone including MPs, MLAs and ministers on this issue."

Congratulating pro-Kannada organizations on the protest demanding Mekedatu project, Poojary said, "The six crore people of Karnataka should support this cause. Irrespective of political affiliations, all people should support this bandh. This Mekeddatu project will be useful to many parts of Karnataka. The state government should convince the Tamil Nadu government that it will not affect the farmers of its state."

About Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and other districts not supporting the bandh, he said, "It is not fair, everyone should support this cause."

Rice for Ullal Uroos

He also said that Kudroli Shree Gokarnanatheshwara Temple will offer 104 bundles of rice to Ullal Uroos and the Congress party has already collected rice worth Rs 9 lac for the Uroos.

"Those willing to contribute to this cause can donate rice before 6 pm on Sunday April 19. The rice will be taken to Ullal as Horakanike," he added.