Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NR)

Udupi, Jul 28: Pertinent issues such as communalism, environmental destruction and dislocation of people owing to the setting up of SEZ, which are relevant to coastal Karnataka should be discussed at the 74th All-India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan (AIKSS) to be held in Udupi in October, demanded Karnataka Janapara Vedike, here on Friday, July 27 according to a press release.

Chief convener of the Vedike, Sriram Divana warned that the Vedike would be constrained to hold a parallel sahitya sammelan with the help of progressive thinkers and writers, if they are not given an opportunity to discuss the relevant issues.

The press release informed that the incidence of violence on the minorities in the coastal belt is on the rise. The commissioning of the 1,015 MW coal based Nagarjuna Thermal Power project at Yellur-Santhur in Udupi district would create environmental problems and thereby affect the livelihood of fishermen.

The release further stated that the setting up of the SEZ and related projects which required 6,000 acres of land, would result in destruction of forests and eviction of people.

Moreover the scheme to divert the Nethravati river had only aggravated the feeling of insecurity among the people in the coastal belt, the release added.