By Shivaprasad Vakwady
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi
Udupi, Nov 1: “Victims of UPCL from all nine gram panchayats should participate in public hearing on November 10 at Paniyur,” said Vijay Kumar Hegde, president of UPCL Virodhi Horata Committee, Mangalore on Tuesday November 1. The committee is opposing the expansion of UPCL unit from 1200 MW to 1600 MW.
Speaking to media persons, Vijay Kumar Hegde said, “Other than electricity, UPCL is also contributing cancer to Udupi. With only a temporary licence, the company is trying to expand its unit. Initially the company started its production with 1015 MW unit. In spite of opposition during a public hearing, UPCL increased its production to 1200. The expert committee constituted by the Supreme Court clearly stated that without public hearing, UPCL cannot expand its unit. Ignoring Supreme Courts directives, UPCL is expanding its production.”
Alleging UPCL further, he said, “The company is trying to expand its unit illegally by using the old temporary licence. Even though the land is incapable to hold its present capacity of 1200 MW, the company is trying to expand it to 1600MW. Locals are suffering from various health problems and if it continued there is a danger of cancer due to mercury dust released from UPCL. The company has been ordered to use required water from river Shambavi, but UPCL is using sea water which is an unforgivable crime. Instead of using the CSR fund for social work, the company is using it for promotion and publicity.”
"The victims of this project are not provided with proper compensation. Compensation is not only to give them money but to rehabilitate the victims. District commissioner has completely failed in this regard.The company agreed to all terms and condition when it was established but now they are not following them. Due to the mismanagement of PD Dinakaran, Udupi is suffering from various problems. People are fighting against the company legally, but have failed to get the positive results. We need public support this time to fight against the illegal expansion of UPCL,” said Vijay Kumar Hegde.
“The company is now trying to get the support of politicians of the district. A public hearing will be conducted on November 10 at Paniyur and all victims from nine villages including Ellur, Falimar, Nandikoor, Mudarangadi, Padubidire, Ermaal are requested to take part in the program,” he added.
Shashidhara Shetty, Janani Dinakara Shetty and others were present in the press meet.