Daijiworld media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Mar 17: Akhila Karnataka Nela Jala Parisara Samrakshana Vedike president Srilatha U Shetty addressing media at press club here on Friday, March 16 said, “The vedike opposes Karavali Freezer Exports Unit (renamed Amrith Cold) working since nine years at Bayarbettu village, coming under Kukkehalli gram panchayat. But it said that they have taken permission from police department and local panchayat. Now the fish storage unit has been converted into a fish factory.

“About 500 people work in the fish factory. It releases contaminated water to Madisalu river. As a result, local wells are polluted. The environment pollution control board reported that water has become poisonous ad is not good for drinking,” she said.

“Over 16 members of panchayat objected for issuing permission. Gram panchayats namely Cherkady, Bellampalli, Havanje, Neelavara, Uppoor and Kukkehalli are struggling for drinking water. Even after nine years, action has not been taken by concerned panchayat.

“Around 70% of ST community people are residing over there, but are helpless and stopped from raising voice against the fishing unit.

“Opposing the fish storage unit, the vedike will organise a dharna on March 19 in front of Kukkehalli gram panchayat. If the concerned department does not take any action against the unit, the vedike members and villagers have decided to boycott upcoming constituency assembly election,” she said.

A copy of the memorandum was sent to the related department and chief minister.

Ramachandra Bhat, Punchur gram panchayat, Sanjiv Naik, SC committee leader, Cholebettu, Ambalpady Umesh Kumar, state vice-president, AKNJPSV and others were present.