Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pic: Umesh Marpalli
Udupi, Mar 18: The verdict against the Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) by National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been lauded by UPCL Virodhi Horata Samiti.
“The NGT has given the correct verdict. The members of Jana Jagruthi Samiti including UPCL Virodhi Horata Samiti will file a complaint on all officials who granted illegal license to the company,” said UPCL Virodhi Horata Committee president Vijay Kumar Hegde.
Addressing a press meet on Monday, March 18, Vijay Kumar said the protest will continue as part of Admin Watch Group National Committee, till the power plant stops its operation.
“I would like to thank Balakrishna Shetty, who always stood against UPCL. There are number of families, children who are affected by this plant. There is a problem of pure water. Today, fertile lands have become barren. People have got cancer, eye disease, skin disease, fever and many other diseases. The tribunal has ordered to give Rs 5 crore as compensation for the affected families,” he said.
The committee will file a lawsuit against several departments, which supported UPCL illegally. Admin Watch Group National Committee will function effectively and sensitively in coming days, said Hegde.
Hegde has also posed several questions and demanded answers form the concerned department, such as:
Provide details on how the power plant shifted from Thokuru to Nandikuru.
Provide details of related panchayats which granted permission to this plant.
Details of who given permission for cutting the 172 acres of forest.
Details on ash pit by closing under Swajala Dhara.
Details on adding the government roads in the project.
Details of installing unit in Yellur village though there was no permission from the Environment department.
How they UPCL obtain permission to dispose waste directly into the ocean?
Who has given permission to construct pipeline and pump house?
Details for granting permission for hi-tension wiring connections
How permission letters were obtained from departments which come under district administration?
- Details of public appeals
- Capacity of retention details
"There are serious allegations that Environment Department violated several rules and issued permission for this plant. The Committee also needs details of the past deputy commissioner who was serving in the year 2016. It is said that that DC was inhumane when locals approached with problems,” said Hegde
“We need answers for all these questions and the concerned departments have to take legal actions against officials, who supported the illegal construction,” Hegde demanded.
“He further said UPCL could approach for a higher appeal. There is no question when it comes to expansion of the unit. The committee is facing 32 cases, which are filed by the UPCL,” he said
Madhukar Chithrapady, Shashidhar Hegde, Ranganath, Hussain Kodibengre and Afwan Hoode were present.