Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Sep 20: G A Koteyar, president of Mass India NGO and the villagers of Padur, Kalathur, Chandranagar, demanded ISPRL to pay the compensation to affected people on Thursday, September 19.

Addressing media at Udupi press club, Koteyar said, “Most of the people, who are affected by ISPRL, are yet to get compensation. ISPRL has started second phase of extension work in Padur village. The government must pay the money of land acquired from the poor formers and poor land owners as per the provision of the act without middleman and VVIP’s.”

Koteyar demanded to conduct proper survey. He also demanded jobs for local youths as ISPRL promised earlier.

“If the government fails to act, we will hold huge protest in front of DC office,” warned Koteyar.

Irine Tauro, executive member, Mass India, said, “The concerned officials will not inform us before conducting blasts. They use dynamite for it, which is not supposed to be used. As many as 24 villages are getting affected. No politicians has come to see our problems. They kept us in darkness. This is happening for political gaining. There 500 houses are in and around Padur, Kalathur, Padubidri, and other areas.”

Praveen Korda, president, NGO, Chandranagar said, “No one gets compensation from ISPRL. According the guidance value, ISPRL should give four times more than earlier for lands as compensation.”

He alleged that the company has cheated public of Padur. “The total land required is 210 hectares for second phase. Shirva, Kalathur, Padur and other three villages will get affected. As many as 120 persons were affected by this crude oil pipeline and 68 houses were damaged. Some employees are undertaking random survey, but the general public are not aware of it. The deputy commissioner did not grant permission for that survey,” he said.

Jaya Poojary, president, Mass India, Lakshminagar and Geetha Suvarna were present.