Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jan 31: Udupi District Raita Sangha has asked district in-charge minister, Dr V S Acharya, and Rajya Sabha member, Oscar Fernandes, to clarify their respective stands about the coal-based power plant of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL - formerly Nagarjuna) operating near Padubidri in the district. Failing compliance, the Sangha has warned these leaders of facing its wrath.
Addressing a press conference of the Raita Sangha at Padubidri on Sunday January 30, its district unit president, Vijay Hegde, said that the farmers and fishermen alike have been constantly facing problems because of the said power plant. “The farmers are compelled to stay away from cultivating their fields. The fishing activity too is getting affected. Dr Acharya has not been responding to these problems positively. If Acharya does not spell out his stand about the plant within a week, a ‘Barkol movement’ will be organized in front of his house. In the past, when this kind of protest had been planned, the Chief Minister had deputed officials, and promised to set right injustices. Acharya has kept the Chief Minister misinformed about the project,” he alleged.
Hegde also blamed Oscar for failing to come clean on the issue. He pointed out that Oscar had initially promised to transform the plant into a gas-based project, but then stayed away from the issue. He said that during the next visit of the Rajya Sabha member to the district, the Sangha will hold protest, if he fails to make his stand clear immediately.
“Already UPCL and Suzlon companies have got excess land than what is required, from Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB). These companies are selling off such additional land to various companies. KIADB should henceforth stop acquiring any new land for any project in this district. In case it is found extremely necessary, the officials should hold talks with the farmers, take them into confidence, and take over land only after payment of justifiable compensation,” he demanded.
He also demanded for the banning of Jaya Srikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti, alleging that the organization, which calls itself environmental-friendly, has been indulging in misleading the people and issuing provocative statements. He also said that the Samiti has been misusing the names of religious leaders, and spreading goonda culture in the district. He said that the Sangha will file complaints with the district deputy commissioner and superintendent of police against the said organization.