Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Feb 26: Local MLA, U T Khader, has termed ‘Paschima Vahini’ scheme for which a sum of Rs 200 crore has been set aside, as detrimental to the interests of Dakshina Kannada district. “The government has clandestinely renamed Netravati River Diversion Scheme as ‘Paschima Vahini’. This scheme should be withdrawn immediately,” he demanded.

Speaking at a press conference organized at the office of the district Congress unit here on Friday February 25, Khader felt that the government chose to rename Netravati River Diversion Scheme because of the stiff opposition it faced. He felt that the scheme will adversely affect the people living on the banks of River Netravati. He demanded for convening of an all party meeting to discuss the subject, and asked the MP, ministers, MLAs and other leaders from the district to pressurize the Chief Minister to abandon this scheme.

Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt wants a thorough scientific survey to be conducted before the Netravati River Diversion Schemes comes into being, to ensure that no region of the district gets affected by the plan now or in future. He said he would not support the scheme if creates water shortage and adversely affects the farmers of the coast.

Veteran politician, Subbaiah Shetty, said that ‘Paschima Vahini’ is another example for the pledge the rulers have taken to destroy the ecology, environment and bio-diversity of the Western Ghats.  Kemar Esha Vittaladassa Swamiji also felt that a conspiracy had worked behind the announcement of this scheme, and there is a need to hold public debate about the scheme and to bring out the conspirators behind this plot.

Somanath Nayak, president of Nagarika Seva Trust, said that the scheme, ‘Paschima Vahini’ was being launched because of the pressure brought on the government by legislators from nine districts. He felt that it is impossible to divert the course of rivers flowing in the Western Ghats, and wanted the legislators of these districts to be convinced about the aspect by arranging their personal visits to the river route.