Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 28: On Sunday March 27, district deputy commissioner, Hemalata P, handed over a letter addressed by state Chief Minister (CM), B S Yeddyurappa, requesting Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt to withdraw the partial fast undertaken by him in protest against the environmental pollution created by Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL). The letter is in response to a letter dated March 23 written by the Swamiji to the CM.

The contents of the letter are as follows: “It is true that the struggle being carried out by you against the ill affects of the thermal power plant at Nandikoor is backed by social concerns. But, we are worried at your decision to consume food only once a day, and not to have anything else. The government has an open mind in the matter, and district in-charge minister, Dr V S Acharya, will meet you to discuss all the issues, as a representative of the state government. We will take further steps on the basis of his report.”

The CM has also written to Dr Acharya, asking him to meet the Swamiji, exchange views about the problems linked to UPCL, and send the outcome of the discussions to him. In the meanwhile, sources said that the Swamiji has stuck to his stand that his fasting will go on till the problems of the people are solved, and a monitoring committee is then formed to address the problems of the people on an ongoing basis.

In all likelihood, it is learnt that a team of people’s representatives and officials will visit the UPCL plant shortly to collect details to place a comprehensive report covering all the aspects before the CM.