Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 16: Pejavar Mutt Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji has demanded representation for citizens in the committee formed for inspecting the damage being caused to environment by Udupi Power Corporation Ltd’s (UPCL) thermal power plant near Padubidri.

In a letter sent to the state Chief Minister(CM), he has asked him to give representation to citizens, the one given in the committee formed to prepare draft Lok Pal bill. “Dr V S Acharya has stated that a committee comprising experts from Manipal and Suratkal engineering colleges along with officials of the environment ministry has been formed to go into all aspects concerning environment pollution being caused by UPCL plant."

Further in the letter, he states, "In my opinion, in addition to the members appointed by the government, the committee also should have people chosen by the citizens. Only then can the report prepared by the committee be accepted as reliable,” he pointed out in a letter addressed to Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.