MSEZ Land Acquisition: Pejawar Swamiji Warns of Massive Protest
Pics: Savitha B R
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, May 21: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt has said that he would launch a massive protest with support from the public if the government fails to withdraw the notifications of land acquisition for 2,035 acres issued for the second phase of MSEZ before July 13.
Addressing a press meet here on Saturday May 21, he said that though the government has stopped the process of land acquisition for the second phase as per his demand, the notifications have not been withdrawn, and hence the people are not able to develop their lands.
Swamiji also set a June 13 deadline to solve the problems related to the Nandikur power plant.
To a query, Swamiji said he has not backed off from his fight against Nandikur power plant and added that action will be taken in future on the basis of the report by the expert committee appointed by the government. He said as per the assurance of the state environment minister Krishna J Palemar, he had agreed for the formation of the expert committee. The committee includes T V Ramachandran and Dr Sagar Dhara as per his recommendation, he said.
To another query, he said due to his busy schedule he has been unable to continue his visits to Dalit areas and houses, but assured that he would soon resume it, he said.
Student hostel for boys
Under the aegis of Shree Pejawar Mutt, ‘Shree Krishna’, a free-of-cost student hostel for boys will open in Udupi in the month of June. Boys studying in schools and colleges will be admitted without any caste or creed discrimination. Dalits and backward class students will be given priority, Swamiji said.
Those interested may submit their applications at ‘Shree Vijaya Dwaja Mandira’ between 10 am and 12 pm. All the students will get free food and accommodation.
The state government has granted Rs 1 crore each to initiate student hostel for girls in Udupi and Mysore, he said and added that with the help of the government and public more such student hostels will be opened in other parts of the state.