Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 9: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt, who had earlier extended the deadline for finding a solution to the environment pollution and other problems caused by Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) to the local people, has announced that July 10 will be the final deadline for solving the UPCL imbroglio, and to return 1,800 acres of land notified for Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ).

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday July 8, he asked the government to make arrangements for the early compilation of the report of the committee of experts appointed to go into the causes and remedies for disastrous ill-affects caused by UPCL on the environment and local people. He also wanted the government to denotify 1,800 acres of land it had notified earlier for MSEZ. Failing compliance with these two demands, he warned that he will lead a strong agitation with effect from July 13.

He said that the farmers, whose lands had been notified, have been suffering, as they are unable to take up developmental activities in their lands as long as the notification is not withdrawn. He reminded that the government had been urged a number of times earlier, to withdraw this notification, but in vain. He noted that the committee appointed by the government as per his suggestion, has not yet completed its task. “I will wait till July 10. Once this deadline is over, and if these tasks remain unattended as on that date, I will hold consultation with my supporters and likeminded people and draw up a strong plan of agitation with effect from July 13. The plan of action will be announced on July 10,” he said. The Swamiji strongly refuted the inference from some quarters that he was responsible for the postponement of deadline. “During struggles, we are compelled to give some time for compliance. I hope that these problems will be addressed within the deadline,” he added.