Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)

Mangalore, Jul 30: It was the turn of the residents living in Chelyar gram panchayat to oppose the laying of the pipeline by Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) here on Thursday July 28. People including gram panchayat members living in Kuttettoor and Bala staged a protest opposing the pipeline work a few days ago.

The people expressed discontent over the work as MSEZ began preparations to lay the pipeline in Chelyar gram panchayat.

Contractors who have secured the contract from MSEZ have marked the place near to ITI on Padupadav road to start the pipeline work with heavy earthmovers.

As the locals began opposing the work, Chelyar gram panchayat president Pushparaj Shetty visited the spot and asked the contractors to stall the work.

Speaking to reporters, Shetty informed that the gram panchayat was unaware of the pipeline work. When the contractors were questioned about their work, they claimed that they have received permission from the zilla panchayat. "However, gram panchayat has not received any information regarding the work from zilla panchayat," said Pushparaj.

"The gram panchayat opposes the pipeline work as the roads are likely to be damaged and would also cause traffic problems. The gram panchayat will not issue permit for the work at any cost," he added.