Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 23: A number of people’s representatives have submitted a representation to the deputy commissioner of the district, expressing their resentment at having been stopped from airing their views at a meeting convened recently at the office of the deputy commissioner to receive petitions relating to Udupi Power Company Ltd (UPCL). They said that some vested interests, who have been vehemently opposing UPCL since the beginning, did not allow them to place their views before the meeting.

“We had participated in the said meeting. Even though we are presidents of gram panchayats, we were insulted by neglecting us.  In a democratic set up, everyone has the right to express his or her opinion. We are convinced that vested interests gave prominence to one-sided views which match with their style of thinking,” the complainants said.

While agreeing that the locals have suffered because of UPCL project, they said they had brought this to the notice of the company and the government. “The company has taken some measures, and addressed some issues. We also support the view that the company should take measures as may be suggested by the committee of experts. However, we oppose one-sided decisions like stopping power generation, closure of the company etc,” said Jayashree, and Chandrashekhar Kotian, presidents of Yermal Tenka and Bada gram panchayats respectively.

They were accompanied by zilla panchayat president, Katapadi Shankar Poojary, taluk panchayat president, Devadas Hebbar, some zilla, taluk, and gram panchayat members.

In the meanwhile, relating to the complaint that UPCL is carrying fly ash in open trucks, its senior general manager (maintenance), P Krishnagopal, clarified that the company has been transporting ash mixed with water in closed bulkers, and dumping the same into the ash ponds, duly ensuring that the ash is always moist.  He said that there are no chances of the underground water table getting contaminated because of the ash pond. He also added that over 50 percent of flay ash was being used for concrete mix production. The ash can also be used for landfills, manufacture of bricks, and road construction, he added.