Udupi: Locals Stop UPCL from Dumping Fly Ash on National Highway

Inchara Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (VM)

Udupi, Dec 13: Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) on Tuesday December 11 reportedly made another futile attempt to dump fly ash on National Highway 66 at Hejamady.

It is learnt that earlier too the company had dumped loads of fly ash near Thenka Yermal in order to raise the height of the national nighway. But some locals, environmentalists, political leaders protested against this and even put pressure on the DC. Finally, the dump ash was cleared as per the DC's order.

UPCL Company which is functioning at Yellur gram panchayat limits had awarded the contract to Andhra company to transport fly ash to Kochi. But on Tuesday around 4.30 pm, the fly ash was dumped near Shivanagar mini bridge on NH 66 through tankers. Noticing this, the locals questioned them and they were told that it was cement which was meant for highway work. But the locals confirmed that it was ash and not cement.

In this regard, Kiran who was looking after the UPCL works admitted his mistake and apologized.

Later Padubidri inspector Mahadev Setti asked them to clear the flying ash. The police also imposed fine on them which was paid at the station.

PDO Prathiba Kudthadka, Sachin Nayak, taluk panchayat member, gram panchayat member Krishna, Keshav among others were present.