Mangalore: Associations led by ICYM raise voice against Niddodi project
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, Sep 29: ICYM along with various like-minded associations held a massive protest march against the proposed Niddodi ultra mega power project here on Saturday, September 28.
The protest march that was flagged off at the Bendore Church ground culminated at the DC's office, passing through Balmatta, Jyothi circle, Hampankatta, and RTO. A memorandum was also submitted to DC N Prakash on this occasion.
The protest march was flagged off by vicar general Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu. Speaking after the flag-off, he said the memorandum submitted today should reach not only the DC but also the departments of the state and the central government. This anti-environment project is highly condemnable, as it strongly affects the surroundings, he said.
"Our environment is getting contaminated and hence we have to fight against this project. The youths especially have to come in large numbers and protest against this Niddodi power project," he added.
A formal stage programme was also held outside the DC's office to mark the protest. Fr J B Crasta, Fr Ronald D’Souza, Alphonse D’Souza, Victor Mathias, Eric Ozario, Denis D’Silva, Nigel Pereira, Darrel D’Souza, Kiran Manjanabail, Fr Edwin D’Souza, Ivan D’Silva, Fr Edwin Correa, Ponnanna, Rakesh Shetty, Lawrence D’Souza, Lydia, Dexter Saldanha, Sheldon Crasta, Ashwini D’Souza and others were present.
Addressing the protestors, Darrel D’Souza said, "We are not against development, but we do not want any project harming our environment. If the authorities do not respond to our demands, then a massive protest will be held in the coming days."
Kiran Manjanabail said, "We see that people living near the UPCL are suffering a lot due to the effects of the power plant. We do not want this scene to repeat in Niddodi. Politicians too did not respond to our problems."
Condemning the proposed Niddodi power plant project, he said, "Majority of the people living in the Niddodi surrouding mainly depend on agriculture for their living and this project is likely to affect their livelihood."
Members of several associations like Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samiti, Catholic Sabha, Jagotik Konkani Sanghatan, ICYM/YCS Udupi divison, St Aloysius College students' council, All Mangalore Working College Union, AICUF, IFCKA, DCCW, Jesus Youth and others took part in the protest.
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