Bangalore, May 23 (DHNS): Despite having received clearance for setting up an Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) in the State, it appears that there is a difference of opinion within the government over setting up the same at Niddodi in Dakshina Kannada district.
With stiff opposition in the villages of Niddodi, Kallamundkur, Thenkamijar, Aikala, Mannabettu gram panchayats, Forest Minister Ramanath Rai on Friday reiterated that the government will not proceed further with the land acquisition in the region for the project.
“We will not go against the wishes of the people in the region. The land acquisition process will not be taken up without the consent of the local people,” Rai said.
However, when contacted, Power Minister D K Shivakumar said that the government was pushing for the speedy acquisition of land in the region.
“At a recent meeting with Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Karnataka received permissions required to set up an UMPP in the State. But the basic rider was to build the power plant at a location where coal is easily accessible.”