Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 12: Head of Pejawar Math, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji, advised founder chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani, to make sure that the thermal power plant of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) near Padubidri does not heap miseries on the locals.

This advice came during the visit of Adani to Sri Krishna Math on Sunday October 11. This was the first ever visit of Adani to the town and UPCL. Adani visited Pejawar Math after meeting Parya Sri Kaniyoor Swamiji after paying obeisance to the presiding deity of the Math.

The Swamiji told Adani that he has been informed that UPCL is being expanded, duly noting that earlier reports on UPCL had pointed towards certain problems like affect on drinking water, fly ash, environment pollution etc. He also handed over a copy of the report to Adani on this occasion.

Adani said his company had recently taken over UPCL and assured to take all measures to address problems faced by the people.

Pejawar Swamiji, who is presently camping at Athani, had come to the town for the specific purpose of meeting Adani. After the discussions, he went back to Athani.

Answering questions raised by media persons on this occasion, the Swamiji said he is not opposed to Yettinahole project as long it does not create problems for the coastal region and the districts planned to be benefitted out of this plan. He noted that the country will lose heavily if the project fails to generate enough water as projected, a fear which has been expressed by several experts. He favoured taking up a detailed study on the practicability of this project. "As I am undertaking customary visits before ascending the Paraya throne, I have been unable to take part in the movement relating to this project," he added.

He also wanted the experts to consider whether they can divert water to the thirsty districts after building dam across the river nearer to the seashore.