Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 8: The south zone bench of National Green Tribunal has extended stay on execution of controversial Yettinahole drinking water project till December 21.

The bench heard arguments placed by the lawyers who appeared on behalf of Karnataka Neeravari Nigama Ltd on Monday. The lawyers, who argued before the bench, sought adjournment of hearing. The bench concurred with the request and clarified that the stay will be in operation till December 21.

The bench took up all the three petitions filed before it against the said project in a bunch. Activists against the project said that the bench should extend the stay, as it was convinced that the government had undertaken the project without obtaining necessary clearances and permissions and by violating Forest Conservation Act.

"The bench, based on documents furnished, pinpointed deficiencies and shortcomings in the project execution. As the bench has been giving importance to documentary evidence, we are hopeful that the final verdict will be in our favour," said environmental activist, M G Hegde.

"The stay in itself is not something for the people to cheer about. Protagonists of the project have been claiming that the opposition to the project has waned over the weeks. Therefore, continuing with passive resistance will not help the cause of the people of Dakshina Kannada district. We need to intensify the protest through different means. We will draw up a plan on these lines soon," said convener of 'Sahyadri Sanchaya', Dinesh Holla.