Ramanath Rai, Sadananda Gowda and Veerappa Moily trying to curb the struggle- M G Hegde

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, May 13: "Nethravati Rakshana Samyukta Samithi along with various organizations will hold a massive protest rally on Monday May 16 from Jyothi circle to DC office at 3.00 pm. We demand a stop to the ongoing Yethinahole project." president of Nethravati Rakshana Samyukta Samithi Vijaya Kumar Shetty made the announcement at a press meet here on Friday, May 13.

Shetty further said that in three years of his administration, the chief minister has offered various 'Bhagya' to the people, but the people of Dakshina Kannada district were only offered 'water scarcity bhagya'. "The political representatives, especially ministers of this region are mainly responsible for this." he said.

Pointing to the district in-charge minister, Ramanath Rai he said, "At least he should approach the experts on this project. He is not responding on Yethinahole because he is stuck to his chair and has to save it."

Reacting to Rai's statement on the connection between water scarcity and Yethinahole project said, "I have come to understand his level of knowledge. Activists have made several attempts to meet the CM but in vain. People will support the cause and take part in the rally irrespective of party affiliation, castes and religion. Many organisations will participate."

Harikrishna Bantwal speaking on the occasion said, "70% water from the river Nethravati is used by the city. I request people of the city especially people who live in the MCC limits to make this rally 'Mangaluru Chalo' by coming to the streets demanding the halt to the project and to save the river Nethravati,"

Activist M G Hegde, slamming the expert committee panel formed by MLC Ivan D'Souza to prepare a comprehensive report on water crisis in Dakshina Kannada panel, consisting of advocate Dayanath Kotian, professor Vivek Rai and N A Madhyastha, said, "These three dignitaries should withdraw their names from this panel. Without saving Nethravati, there is no solution for water scarcity. These dignitaries have to face the protest from the people. District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, D V Sadananda Gowda and Veerappa Moily are trying to curb our struggle through their supporters."

Satyajit Surathkal said, "The government should stop the project and approach the people for negotiations. If not, the government has to face severe consequences. If the project is not stopped or the government fails to negotiate after the rally, then mightier protest will be called within 15 days,"

Former deputy mayor Purushotham Chitrapura, Dinakar Shetty, Yogish Shetty Jeppu and others were present in the press meet.