Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)

Udupi, May 23: “Villagers will hold a protest on May 24 demanding cancellation of license of stone crusher which causes problems to people. District administration should not allow the installation of crusher units in villages such as Chara, Nalkur and Kalathur,” said advocate Ashok in the press club on Monday, May 23.

The villagers of Kalathur have formed an organization named Horata Samiti to oppose the stone crusher unit.

“The historic shrine of Kattimane Devi was renovated by Government recently and to provide better transportation to the shrine, the government has decided to have concrete road here. One of the villagers Arati R Adyantaya has her land on the way. A huge size of rocks is situated in her one acre of land. Hence, she decided to establish crusher unit. The owner of land submitted a project report seeking permission.” 

“Later villagers got to know that the Tehsildar of Brahmavar was keen to grant permission and villagers issued objection letter against this. The land was said to be in safe zone and the department fixed a date for survey.”

“Villagers allege that if crusher unit comes up in such fertile land, it would harm the environment and pollute the river.”

“The Horata Samiti wrote a petition to court, demanding cancellation of permission. But the tehsildar approved the license by violating the rule.”

“Villagers have decided to hold a massive protest in front of Tehasildar’s office in Brahmavar on May 24 condemning the act of special grant for crusher unit,” added advocate Ashok.