Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Oct 6: Thumbay New Dam Affected People's Action Committee office bearers have reiterated their determination not to allow water level in the new dam at Thumbay to be raised unless they are paid compensation for the land proposed to be submerged. The dam is built across River Netravati at Thumbay for supplying water to Mangaluru city and several other areas around it.

Speaking to media persons who met them on Wednesday October 5, affected farmers and office bearers of the committee noted that in a press conference held on Tuesday, city mayor, Harinath, had stated that water up to the level of five metres would be stored in the new dam during the current year, duly adding that no new land will come under water on account of this.

They drew the attention of the concerned that the city corporation, when replying to query made under RTI Act, had said in the past that 53 acres of land will be submerged if the water level at the dam is risen to five metres. They accused the concerned of cheating the farmers by telling them that no land will go under water.

They also lampooned that statement of the mayor that fourth phase of survey is under way. They stated that already six phases of survey has been conducted but clear details about the areas getting submerged has not been provided by the concerned. "Although several meetings in the presence of ministers and high level officials were held, the demand of farmers has not been met. Hundreds of farmers from five villages in the taluk have suspended agricultural activities since many years for the fear that their crops would be submerged. So far, we have received only promises, but no compensation," they stated.

The committee also said that it has filed writ petition on the issue in high court and that the high court has served notices to 11 persons including district administration, tahsildar, city corporation commissioner and others.

President of the committee, Subrahmanya Bhat, general secretary, Idinabba, farmer leader, Sharat Kumar, and Sudesh Maiya were present.

City mayor, Harinath, said that before storing additional water that might result in submerging of land, it will be ensured that the affected people get compensation.