Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 24: The affected people of Admar side of Yermal village blocked an attempt made by Lanco Comapny-promoted Nagarjuna Power Project, to lay a pipeline through their fields, on Monday February 23.

The locals alleged that the company has been trying to lay the pipes between the sea and the plant for using sea water for the plant consumption, without paying any compensation to the affected land owners. The contractors had arrived at the spot at around 10 am to execute the work through the agricultural fields owned by the affected people, with a JCB and a few labourers.

The contractors are learnt to have conducted 'Bhumipuja' secretly for the purpose. The affected families entered into an argument with the contractors of the pipeline since the morning. At about 2 pm, Kaup circle inspector Cheluvaraju, Kaup station-in-charge Joy Antony and Padubidri police station personnel came on the spot. They asked the contractors, who did not possess valid documents, to go back.

The affected people including Lakshman Belchada, Ashokraj, Nasira, Harishchandra, Jagannath Shetty, Vaman Poojary, Krishnappa and others have urged for payment of compensation to them before any work can be taken up on their lands.