Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 13: "Except for JD(S) and Congress allied candidate who responded to our appeal related to problems of Malnad and the people there who appealed to take their issues seriously no other parties have visited here to address any problems," said Kalkuli Vittal Hegde, environmentalist, president of Malnad Samrakshana Vedike.

In his addressal at a press meet on Friday April 12 he said, "The vedike has objected and fought against implementation of Kasturirangan report. We have submitted thousands of objection letters. Though the state government has rejected the report, a Parliamentary Assurance committee, led by BJP MP Dr Prabhakar Kore has announced 59,000 square meter as ‘Environment sensitive region’ and imposed ban on all developmental activities there.

"1 lac 38 thousand acre of land was declared as deemed forest in Chikkamagaluru district alone. So this will prevent developmental works in residential area, which come under the parameter of 10 km around National park. Due to this policy, the area around Kuduremukh National Park namely Shringeri, Karkala, Hornadu, Belthangady will get effected.

"It is a proble to extend the national highway for four feet width. Everyday as many as 10-20 accidents were happen in that spot.

"About 1,620 acre of revenue land of Kuduremukh company, was given for Dandeli- Ankola railway project. There is no other revenue land available for development of Chikkamagaluru.

"The government has not sanctioned one acre of land for agricultural activities, but Abhayaranya, Rakshitharnya, Bio-park, herbal park, tiger project, eco sensitive areas are acquired by foreign environmentalist's project. The central government is in favour of anti-people projects.

"The earlier Lok Sabha member has completely neglected the development of Chikkamagaluru and has not participated in any decisive meeting.

"The people of Malnad are in trouble due to all these projects by the Central government. The upcoming Lok Sabha election will decide the future of Malnad. So a Malnad protection forum is under pressure to vote for those who will stand by the people of Malnad."

Mariyappa, general secretary, district tribal-girijana interest committee, Chikkamagaluru, Venkatesh, secretary, Malnad Samrakshana Vedike, Ramu Kauli, land and property rights deprived Horata committee and Nazeer were present.