Udupi: UPCL at It Again – Ignores Deadline, Discharges Effluents into Fields

News and pics: Chetan Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Aug 31: Udupi Power Corporation Ltd, having its thermal generation plant near Padubidri in the district, has often been in the news for wrong reasons. After earning the wrath of the locals for adversely affecting their crops by releasing its poisonous water into their fields, it had sought a time of ten days to take corrective steps. However, it continues to discharge effluents into fields, playing with the livelihood of the people and disregarding its earlier promises.

The company has been releasing hot, saline water mixed with coal ash, into the streams and agricultural fields located in its neighbourhood, instead of the sea, since the last four to five months. As repeated warnings failed to have any effect on the company, the people had gathered at the main gate of the company on August 17, seeking immediate redressal of their grievances. People from  Padebettu, Yellur, Nandikoor, Ulloor, Kemmundelu, Yermal and surrounding villages, who are affected by the negligent attitude of the company, had come together to stage a protest on this occasion.

Kundapur assistant commissioner, B Sadashiva Prabhu, who had personally received the memorandum submitted by the protestors on August 17, had promised to hand over the same to the district deputy commissioner, and find a lasting solution to the problem within ten days thereof. He also said that if the need is felt, he would undertake an inspection of the facilities inside the power company’s premises. He had also warned the company to mend its ways within the said deadline. The company, which has not paid any heed to the instructions of the official, continues to release harmful water into the streams and fields without any break.

The release of the effluents by the said company has been playing with the lives of the people living in the neighbourhood of the company, who heavily depend on agricultural income for their livelihood.  There have also been complaints of allergies and rashes having appeared on the skins of the farmers, who have come in contact with the water discharged by the company. A number of wells have been polluted, creating drinking water problem for the villagers.

Public Plan Intense Protest

The villagers have been frustrated over the inaction of the officials to their protests. They are mustering manpower and drawing up plans to stage a stronger protest, having been determined to drive home their point of view and convince the government and officials to take drastic action, as they have so far turned a deaf ear to their problems.