Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Oct 19: Union power minister, Sushilkumar Shinde, visited Lord Subrahmanyeshwara temple in Subrahmanya in the taluk on Monday October 18. The minister, who was on a visit to Madikeri to take part in the union power ministry-level National Hindi Convention, visited the temple along with his wife, Ujwala.

Speaking to newsmen on the occasion, Shinde said that the projects taken up by the government always are aimed at developing the region and the country. At the same time, he held himself strongly against damaging the environment in the name of development. While agreeing that the country is badly in need of more power, and that the government is exploring newer projects to augment power production, he said that while planning new power plants, care is being taken to ensure that the forests and environment do not suffer undue damages while executing these projects.  He said that his department has been laying emphasis on balanced growth.

Shinde said that he is aware of the fact that there is more demand for power from both the residential and industrial sectors. “We are committed to meet the demand for power. We have established new power plants in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh etc., duly ensuring that environment does not suffer too much,” he explained.

Commenting on various hydro electric power projects for which Karnataka government has issued permissions, the minister said that in the opinion of some experts, these plants, proposed to be set up in Western Ghats, may cause damage to wild life and environment. “We will take steps after studying these proposals in detail,” he said.

Priest of the temple, Ramesh Bhat, draped a shawl around the minister on behalf of the temple, and handed over the Prasadam. The minister was extended a warm welcome by temple executive officer, Ningaiah, and others.