Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 17: The Udupi-Kasaragod 400 KV power line project (UKTL), under the control of UKTL-Sterlite Power for the past five years, is facing intense opposition. Locals claim the project is violating legal standards, ignoring public consultation, and pushing through without regard for the environment. The same tactics are now being used for the proposed Paladka-Kadandale 400/220KV KPTCL power transmission line project, further fueling tensions.
The project, which stretches across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada (DK), and Kasaragod districts, threatens to devastate fertile agricultural lands and critical forest areas. Protesters accuse the company of proceeding with work without notifying or consulting landowners along the route. Despite mounting opposition, including from landowners and environmental groups, UKTL-Sterlite continues its work, using coercive tactics to force the project forward.
Environmental and agricultural destruction
The proposed route, spanning 115 kilometers, will impact over 1,150 acres of agricultural land, with the total destruction of 3,450 acres, including 2,300 acres of farmland. The project threatens to decimate vast numbers of trees, including 2.65 lakh areca trees, 1 lakh coconut trees, 4.5 lakh pepper vines, and more than 2.5 lakh large trees of various species. The loss of vital crops such as bananas, plantains, and sapota will also be devastating for farmers in the region.
Around 328 homes, 26 temples, 16 mosques, 14 schools, and 13 churches will be affected, while the project endangers wildlife, aquatic life, and biodiversity along the route.
Health concerns
The high-voltage power lines could generate harmful radiation and electric waves, raising serious health concerns for residents and livestock. The potential risks include cancer, infertility, and other life-threatening diseases, leading to widespread alarm in the community.
Mass protest rally on Feb 20 announced
In response to the environmental devastation and health threats, affected communities are organizing a “Mass Protest March and Rally” in Mangaluru on February 20. The march will begin at 9:30 AM from Balmatta and proceed to the Mini Vidhana Sabha, where a major protest meeting will take place at 11 am. Over 15,000 farmers, activists, and concerned citizens are expected to attend, demanding the government address their concerns.
The protest is backed by the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R), Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, the Kasaragod 400 KV and Paladka-Kadandale 400/220 KV Power Transmission Line Opposition Protest Committees Federation, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada; ICM Mangalore diocese, Raitha Sangha-Hasiru Sene (Farmers Association Green Brigade); Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (R) Karnataka Pradesh (Indian Farmers Association (R) Karnataka Region); Parisara Sangama-Jeeva Sankula Para Vedike (Environment Confluence Platform for Living Beings); Udupi Jilla Krushikara Sangha (Udupi District Farmers Association) and like-minded pro-farmer organizations and Institutions of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod districts.
Key Demands
- Stop the destruction of agricultural land and crops: Reroute the project to avoid harm.
- Repeal the outdated Telegraph Act of 1885 and apply the more relevant 2003 Electricity Act.
- Strictly follow government guidelines for power transmission projects.
- Revise the project's oversight: Remove sole authority from UKTL-Sterlite and make the government a key stakeholder.
The organisers are calling for broad support for the rally to amplify their message and push the government to take immediate action.
Present at the press conference were Alwyn D'Souza (President, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh), Paul Rolphi D'Costa (Former Central President, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh), Roy Castelino (PRO, Mangalore Diocese), Stanly Lobo (Immediate Past President, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh), Santosh Cornelio (Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh), Alwyn Prashanth Monteiro (General Secretary, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh), Victor Kadandale (member, Protest Committee), Chandrahasa Shetty, and Krishna Prasad Thantry.