Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Nov 19: Members of the Malpe Vitobha Hanuman Mandir have strongly opposed the decision to lease out nearly nine acres of land adjacent to the Mandir belonging to fisheries department, for Fish Marketing Federation.

They oppose the issue alleging that the order was issued without proper consultation with local stakeholders. At a press conference held on the temple premises on November 19, members expressed anger and concern over the alleged lack of transparency and the potential impact on religious activities.

Dhananjay Kanchan, a Mandir member, said the land near the mandir has been used for years for temple programs due to the lack of space within the premises. “We have developed this land ourselves, but about 9 acres of land has been allotted to the federation on lease from sea walk to Balakara Sriram Bhajan Madir, without bringing into our notice. The decision was taken solely for the self-interest of president of federation MLA Yashpal Suvarana, to conduct commercial activities like water sports and home stays here in the future. All five Bhajan Mandirs in the area opposed the move and demanded the withdrawal of the entire 9-acre lease order. When we reached MLA Yashpal Suvarna on the same issue, he had promised not to touch the land if locals opposed, yet the decision was taken to acquire the remaining land except the land in front of the Hanuman Vitobha mandir, without our knowledge,” he said.

Dhananjay Kanchan also stated that although the MLA had assured a visit for clarification, only his PA arrived, delivering a letter, without providing clear information. “If any fishing activities are to be carried out here, the fisheries department should do it, why should the federation do it? Some of our members have even received threats. We have filed a complaint with the Malpe Police Station regarding this; we are ready to sacrifice our lives for the land,” he added.

Addressing former MLA K Ragupati Bhat indulgence in the opposition, Dhanajay Kanchan answered, “Former MLA K Ragupathi Bhat has cooperated a lot for the construction of this temple. He has worked very hard to get the title deeds for 550 houses here. Apart from that, he is not behind this fight. We accept whoever supports us, there is no politics here, we will only fight for our land.”

Members highlighted that the land has been used for religious purposes, social welfare activities, and community programs for the past decade. Funds collected during temple events and parking were used for the welfare of society, they claimed. They also noted that the tourism department had supported them in organizing various events on the land. Members also claimed that even a member within the federation was unaware of the lease details. A Hitharakshana Samithi has been formed and formally demanded that the lease order be withdrawn immediately.

Vijay, another temple member, said the area was developed with support from former MLA Raghupathi Bhat. “We recently learned it had been leased to a federation. Both the sea and this land are our lifelines. The MLA promised to revoke the order but later sent a confusing letter instead of meeting us. We are prepared for a fierce protest,” he said.

Vinaya Ramesh noted that the temple conducts weekly cleaning drives and warned that tourism-related activities could create problems in the area. “If they start water sports here, it will attract heavy tourist movement, polluting the land here and causing problems to the residents here,” she said.

Mandir president Sathish Bangera, federation member Suresh Salian, Tukaram, Mandir members and others, were present at the press conference.