Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Aug 1: Four villages of Bantwal taluk have opposed the proposal laid by the Gas Authority of India Limited's (GAIL) in setting up natural gas (LNG) pipelines from Cochin to Mangalore as their land is in danger.

A meeting was held to discuss the problems arising from the gas pipeline connection at Mudipu block congress office here on Tuesday July 31.

Even if the company provides more value for our land, we will not oblige, expressed the locals. ‘Santrastara Horata Kriya Samiti’ is setup to fight against this.

Addressing the press meet, Samiti president Rajaram Bhat said that the guidelines to acquire land to GAIL Company is given by central government and high court. But GAIL Company has already started their work denying the instructions, he added.

He said that people have already lost part of their land to two major projects like Software Park and SEZ and will affect their life badly if their land is acquired again. In this regard the committee along with the residents and Mudipu block congress will hold a protest at Mudipu Market on Wednesday August 1 at 4 pm said, Bhat.

The installation of pipeline will result in the destuction of many trees in the area. The officials have even tried to convince some of the houses by providing false information said, Bhat. Some of the machineries required for pipeline installation have been already brought by the officials, he complained.

MLA UT Khadar has also sent an appeal to chief minister to provide clear instructions over the Cochin-Mangalore-Bangalore pipeline project.