Daijiworld News Network - Udupi (GA) - pics - RK Durga Digitals

Udupi, Nov 17: The work for the proposed Nagarjuna Power Plant began despite heavy opposition by locals led by MP Manorama Madhwaraj and MLA Lalaji Mendon on Friday November 17.  The administration continued the work with the help of JCBs.

However, Section 144 was imposed within 3 kilometres radius of the project area.  More than 500 persons including MP Manorama Madhwaraj, Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, ZP members George Jerald Fernandes, Gladys D'Almeida, Shashikanth were arrested by the police. 

Though the Section was imposed in the area, more than 700 persons belonging to Nagarjuna Company continued their work.  The locals however protested against this saying that it was against the law and no one should be allowed to work if Section is in effect in the area.  But the protestors including TP opposition leader Katpadi Shankar Poojary, Jagdish Achar, Ramesh Hegde, Ramesh Anchan, Chandrahas Poojary, fisheries leader Pramod Madhwaraj, Neeta Gururaj, Nandikur Janajagruti Samiti presiden Lakshman Shetty and president of Yellur, Padubidri, Palimar, Mudarangadi and Thenka panchayat.

Earlier the work started at Admar Bandasale area on Friday morning.  Once the people came to know about the work, they gathered in hundreds protesting against the administration.  However, the administration made adequate security measure led by SP Dr Subrahmaneshwar Rao and ASP Sathish Kumar.

After the arrest of the protestors people in Mudarangadi, Padubidri, Yellur and surrounding areas observed voluntary bundh.  Reports said that a bundh call has been given in entire Kaup constituency on Saturday November 18.

Later speaking to press persons at a press conference Congress leader U R Sabhapati said district Congress would launch intense agitation in the area if the Nagarjuna work is continued despite protest from people.  He also said that Congress would support BJP in its protest against Nagarjuna Power Plant.