Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Aug 23: Even as the state government is stealthily moving to implement Yettinahole project aimed at providing drinking water to far off districts like Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapur and Kolar, Netravati Nadi Ulisi Horata Samiti has been making preparations to fight back.

As a first step towards stepping up offensive against implementation of the river diversion plan, the Samiti has planned to hold protest by way of blockade of national highway on September 15 followed by Jail Bharo.

A meeting of the office bearers of the Samiti was held under the leadership of its convener, Dr Niranjan Rai, on Saturday August 22 night at Uppinangady. At the meeting, an agreement was reached on the sketch of further intensified action.

U G Radha of Merchants Association, speaking on the occasion, warned that execution of Yettinahole project will not only create problems for those who are dependent on river water, but it will also lead to critical situation even for people drawing drinking water as underground water table might get depleted. She expressed the fear that the people of entire Dakshina Kannada district may face drought-like situation in such a scenario. 'Already preparations to begin works on the project are going on in full swing. Therefore, this is the right time for the people of the district to come together and erupt against the project in one voice. Efforts to see that our voices are heard by the government should be made by taking up stronger methods of protest. We should use even the student force to get enough fire power for our protests,' she opined.

Dr Niranjan Rai suggested to organize national highway blockade and Jail Bharo programmes at Uppinangady on September 15 with the support of students and various organizations and institutions from the district as part of first phase of the agitation. 'Before that, let us hold village level meetings in all villages, and create awareness about catastrophic affects of this project among everyone. Let us bring together all the people of the district and undertake apolitical protest,' he said.

The meeting also discussed about ways and means to put together funds for continuing with agitational programme.Heads of various organizations like Abdurrahman Unique, Arun Godwin Menezes, Sadanand Dasaramoole, Prashant D'Costa, Manohar Rai, U T Irshad, Mahalinga, Muneer and others, who were present, came up with different suggestions and advises.