Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Aug 28: Hundreds of massive pipes have been spread out on the rich green agricultural land, allegedly flouting laws, and several trees have been cut down as part of the initial phase of the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project, initiated by the government, in Sakleshpur.
In places like Ankihalli, Hebbanahalli, Hebbasale, and Sathigal, 16 feet long pipes are being constructed on several acres of agricultural land after taking the land from farmers on lease. Several valuable trees have been cut down for the construction of a dam in Yettinahalla, Kesaganhalli.
Speaking to the media, Dinesh Holla activist and president of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya, said, "Eight check dams will be constructed in places like Hongadahalli, Kerihole, Maranahalli, Yettinahole, Yettinahalla, Hebasale, Dekala, and Kadumanehalla. This water will be collected in a major dam at Doddanagar. These dams will be constructe to let the river flow towards west. Moreover, this will affect the Netravati River and the Western Ghats, Shola forest, and endangered and endemic species. It will hamper the livelihood of the coastal region and rich vegetative land may go barren in future."
He was speaking to a group of journalists during a visit to Yettinahole initiated by Anil Ronald Fernandes, president of Press Club.
Holla also said, "Environmentalist T V Ramachandra in his scientific report stated that only 9TMC of water can be obtained from Yettinahole Project and not 24 TMC as projected by the government. For the remaining 15 TMC, the government is secretly planning to use Kumaradhara River. The work on the dam and pipeline are going on along the Mangaluru-Bengaluru stretch. Hence, this may result in traffic problems and cause inconvenience to railways in the coming days. All these will result in destruction of farmers’ livelihood. This project will also affect the elephant corridor."
Later, in an interaction with journalists, Kishore Kumar, Malnad Janapara Horata Samithi, said, "The work has been started illegally by flouting rules and regulations. Three cases have been filed with the National Green Tribunal Court seeking an injunction order. Out of three pleas, one has been rejected on the grounds of limitation. Work has been started without any environmental clearance work. Many trees have been cut down in violation of the laws.
"The land was taken from farmers on lease after luring them with money. This is not a drinking water project, the water will also be used for agriculture and industry. It is learnt that the proposed 270 MGW is not sufficient and more than 500 MGW electricity is required. From where will they produce such huge quantity of electricity? T V Ramachandra in his scientific report stated that only 9 TMC of water can be obtained from Yettinahole Project and not 24 TMC as projected, so from where will they get the rest of the water? When the foundation was laid for this project at Chikkaballapur, people of that region observed a ‘Black Day’ demanding implementation of the completed ‘Paramashivaiah’ drinking water project. Moreover, the government has not organized any public hearing for the victims of the project. Hence, this project will go in vain and will not yield anything," said Kumar.
He also alleged that there is a plan to secretly collect water from the Kumaradhara River and this will affect the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Kumar added that there is a man and animal conflict in this project as it affects the elephant corridor.
Holla said that a massive protest against the Yettinahole project will be organized on September 15 in Dakshina Kannada. He also expressed displeasure over the lack of support and awareness among the people of Dakshina Kannada with regard to this project.
On this occasion, Anil Ronald Fernandes, Anthony Swamy, N M Rajesh, and Subash were present.