Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (EP)
Beltangady, Sep 25: In a meeting held here on Friday September 25, it was decided to hold a voluntary Beltangady taluk bandh on October 7 against the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project.
More than twenty like-minded associations and people from different political parties met at Ambedkar Bhavan on Friday and arrived at the decision.
"It was decided that the adverse impact, pros and cons of the Yettinahole project should be made known to the people of the taluk. Awareness should be created among students after visiting different colleges. There should be awareness programmes in all villages. The resolution should be passed against the project in gram panchayats. Our crusade should be free from politics. The bandh will be voluntary and not forced. A symbolic road block would be held," they said.
Dinesh Holla of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya said, "It is not possible to get 24 TMC of water from the project. Ramachandran committee has conducted a spot inspection of the project and come to the conclusion that only 9 TMC of water was available."
Dr Niranjan Rai of Anti Netravati River Diversion Action Committee said, "The Green Tribunal has already questioned the project. Further, if social impact study is done, our argument in the court will be strengthened."
Advocate Dhananjay Rao suggested to submit a public interest petition in the state high court. BJP district president Pratapsimha Nayak called for a united fight against the project.
Rastriya Hindu Jagarana Vedike president Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi suggested to submit the anti project resolution in all the gram panchayats.
Zilla panchayat member Shailesh Kumar, high court advocate Harish Poonja, Kateelu Dinesh Pai, Dr M M Dayakar, Lions Club zonal president N A Gopala Shety, Thousif Uppinangady, Jai Kannadamma editor Deviprasad and others expressed their opinions.
Netravati Ulisi Horata Samiti was created, of which Pushparaj Shetty was elected convener, Shashikiran Jain and Shibi Dharmastala the secretaries and Harish Poonja was elected as treasurer. All panchayat presidents and representatives of all associations who are supporting the protests become its office-bearers by default.
Organizer Pushparaj Shetty welcomed. Laxmi Machina delivered the introductory address and Shibi Dharmastala conducted the proceedings.
Belthangadi taluk photographer's association, JCI Manjushree, Riksha owners and driver's association, Tulunada Okkoota, Jaya Karnataka, Rastriya Hindu Jagarane Vedike, SDPI, Lions Club, Advocate's association, Bhajrang Dal, Dharmajagarana Parishat, Krishnotsava Samithi, Hiriya Nagarikara Sangha, retired defense personnel, association of medical shop owners, contractor's association, representatives from educational institutes, Beltangady taluk Hita Rakshana Vedike, Nagarika Seva Samithi, office bearers of BJP and Congress party across party lines, panchayat presidents and members, members of municipal council and members of other associations were present.