Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 17: A day-long hunger strike against the controversial Yettinahole project, held under the banner of Netravati Rakshana Samyukta Samiti, began at DC's office here on the morning of Thursday March 17.
Addressing the protestors, Sri Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji of Kemar Sandeepani Sadhanashrama said, "This is really a painful thing for the people of coastal region. From past 15-20 years, there has been a continuous attack on this district. Various projects like MRPL, SEZ and Nagarjuna have been dumped here and this region has been treated as a dustbin. This is a strategy of the state government. First Tulunadu's land was grabbed, and now they are trying to grab our water.
"People of Dakshina Kannada should wake up. Though we may be small in number, with dedication and committment, we should unite and stop this project. The government should not give a single paise for this project in the budget. In the first phase, we observed a successful bandh, and next we have to take this protest to the Vidhana Soudha and hold a severe agitation. We should unite against this project irrespective of religion and caste. This should be a lesson to the government," he said.
Parish priest of Rosario Fr J B Crasta said, "Several people are dependent on this Netravati basin. This is an important struggle for the survival of this region. This project should not be allowed to continue. The diocese of Mangaluru supports this movement and the bishop himself has expressed his support. People in the district are suffering from shortage of drinking water already. We should intensify our struggle."
Former deputy mayor Purushottham Chitrapur said, "This project was started during 2011 and at first it was termed Netravati River Diversion Project and later changed to Yettinhole Integrated Drinking Water Project. We are also fighting against this project legally and the case is in the National Green Tribunal.
"It is a painful thing that the government is not listening to people's grievances. Some of the political representatives are just not bothered. An ordinary politician will think about his next election, but a politician with a vision will think about the future generation. I am ready to sacrifice anything, all my powers and positions, for the survival of this river," he asserted.
Activist M G Hegde demanded a comprehensive drinking water project for Dakshina Kannada and pointed out that people of this district were among the highest taxpayers.
Ramachandra Baikampady, Anand Shetty Adyar, Bhaskar, Rahim Uchil, Dinaker Shetty and others were part of the protest.
MLA J R Lobo also visited the site of the protest. He speaking to the protestors said "I have brought to the notice of the government regarding the demand for comprehensive drinking water project. I will talk to the chief minister and the concerned persons on issue of formation of Nethravati river authority. "
Deputy mayor Sumitra Kariya, opposition party leader of MCC Sudhir Shetty, Monappa Bhandary, P V Mohan, Denis D'Silva, Satyajit Surathkal and others visited the protest place.