Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (EC/HB)
Udupi, Jun 9: The members of Nethravati Samrakshana Samyukta Samithi visited Udupi Sri Krishna Math here on Thursday June 9 to seek blessings of Lord Krishna and to take guidance from Sri Paryaya Pejawar Swamiji.
The conference deliberated on Nethravati diversion project, its merits and demerits. Vijay Kumar Shetty took initiation of meeting along with other committee members.
Vijay Kumar Shetty, former MLA and president of the committee heading the conference said, “Nethravati Samrakshana Samyukta Samithi was started in 2012 when the project was initiated. Since then two protests have been conducted peacefully. But the leaders have not understood people’s sentiments. This year Mangaluru faced the fury of drought to an extent. If this project continues, down the lane in 5 to 10 years, the city will suffer from acute water crisis. Actual water content here is only 7 TMC but the political leaders are falsely assuring the people that we will get 24 TMC of water from the project.”
“Out of many leaders in the district, very few are supporting us. People with technical knowledge from both ends, i.e., from Kolar and Mangaluru district have concluded that this project cannot become a reality. The loss for the common man and nature will be to a great extent. The felling of trees, as specified by the project officers, is 14 acres only but the actual loss will move up to 100 acres. Some ministers are supporting this cause just for the sake of making money and do not see its negative effects after it is implemented,” Shetty added.
“We filed a case against this project even in the National Green Tribunal for South India at Chennai. The judgement had come in our favour stating the project as unscientific and useless. A 100 page report was prepared by a judge and Prof Nagendra stating the realities. But then no action was taken. Now the new judge is asking for re-evaluation of every aspect. Now the new judgement might again take 2-3 years.
“We have approached Pejawar Swami. We will also approach the Bishop of Mangaluru and Shri Veerendra Heggade, so that they can take leadership in this movement and guide the youth properly. Some misunderstanding has created tension in between Kolar and Mangaluru and it is being used as a political game by the leaders. But we commoners want unity overall. Swamiji has promised to preside and support us fully by talking to the people connected to this project. Representatives from both sides will be invited to Udupi meet. We will whole heartedly accept the decisions proposed by them, and we believe that the decision will be in favour of the people of both the districts.” Shetty concluded.
After the meeting, Swamiji Shri Vishwesha Theertha speaking to media persons, said, “The people of two districts have to come to single decision. There should not be any hassle between people who are living above and below the ghat region. Decisions should be taken peacefully. Experts must have information of merits and demerits of two sides. The coastal and plain land area people should go hand in hand. If there is any fault, both sides should fight against it. We should not fight among ourselves as the people of Kolar, Tumakuru, and coastal area are like brothers. We need to exchange our thoughts first, only then truth will be revealed. They should proceed after confirmation."
“An unbiased truth should be revealed by research. Both sides should come to one decision. They should make sure about problems. If there is problem, it is better to convince people of other side. If the experts have fear of water in Nethravati project, it is better to drop the project. A meeting will be conducted by June or July, and then they will take decision. I will be happy with if decision comes in favour of common people.” Swamiji added.
M G Hegde, convener of the organization, and members Dinakar Shetty, Shashiraj Shetty Kolambe, Harikrishna Bantwal, Yogish Shetty Jeppu, Purushotham Chitrapura, were present on this occasion.
Speaking about the resignation letter submitted by DySP Anupama Shenoy, Swamiji said, “Our nation requires the services of brave hearted, honest and prompt police officials. Anupama Shenoy should withdraw her resignation letter because the country needs her services the most. She is being ill treated by her seniors. This should not happen and the justice should be delivered.”