Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 4: A three-member expert committee of Dinesh Kumar Alva, Ajith Gunzar and M V Sheshan, from Karnataka State Environment Appellate Authority visited the thermal project, Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL), located at Yellur on Friday, November 4.
The committee visited the place based on an appeal submitted by Nandikoor villagers in 2011. After five long years, the committee members came at the thermal project and are going to submit a report to the government after this visit.
The committee members inspected the office and then visited affected areas and houses.
A-56-year-old unmarried Vimala, a villager of Yellur shared her grievances with the committee members. She informed that she had grown jasmine flowers and coconut in her land for livelihood which were destroyed by ash from the power plant.
Vimala’s niece lost her life at a young age due to cancer. Now Vimala is unable to walk due to leg pain and is suffering from illness. Her brother, who is taking care of her, has now shifted his house to outskirts of the city.
Committee found that water in wells of nearby houses was contaminated owing to excessive ash emitted from the thermal plant.
Court hearing has been taking place every month at Karnataka State Environment Appellate Authority. The committee members will submit a detailed report to the court.
A public hearing will be held on Thursday, November 10 at Paniyuru to raise public opinion regarding the expansion of thermal plant.
Jayanth Bhat, vice president of Mudarangady panchayat has strongly opposed the expansion of thermal plant while David D’Souza the president is in favour of this project.
UPCL executive director Kishore Alva was present during the visit.