Pics: Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 10: Hundreds of villagers participated in the public hearing meet organized to discuss the expansion of UPCL second stage, chaired by district commissioner T Venkatesh at Durga Devi Higher Primary School ground, Kunjur here on Thursday, November 10. They demanded job opportunities for local youths and increment in compensation amount.
The public hearing was organized to collect popular opinion regarding the proposed expansion of UPCL project.
Addressing the gathering, Kaup constituency MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake said, "The Adani company promised many things but fulfilled only some. Getting the benefit of CSR (corporate social responsibility) fund is our right. The sand colour has turned reddish at Yermal sea shore because of chemical leakage from UPCL pipes. Fishermen are facing problems due to polluted water. Villagers are facing problem of breakwater for many years. Former DC Dr Vishal was made to release compensation amount of Rs 18 lac for people affected by the crude oil project.
"UPCL needs to provide job opportunities to youngsters and talented people of the region with reservation. Before establishing itself here, the company had promised jobs to local villagers but it has failed to fulfil the promise," theMLA said.
Sorake also demand the provision of free power supply to Kaup constituency. "UPCL has to form social forestry on priority. It should build drainage, facilitate free medication for villagers and build hospitals. All demands should be fulfilled before taking up the second phase of the project."
He alleged that most of the villagers migrate to the city in search of jobs. Many industrial companies like crude oil at Padur, UPCL at Yellur and Suzlon energy plant at Padubidri, located in Kaup constituency are harming the health of villagers.
Criticizing UPCL during the public hearing, Vijay Kumar Hegde, president, UPCL Virodhi Horata Samiti said, "This is not at all a public redressal meeting. Everyone is appreciating the company instead of broaching the environmental problems. The company did not take any permission or clearance letter from ecology, mining and environment department for its expansion. Moreover, UPCL does not have license from respective panchayats.
"It is suspected that in just five to six years, the area will be afflicted by Endosulfan or contagious diseases. Milk and drinking water are being contaminated by excess mercury pollutant released by UPCL. We need to go for the solar plant instead of continuing with the thermal plant," he added.
President of Belapu gram panchayat, Devi Prasad said, "I stand by Sorake’s demands. There is no objection for expansion of the plant but it has to provide jobs for local youths. The CSR fund should include all villages of Kaup. The company should empower the youths by upgrading the sports stadium. If it neglects the interests of people, the villagers will protest against UPCL."
Environmentalist Balakrishna Shetty Kemmundelu said, "The acquired lands are fertile and used for cultivation. The land acquisition was carried out in contravention to the Food Security Act."
He complained that the company is using sea water and contaminating drinking water. "Why did they not install this project in another district? They could have used sewage water. We have an opportunity to generate solar power instead of the expansion of UPCL," he said.
The meeting was held peacefully. To the suprise of the leaders, most of the villagers spoke in favour of Adani Company and less number opposed UPCL expansion. They demanded job opportunities for youth and increase in the compensation amount.
"A monitoring committee is required to monitor the entire system and company should allow fishermen to be part of the committee," said Sharat Gondukudla.
M G Nagendra, Kurkalu gram panchayat member said, "The villagers of Kurkalu did not get any benefits of CSR fund. People are facing increased pollution and nothing has been done to curb increasing pollution in the village. The company should give compensation to all who lost their land in the affected areas."
Additional district commissioner Anuradha Bhat, Kishore Alwa, chief executive director, Girish Navada and Jayachandra Shetty, local panchayat members and local leaders were present.