Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)
 
Mangalore, Jan 22: As all are well aware, there is immense danger to the environment and the flora and fauna from pollutants let out into the air by hazardous industries, particularly those in the coastal belt here. Among various social service organizations fighting for this cause are the Nagarika Seva Trust (NST) and Krishikara Vedike Karnataka who will now be organizing a Dakshina Kannada and Udupi distict-level farmers' rights assertion rally and convention here, on Tuesday January 29,  informs a press release.   

The NST president K Somanath Nayak in the release informed about the convention's objectives and future course of action. He stated that the convention would make a plea for the protection of the community's rights over water, soil, forest and other natural resources. Moreover he stated that they would prepare a development plan for the region based on the five reports submitted by government agencies regarding the 'carrying capacity' of the region.  

The basic objective of the convention is to keep an eye on the proposed projects like SEZ, chemical zone and coal-based power plant in the region. Largely due to the impact of the 'Save Dakshina Kannada' campaign, the erstwhile J H Patel government had issued orders, making it compulsory to conduct 'carrying capacity study' before allowing mega industries in the region.  

Legislators in the district had unanimously supported the campaign and raised the issue in the Assembly. However, now the same legislators are supporting the setting up of hazardous industries in the region in the name of development and employment, rued Nayak in the release. If these projects are implemented, it would have an adverse impact on the livelihood of 21 lac farmers and 3.50 lac fishermen in the region. It is not advisable to destroy the livelihood of millions of people in order to create few thousand jobs, he pointed out.  

This rally for ryots' rights will start from PVS circle and conclude at Urva grounds. The convention will be inaugurated by well-known writer Amrutha Someshwara.  Moreover it will be addressed by leaders of various organisations and the participation of district heads of many political parties and local MPs is expected, stated the release.