News & Pics: Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Jan 24: “The water-soldier weed known at Antaragange is spread in near 25 gramas in Udupi district and Kundapur taluk damaging nearly 400 to 500 acres of fertile land making agriculture impossible. Farmers being unable to indulge in farming are sitting idle. The government should take suitable steps to remove the weed,” urged Udupi district BJP Raitha Morcha vice president Pravin Kumar Shetty. He was speaking in a news conference at BJP office on Monday January 23.

“The weed grows slowly in flowing or stagnant water. With its growth, it blocks the flow of water completely. It occupies the upper portion of water and forms a thick layer. It blocks oxygen and light to the creatures and the plants and shortens their growth,” he said.

“Senior retired scientist of geology N Ranganath presented a report about the harmful effect of weed. He suggested removing the weed by means of machinery and filling the place with mud. Nearly Rs 50 crore are required for the purpose. The government should provide the funds. Requests to district in-charge minister, local MLAs,
Vidhana Parishat members and deputy commissioner have been made in this connection,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, district BJP Raitha Morcha president Muttupadi Suresh Shetty said that scarcity of water has already started this year. “Drinking water and that for agriculture is likely to be over by March this year. The administration has asked not to draw water from the river through pump sets and dig borewells.
However no such directions are given in Uttara Karnataka. The rule shows double standards. The government should also take care to monitor reported misuse of funds meant to erect fence to stop wild animals,” he said.

Kundapur BJP mandala president Suresh Shetty Kadooru, Raitha Morcha vice president Raghavendra Uppooru, district vice president Kishore Kumar, Rajesh Kaveri and others were present.