Udupi: Jayasrikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti Genuinely Concerned with Well-being of Coastal Districts – Pejawar Swami
Report and Pics from Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SP)
Udupi, Feb 18: Jayasrikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti, a NGO, organized a consultative meeting on the setting up of Nagarjuna Thermal Power Plant, on Tuesday February 17 evening, at Sri Laxmi Janardhan mini hall of Shyamili Auditorium, Ambalapady here.
Sri Vishweshateerta Swami of Pejavar Math inaugurated the meeting by lighting the traditional lamp on Tuesday evening.
The meeting was presided over by Jayasrikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti district president Dr B M Hegde.
Dean of Kallianpur deanery Fr Marcel Saldanha and Sri Laxmivarateerta Swami of Shirur Math also graced the occasion.
Swami Vishweshateerta, speaking on the occasion, said that he has a neutral stance on setting up of Nagarjuna power plant in the district. Meanwhile, he made it clear, that he had attended the meeting since Jayasrikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti advocates reserving 30 percent of energy generated by the plant for the district, if Nagarjuna power plant comes up in the district. The locals have genuine concerns for and against setting up of plants with the view of development, because of their own reasons, he noted.
Jayasrikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti founder Tonse Jayakrishna A Shetty in his introductory speech, explained the struggles of Samiti since the past five years with regard to the setting up of the proposed Nagarjuna power plant of 100 crore watt capacity at an expenditure of Rs 5,000 crore, in Nandikoor near here. The Samiti will pressurize the government to form Padubidri Parisara Rakshana Niga Samiti (environmental overseeing committee), to set aside 60 percent job opportunities that get created here for the locals and to reserve 30 percent of power generated for the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. Hence, the consultative meeting is highly essential in creating peoples' awareness on the issue, he emphasized.
Fr Marcel Saldanha said that the local farmers would extend their support if they are convinced of the benefits from setting up of Nagarjuna power plant here. Meanwhile, spreading of proper awareness among the people of the region in this regard can generate quick support, he felt.
Swami Laxsmivarateerta said that no government that ruled the state ever attempted to develop the district, while Jayasrikrishna Parasara Premi Samiti has taken up the case with genuine concern. The district needs a power project that operates with advanced technology and can sustain energy needs and brighten the lives of coastal residents, he felt.
Dr B M Hegde in his presidential address, said that the people of the coastal district are highly educated. The consultation on the issue would bring out the best possible solution to the issue, he added.
Jayasrikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti president Vishwanat U Mada welcomed the gathering.
Samiti vice president Dharmapal U Devadiga, Felix A D'Souza, district vice presidents Ramachandar Baikampady and K P Jagdish Adikari also spoke at the occasion.
Samiti honorary secretary Rons Bantwal, managing committee member Kutpady Ramachandra Ganiga, M S Karkera, Jagannat M Ganiga, district organizer Kutpady Anand Ganiga, former MP Manorama Madwaraj, Swami Bhaktiteerta Hukkeri, Vijay Hegde, Balakrishna K Shetty, Raghuram Shetty Belgaum and others were present at the dais.
Samiti undivided Dakshina Kannada district organizer Surendra T Mendon compered the programme while honorary chief secretary Professor Shanker proposed vote of thanks.