Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Sep 23: Water resources and conservation expert Sri Padre stressed that the diversion of River Netravati's course will not benefit anybody in the long run. The plan is an impracticable and colourful illusion that looks good only in dreams, he analyzed.
He was presenting his views on the Netravati diversion plan, at the consultative meeting held in the city on Tuesday September 22, on the issue of 'Why We Do Not Want Netravati Diversion? What are Alternatives?’ organized under the aegis of Nagarika Seva Trust Guruvayankere, in association with Dakshina Kannada Environmentalists Union, Farmers Forum and Karavali Mahila Jagruti Vedike.
"The plan looks attractive from the point of view of the politicians. But, if we go ahead with the plan without properly assessing its pros and cons, the adversities like land erosion in the Western Ghats, destruction of forests, disastrous affects on the bio-diversity etc., can far outlive the advantages and prove to be too much to handle," he warned.
Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Kemar Sandeepani Sadhanashram expressed his resolve to oppose any programme that goes against nature. He felt that a particular lobby had been trying hard to implement the Netravati diversion plan.
Fishermen's leader Vasudeva Boloor presided. MLA B Ramanath Rai, Mangalore University Christianity Study Chair head Dr John Fernandes, BJP leader Ratnakar Nayak Ullal, JDs leader J S Noronha, Bahujan Samaj party leader Girish Rai etc., also came up with their ideas.
Nagarika Seva Trust president K Somanath Nayak delivered introductory address. Farmers Forum president Vasanti K welcomed. D K Environmentalists Union president Umesh Nirmal proposed vote of thanks. Trust vice-president Vidya Nayak and director Rajeev Salian presented the programme.
Karavali Mahila Jagruti Vedike president P Hemavati and B K Parameshwar Rao were present.