Karkala: Villages Around Belman Oppose State Corridor Programme – Citizens Stage Bandh
Pics by Suresh Yerman
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Karkala, Jan 24: Thousands of residents of three villages, Belman, Sooda and Nandalike of the taluk observed a total bandh in protest against proposed land acquisition of more than 1,138 acres in the region under state government’s Suvarna Karnataka Development Corridor Programme. The government recently issued denotification order to acquire these 1,138 acres of land stretching up to Nandalike from Jantra-Belman in the taluk, following which the residents of these villages united to protest for a cause and oppose proposed the project in the area comprising large number of residential buidlings, schools, churches and temples.
On Saturday Jan 23 thousands of residents under the leadership of 'Jana Jagruti Samithi' president Seetaram Bhat, honorary president Shashidhar Shetty, secretary and former mandala chief Xavier D'Mello, comittee office-bearers Nandalike Suhas Hegde, Shankar Kundar, Ganesh Shetty and others gathered at the Belman Bus stand to against protest the Corridor project. A public meet was also organized during the day presided over by MLA Gopal Bhandary. Kemaru Sri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji, former MLA Sunil Kumar, JD (S) district president Devi Prasad Shetty, writer Na Mogasale, zilla panchayat vice-president Santosh Kumar Shetty, advocate Mattar Ratnakar Hegde and parish priest of Belman Church Fr Lawrence D'Souza were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Kemaru Swamiji appreciated the spirit of unity among all the three villages to oppose for a good cause. If everyone opposed the project irrespective of political party, then the question arises which party is behind the project. I have successfully led the fight against several anti-people projects introduced by the government and today would like to added that I will stop participating in such protests in the future, if I fail this time around, he said.
MLA Gopal Bhandary alleged that state government has issued notification based on computer records and satellite survey without taking local people into confidence. He said that he has already requested Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to withdraw the notification. He was hopeful that the government would consider people's sentiments. "I am ready to even go on hunger strike opposing the project and also ready to suggest other places in the taluk wherein population, farming and activities are sparse, he said.
The state government had earlier identified 1,138 acre land in the region for industrialization without elaborating on the kind of industrialization that would be undertaken. People are now fearful that chemical-based industries will come up in the region that would threaten the environment. Under the Suvarna Karnataka Corridor Programme, the state government will offer land to private companies for developing industries.
Reliable sources have confirmed to Daijiworld that the lands in these three villages are granted to one of the relatives of the CM. If proved, the state government might face stiff opppoistion from people of the region. However, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, during his visit to Udupi last week has assured the people that the project will be withdrawn if they are not happy about it.
If at all the government gives a go ahead to the project, then the native residents of the region, who are mostly now residing in the Gulf are worried of losing their land. Many beautiful houses built recently are in danger of being demolished.
Xavier D'Mello, former Belman mandala chief and active member of protest committee said that the people are fearful of not only losing their properties, but also of losing the old world charm of the region. Further, few business houses will be forced to close down due to decreasing population of the area, if chemical industry comes up. This will also force people stay away from the area due to pollution. However, he expressed confidence that the people’s unity will work favourably resulting in saving their lands. But if the government does not respond to our request, then we will have to stage an intense protest, he warned.