Udupi: Villagers Raise Concern Over Nagarjuna Noise Pollution
Pics by Chetan Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
Udupi, Mar 27: “The public has been complaining about the excesses of coal-based Nagarjuna thermal power plant functioning under Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) in Nandikoor–Yellur, near here. If these are proven, then I would join the people’s struggle in addressing the various issues that are of concern to them”, warned Sri Vishweshateerta Swami of Pejavar Mutt.
Swami Vishweshateerta was touring the neighbourhood of Nandikoor– Yellur, where the test run of the power plant has been going on for the past few weeks, to listen to grievances of local residents.
The locals are facing noise pollution as the test runs are being done at the plant. The effluents discharged by the plant have contaminated the water sources in wells and natural ponds, which are showing salinity.
The Swamiji first visited the underground storage facility of ashes, which is inappropriately underway on 120 acres of land near Santoor, Mudarangady.
He also visited a few families in Nandikoor and tasted the well water that was high in saline content. Meanwhile, he assured the local residents that he would bring this issue to the attention of the state administration.
Addressing media persons, Swami Vishweshateerta said that the locals alleged that Nagarjuna is cheating them and is operating without valid licenses issued by the local administration.
The copies of licenses were submitted to him after much persuasion. The papers have been given to experts to ascertain their genuineness. Meanwhile, he said that he will join the people’s struggle to get them justice against Nagarjuna if they are proven of wrongdoing.
“I am aware of a breach of legal provisions by not awarding compensation to the displaced families, oppression against innocents, and illiterate locals”, said the Swamiji. He also advised that a local committee be formed to pursue their cause with the state administration.
He further added, “It’s not proven whether the thermal power plant executed by Nagarjuna endangers the eco environment. The issue will be discussed with the experts. If the wrongdoings of Nagarjuna are proved, I will lead the struggle of locals”.
A few anti-Nagarjuna activists explained to the Swamiji about the breach of many clauses by the company. The Swamiji assured them that further steps will be taken after reviewing every issue.
Coal-laden Trucks Take Cover of Forest:
After the truck drivers saw the Swamiji from a distance, they diverted their coal-laden trucks into the dense vegetation along the road, where the truck would not be easily spotted.
As per the rules, Nagarjuna is not allowed to transport coal by road to the plant. However, their coal-laden trucks ply on these rural roads in connivance with the local police and local transporters. The coal dust of coal has spread all along the road which proves that it has been going on for many months.