Udupi: First Phase of UPCL Power Project Ready for Inaugural
Pics: Inchara Digitals
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
Udupi, May 18: The first phase of work on setting up of the coal-based Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) by Hyderabad-based Nagarjuna Power Corporation, has been completed amid opposition from coastal residents and is awaiting inaugural by chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.
The UPCL project was carried out unhindered in the neighbourhood of Nandikoor and Yellur villages, near here, owing to the support of state administration and a few people’s representatives.
Despite various groups and a few political parties campaigning against setting up of UPCL in the eco-sensitive region, the agitation by the affected families saw no headway. It’s tragic that the anti-project groups and political parties failed to rethink viable strategy against the setting up of the project.
The local peasants near UPCL complained of thick smoke polluting the neighbourhood when Nagarjuna attempted to commission the power plant on an experimental basis a few months ago. However, the local peasants have not come forward collectively to take up their grievances with the concerned authorities.
Meanwhile, the local peasants on Tuesday May 18 alleged that the effluent of the power plant is being released into nearby areas and has already seeped into their farmlands. With these developments, the inaugural of the UPCL power plant is in quandary.
It may be recalled that the local peasants staged a protest by displaying black flags when dignitaries such as former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, former chief minister J H Patel, as well as former union ministers George Fernandes and Oscar Fernandes, were passing through the locality on various occasions in the past.
It remains to be seen what awaits the chief minister when he arrives to inaugurate the power plant shortly !