Mangalore, Aug 28: Environmentalists have raised concern over the implementation of the Nethravati river diversion project, which will evidently have adverse affect on ecology and bio-diversity. A meeting held to discuss the pros and cons of Nethravati river diversion, after deliberations resolved to demand dropping of Nethravati river diversion and Yettinahole projects. They further said that an alternative project can be prepared only after consulting experts from the district.
The meet decided to oppose mega industrial and power projects in undivided DK district, which will be imposed without conducting carrying capacity and urged the government to take cabinet decision on suspending PCPIR and MSEZ II phase. They also raised objection to Niddodi power project and demanded withdrawal of the same.
Disaster unleashed
Speaking on the catastrophic consequences that the Nethravati river diversion project has in store, environmentalist Dr N A Madhyastha said that it will not just result in loss of bio-diversity but will also shake up the micro-environment.
Rejecting the project on the ground of being ecologically disastrous and economically unviable, Dr Madhyastha said that drought will be another end product of the diversion project.
“If river Nethravati river goes dry with the diversion, then it will have its impact on Shishila fish sanctuary and at Dharmasthala. Our faith will be at stake. Decline in water in the river will give rise to sand mafia and will result in increase in salt water in river, he said.
Are mega projects inevitable?
Karnataka Biofuel Board former chairman Y B Ramakrishna recalled the situation in 1960s when Karnataka had surplus electricity supply. He held inefficient management responsible for the shortage that has crept in.
He opined that the biggest loophole here is the fact that the administrators are paying attention only for increasing capacity and are not taking any steps to plug the loss in transmission, which is at a romping 28 per cent at present.
“The government would require 34,000 crore to set up 4000 MW ultra mega power project in Niddodi. If 1/10 of the amount is given we can mitigate the shortage of electricity in the State,” he said.
He said that hydro electricity projects are invitation to disaster.
MIC Director Prof Varadesh Hiregange, NST President K Somanath Nayak were present.
Karnataka Biofuel Board former chairman Y B Ramakrishna has said that the report on UPCL and its impact on environment which was conducted by a team set up by the State government (which included him) has been accepted by the Central government. “Considering that the report is multi-disciplinary, the Ministry of Environment and Forest had directed the state to consider the report and initiate measures. Unfortunately, the government has not taken any measure till date,” he said.
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