JOIN USYogeshwar opposes power projects in Western Ghats
Speaking to mediapersons here, after visiting a hydel power project at Kempuhole Forest Reserve, Yogeshwar said, “I thought that mini hydel power projects were being established to solve the electricity crisis. But after visiting the power plants, I have seen massive destruction of forests. Hills have been destroyed and tunnels have been carved out of them. Trees have been uprooted and dumped in a corner. I have now understood the reason for the anger of environmentalists.”
He said, “Even though I am a part of the government, I will oppose establishment of power projects in Western Ghats.”
Yogeshwar said, “Looking at the damage caused to forest, I wonder if the government has given permission for this or if the companies are implementing such projects illegally.”
Electricity here is generated only during rainy season. But, the state needs power during summer and these plants fail to provide electricity during such times.
There is a doubt as to how permission was given without taking into consideration reports of expert committees. Yogeshwar said he would apprise the chief minister of the situation in the region as soon as he returned to Bangalore.
Locals informed Yogeshwar that the forest department was denying permission to farmers to cut trees in coffee estates and leased lands. But, miscreants are stealing trees at night, causing huge loss to farmers. If the department doesn’t given permission to chop trees, growers would refrain from planting saplings and the region would become devoid of such plants, they said.
Hassan district growers association leaders U M Theerthamallesh, N B Udaykumar, ACCF Swaminathan, CCF Ajay Mishra, CFFO Nagaraj, DFO Ambadi Madhav, environmentalist Sanjay Gubbi and others were present.
Ryots promised compensation
Yogeshwar assured farmers that compensation would be given to those who have suffered due to damage caused by jumbos to crops. Speaking at a programme in Alur on Tuesday, he said villagers have complained that they have received less compensation for their loss. A few are yet to receive any compensation.
All these problems would be sorted out and farmers would be given compensation based on the support price fixed by the government, he added.