'Mini-hydro project pollutes surroundings'

Uppinangady Raitha Sangha members submitted a complaint to Deputy Commissioner Dr N S Chennappa Gowda that to facilitate the work on mini hydro electricity project, at Adekal, a road has been laid by dumping mud into Kumaradhara river.

The dumping of the mud into the river will create artificial flood during monsoon at 34-Nekkiladi village. It will also affect the easy flow of water in the river, they stated.

The office-bearers met the DC during his visit to Uppinangady. “In the name of constructing a dam, mud has been dumped into the river for about one kilometre stretch. With the dumping of the mud, the water which is being supplied to Puttur is getting polluted,” they alleged.  

“With the mini hydro electricity project, acres of farm land is likely to be submerged. However, the company has paid compensation only to few farmers and have cheated over 100 farmers.

The DC should intervene and provide justice to the farmers.”

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Deputy Commissioner said that three mini hydro electricity projects have been sanctioned across Kumaradhara river. A meeting of all the dam owners will be convened on June 15.

“We will ensure that no injustice is meted out to the farmers. I have asked Tahsildar to furnish details on the land required for the project,” he said.