Work begins under security blanket
Only mediamen and officials attend foundation laying function of Gundia project
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa laid the foundation stone for phase I of Gundia Hydro Power Project at Yettinahole near here, on Saturday.
The venue, located at about 20 kms from Sakleshpura, resembled a garrison with large presence of policemen and paramilitary forces. Policemen were posted at every 100 meters on Sakleshpur-Gundia stretch.
Only officials and mediamen and ubiquitous police personnel were present at the the function.
Clarifying that there was no intention of environmental destruction, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said that the clearances have been obtained from the Union government to take up the project.
“This is the first hydel project after a gap of 15 years. The project was stalled due to two decades of controversies,” Chief Minister Yeddyurappa added.
Compensation to be paid
Asserting that public hearings have been conducted before proceeding further, Yeddyurappa said that compensation will be paid to those whose lands would be acquired for the project.
Minister for Power K S Eshwarappa said that the government is mindful of the concerns aired by environmentalists, intends to provide free power to farmers.
“The task cannot be achieved by purchasing power,” the Minister for Power added.
Formal communication
Karnataka Power Corporation Limited Managing Director S M Jaamdar, speaking to press persons said that while the permission for project has already been obtained, a formal communication was awaited. He stated that the tenders would be called, work order will not be issued before the receipt of the communication. Jaamdar said that obtaining clearance for the project is a multi-stage process and involves getting an Environmental Impact Assessment done by an independent agency, along with Detailed Project report.
Public hearings have been conducted in the two districts of Hassan and Dakshina
Kannada.
