JOIN US The people are suffering as they are unable to develop the land, said Pejawar mutt seer Vishweshwaratheertha Swamji at a press meet held on Saturday.
He warned that a protest will be organised on July 13 if the government fails to denotify the second phase of Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ).
Speaking about the Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) unit at Nandikur, he said that he still maintains his stand over the environment problems posed by the thermal plant. Minister for Environment and Ecology Krishna J Palemar has agreed to form an expert committee to study the impact but it has not been formed till now.
He has also assured to shut down the plant if serious problems persist, said the seer.
“Government has agreed to include Indian Institute of Science Centre for Ecological Sciences Scientist TV Ramachandra and Cerena Foundation EIA expert and Environment Engineer Sagardhara in the expert committee, on my request. We are waiting for the expert committee to investigate the issue,” he said and added that the delay in forming the committee is a matter of concern.
He said that if both the issues are not addressed by the government by July 13, then a mass agitation will be held.
Free Hostel facilities
For the benefit of Dalits, backward classes and other children who need quality education, a free hostel will be set up near Udupi's Kukkikatte Mucchulukodi by the Pejwar Mutt.
The hostel will have a reservation of 30 per cent for Dalits, 30 per cent for backward communities and the remaining 40 per cent for others.
The hostel will have a capacity to contain 150 to 200 students from Primary to College. Free education till SSLC will be provided for the needy. Those interested to apply can submit their applications at Pejawar Mutt's Shree Vijayadwaja Temple from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3 to 6 pm, said Vishweshwaratheertha.