Assns stage stir against UPCL

CM says he is helpless

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) in association with Hasiru Sene, Bangalore and various other organisations including Nandikur Janajagruthi Samiti, Padubidri Janajagruthi Samiti and Dalit and Mogaveera Associations staged a huge protest rally against coal-based Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) thermal power plant at bus junction in Padubidri on Monday.

The protesters and general public came down heavily on the elected representatives who have failed to take action for closing of the power plant. They reiterated their demand to shut down UPCL power plant at least till the expert committee report is out.

Addressing the gathering, Pejawar math seer Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji opined that the State Government has deceived public with empty assurances. The project which has proved disastrous to the people and the environment is approved and accepted by the government against the interest of the public.

The Seer said that the fight against the power project had been initiated since the days of the approval of the proposal to set up UPCL power plant. However, the long standing struggle against the project has failed to yield any positive results. The Government is adamant and is playing with the lives of the people, he alleged.

“I will deliver the message of public opinion to Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and ask him to issue orders to close down the power plant until expert committee report is out,” the seer promised.

KRRS District unit President Vijaykumar Hegde said that all elected representatives are remaining tight-lipped while the DC is busy accepting memorandum from people even when he is unable to solve any of the problems in the district. The vehicular movement on NH-66 was blocked for nearly half an hour on the occasion.

Vijaykumar Hegde informed Deccan Herald that a decision has been taken to meet Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda demanding immediate measures in the first week of January. “A delegation will meet CM and urge him to take spot decision on the issue. If he fails to do so, KRRS along with the victims will decide on the future course of action,” he added.

CM helpless

However, when Pejawar seer contacted CM over phone, he expressed his helplessness to stop the functioning of the power plant following the huge demand for power supply in the State.

He said let the power plant continue generating power till the expert committee report is out.