Malnad Vedike flays 'anti-people projects' at Western ghats

 Malnad Janahitha Rakshana Vedike has warned of taking up a legal fight if the government does not withdraw the anti-people projects at the Western Ghat belt.

Briefing media persons after the annual meeting of Vedike at Kukke Subrahmanya on Sunday, Convenor Kishore Shirady said that the Vedike is committed to fight for the issue by closing down the government offices that are functioning in the project affected regions and by blocking the National and State Highways.

“A survey will be conducted on the population, geography, agricultural activities, government offices, religious institutions at the 18 villages in Dakshina Kannada in the Western Ghat belt and the study report will be prepared. The collected public opinion will be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah.

With it, the fight against UNESCO tag to Western Ghat will be initiated, he said.
Kishore said that the frequent naxals visit to the villages in Belthangady and Puttur taluk has created ripples in the villagers. The Vedike has already begun the work of creating confidence among the public.

Though several organisations supported by the environmentalists are trying to promote various projects in this part of the region, it is unfortunate that none of the elected representatives, district administration and political parties have addressed the issue. The Deputy Commissioner has failed to reply to our memorandum submitted opposing the project, he alleged.

Meanwhile, he informed that the Vedike will join hands with K G Bopaiah as he has come forward to oppose the project.Even Rajya Adivasi Budakattu Hitharakshana Vedike has supported the cause, he said.