Hanakon plant shifted to Tuticorin

It is a victory for people of Uttara Kannada district

 
The project, had become a rallying point for a people’s movement comprising villagers, fisherfolk and environmentalists, all of whom had strongly objected to the setting up of a power plant in an ecologically sensitive zone. The Hanakon Ushna Sthavara Virodhi Horata Samiti protested tooth and nail against it being established in Hanakon.

 Speaking at a press meet here on Saturday  company’s Executive Director A N Vasu Rao said, “The thermal power plant at Hanakon has been shifted due to strong public protest and considering the delicate environment issues. Now, the project it be established to Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.”

Instead of the project medical college, hi-tech hospitals and resorts which are environment friendly ventures will be taken up in the region. There is also an ample opportunity to establish a software park here,” he said.

No false reports submitted

Clarifying certain allegations against the company he said, “We had not submitted any false records to obtain permission for the setting up of the thermal plant. We had requested relevant departments for permission and they in turn had sent the reports to the government. The company has not submitted any report to the government on its own accord. Moreover, no civil works have been taken up in Hanakon,” he added.

Hanakon Ushna Sthavara Virodhi Horata Samiti legal advisor K R Desai said, “It is a historic day to the people of Uttara Kannada district. We are not against development but are opposed to any project that is harmful to the environment in the district. Let IBPL establish environment-friendly ventures here.” All cases except those of atrocities in Hanakon will be withdrawn, he added.