Agitation against coal-based thermal power project from Nov 20

Udupi, Nov 10 (UNI) The Nagarjuna Vidyuth Sthavar Virodhi Samiti, a confedration of about 20 organisations opposing the coal-based thermal power project in the eco-sensitive undivided Dakshina Kannada district, has decided to stage a dharna and satyagraha near the office of the project at Elluru near Padubidre on November 20.

Announcing this at a joint press conference here today, Nagarika Seva Trust of Guruvayanakere Chief Coordinator Somanath Nayak and Nandikur Janajagriti Samiti Chief Coordinator Laxman L Shetty demanded that the Government spell out its stand on the reports submitted by five committees constituted by the Government which have opposed the project, before holding the expert's meeting at Manipal, near here, on November 13.

Mr Nayak said the campaign against the proposed coal-based power project in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district would commence on November 20 and culminate on December two with a rally in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office here. The agitational programme, to be inaugurated by Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swamiji of the Udupi Pejavar mutt, would see the participation of a large number of farmers, fishermen and environmentalists.

He asked the district in-charge and Medical Education Minister Dr V S Acharya to either oppose the project bowing to people's verdict or quit his post.

Mr Shetty said the Samiti, while condemning the police act of ''foisting'' cases against those opposing the project, demanded that all such cases be withdrawn immediately. If the company went ahead with commencing the project work, the Samiti members with the support of the people and like-minded organisations would not only oppose it peacefully, but were also ready to go to jail.

UNI MA GD GM1845