Pejavar seer gives ultimatum to K'taka CM to constitute committee

Udupi, Nov 17 (UNI) Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swamiji of Udupi Pejavar Mutt today demanded Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to set up an Expert Committee within a week to go into the pros and cons of the proposed coal-based thermal power project by Nagarjuna Power Company Limited (NPCL) near Padubidre in the district, before starting the project.

Talking to UNI here, he said the Chief Minister had assured him last evening that he would set up such a committee. However, Mr Kumaraswamy had not assured that the work would not be started until the Committee submitted its report.

The seer announced that if the Government failed to set up such a committee within a week, he would constitute one, comprising experts from the Government, those proposed by NPCL and those opposing the project, to mainly study the impact of effluents on marine life and effects of fly ash pollution on the bio-diversified and eco-sensitive Western Ghats.

Stating that he was neither against nor for the proposed project, the pontiff said the people should be convinced about the project.

''If the Expert Committee recommended the project after study, I will welcome it. If the report is negative, then I will remain with the people who oppose the project and chalk out the future course of action. I will not go for street fight,'' he added.

He said he had rejected the NPCL's offer to set up an Expert Committee after commissioning the plant. The recent 'Expert Committee meeting' held at Manipal at the behest of the Chief Minister could not convince the people as no expert or scientist was present at the meeting, but only officials.

UNI MA GD TS1805