K'taka CM stresses on importance of power project

Subramanya, Karnataka, Dec 13 (UNI) Dismissing various reports against the proposed coal-based thermal power project in Udupi district, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today reiterated that such mega projects were most essential for economic development and meeting the energy demands of the State.

Talking to newspersons at the helipad here, he was responding to a query on Nagarjuna Vidyuth Virodhi Samiti's contention that the Government had failed to act on reports by three Expert Committees against locating the project in the most eco-sensitive and bio-diversified coastal districts of undivided Dakshina Kannada.

''What report? The Government has not received any such report.

It is a claim by some people who hate the project. These so-called protestors are misleading the public with such statements,'' he said.

Mr Kumaraswamy said his Government was ready to take proper steps if there was any adverse impact on the environment. Experts opined that scientifically the project posed no harm to farmers, fishermen and the public.

He said the pontiff of the Udupi Pejavar mutt Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swami, who stood by the agitators, had assured during telephonic talks recently that he would not oppose the project if he was totally convinced that there was absolutely no harm to the environment.

The Chief Minister said he would soon convene a meeting of officials and leaders from Udupi district to discuss the project, as assured by him to the seer.

He recalled that the Government had convened two or three meetings with those opposing the project and had even asked them to visit similar plants elsewhere in the State at Government expense.

But, they have turned down the offer, he added.

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