Kumaraswamy asks fishermen to visit thermal plant site

Bangalore, Jan 10 (UNI) Assuring to protect the interests of fisherfolk, who have been raising a banner of revolt against the coal-based thermal power plant in Udupi district, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today asked them to visit the project site and then approach him with their grievances, if any.

Addressing a meeting of fishermen and elected representatives from the coastal districts here, he said he was ready to stop the work, executed by Nagarjuna Power Company Limited, for a week at the most for them to visit the place. He had given such an opportunity earlier at a meeting some months ago, but the fishermen did not make use of it, he added.

Stating that some people have to make sacrifices for taking up developmental projects, Mr Kumaraswamy said the Government was committed to protect the interests of fishermen.

The fishermen, environmentalists and others in the coastal district were vehemently opposing the project on the grounds that it would affect the biodiversity hotspot and affect marine life, forcing the fisherfolks to the streets.

UNI