Cong demands Govt clarify stand on Chamalapura Plant

Mysore, Sep 4 (UNI) Former Karnataka Minister and senior Congress leader M Shivanna today demanded the state government to clarify its stand on the proposed Thermal Power Plant Project at Chamalapura village here.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said Power Minister H D Revanna's statement to go ahead with the project despite protests, was made without knowing the adverse effect on the environment and the people. Hence, the state government should spell out its stand on the proposed Rs 5,500 crore project.

Mr Shivanna clarified that he was neither a Minister nor an MLA, when the project was notified in 1992 and later in 2002. The project was dropped earlier, since the area, which was selected for the project was not suitable.

However, now the state government was trying to go ahead with the project despite the protest from the farmers. The farmers would not only lose their irrigated lands but also face displacement.

The ongoing agitation against the project would be intensified by organising a rally at H D Kote shortly, in which more than 20,000 people including farmers were expected to take part.

UNI