Fomer Minister demands clear stand of the State govt on Chamalapura

Mysore, Sep 4 (UNI) Former Karnataka Minister and senior Congress leader M Shivanna today demanded the State government to come out with its clear stand on the proposed Thermal Power Plant project at Chamalapura village in Mysore district.

Speaking to newsmen here, he said that Minister for Power H D Revanna's statement to go ahead with the project despite protest, was made without knowing the adverse effect on environment and 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 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 trying to go ahead with the project despite the protest from the farmers. The farmers not only lose their irrigated lands but also face displacement, he added.

Stating the ongoing agitation against the project would be intensified by organising a massive rally shortly at H D Kote in which more then 20,000 people including farmers are expected to take part to urge the government to drop the proposed project immediately.

UNI