Mangaluru, Aug 29: Strongly opposing the controversial Yettinahole project, Congress stalwart B Janardhana Poojary warned that any attempt to divert the tributary of Netravati river will have a catastrophic consequence on the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada.
“This project can kill a river, turn fertile agricultural lands into barren lands and destroy biodiversity, besides affecting supply of drinking water in the district,” Mr Poojary told media persons on Saturday in the city.
Giving examples of river diversion projects undertaken by neighbouring Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments in the past, he said that Pampa, Periya and Bharathpuzha rivers have been badly affected by such projects.
He also recalled that Colorado river in United States of America ran dry after it was diverted and imbalance caused by the river diversion projects undertaken by Soviet Union.
“These examples are more than enough for us to imagine the consequences of Yettinahole project. Now elected representatives from Dakshina Kannada should join their hands together to save the their district from a catastrophe,” he said.
When the government has decided to make Mangaluru a smart city, where will the water come from if more industries and institutions come up in the district? he questioned.
Mr Poojary also made a veiled attack on two former chief ministers from coastal Karnataka-M Veerappa Moily and DV Sadananda Gowda-without naming them and held them responsible for the proposed of the project.
Comments
Add new comment