Oppose Yettinahole project'

February 2, 2014

Mangalore, Feb 2: Social worker Balakrishna N Shetty on Saturday, voiced his strong opposition to the Nethravathi diversion or Yettinahole project proposed by the Government of Karnataka, claiming that the water to be diverted from Nethravathi river would be primarily utilised in rejuvenating the east-flowing rivers and dried up lakes in the parched districts of Bayaluseeme region.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said that it was not possible that the Yettinahole and Nethravathi projects were distinct, as Yettinahole was the main tributary of Nethravathi. The state government has tried to implement similar projects in the state before - including a dam across Bhadra river and diversion of Varahi and Chakra rivers which are tributaries of Sharavathi - the results of which can be noted today, he said.

He said that diverting Yettinahole would result in lesser-flow of water in Nethravathi which would affect the thriving agriculture and fisheries in the coastal district. If this project is implemented, it will lead to the destruction of the ecosystem in Sahyadri mountain range, he said.

Having written a letter to the Karnataka chief minister urging him to withdraw the ambitious project, he said that the government had responded by stating that the project was still in its initial stage. In their reply, the government has conveyed that a committee has been formed to study the pros and cons of the project under the chairmanship of G S Paramashivaiah, who had prepared the Nethravathi diversion project report in the first place. He should not be included in the recent committee formed to study the pros and cons of the project, he urged.

Urging that the state government to pulling away from the project, he said that he had submitted an objection letter to the Chief Minister in this regard.

He expressed his suspicions that Union Minister for Environment and Forest Veerappa Moily had given environmental clearances to the project, solely for political gains.

He also stated that he would extend his support to other organisations who were also against the project if they approached him.

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PM Modi vows to strengthen India-Maldives ties, inks currency swap deal with President Muizzu

News Network

October 7,2024

New Delhi: Seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, India and the Maldives on Monday inked a currency swap agreement to the tune of $400 million, a move that would help the archipelago nation overcome foreign exchange reserve issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.

Muizzu, who is on a four-day state visit, held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here.

After the talks, India also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.

"Today, we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now, the Greater Male Connectivity Project will also be expedited. We will also support the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi," Modi told reporters here with Muizzu by his side.

Modi said India and Maldives have decided to initiate discussion on the Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic ties.

The prime minister described Maldives as a "close friend" which had an important position in India's neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision.

"India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," Modi said.

Earlier, Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Modi was also present on the occasion.

Muizzu was given a tri-services guard of honour before he drove down the Rajghat to offer his respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

Muizzu won the presidential election last year on the 'India out' campaign and asked New Delhi to withdraw its military personnel posted in the archipelago nation by May this year.

The bilateral ties also hit a rocky patch when Maldivian ministers were critical of Modi. However, Muizzu has since toned down his anti-India stance and even sacked ministers who were critical of the Indian prime minister.

As the Maldives was grappling with a serious economic downturn, India has decided to extend vital budgetary support to the Maldives government with the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year.

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