MP Nalin Kumar Kateel does a U-turn, expresses support for Yettinahole project

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel who in the past had strongly opposed the Yettinahole project has all of a sudden changed his opinion and welcomed the Rs 1500-cr fund allocation by BS Yediyurappa for the project in the budget.

Kateel had staged protests, including organising a Padayatra against the project. The then Siddaramaiah-led government had detained Kateel and other protesters when the Padayatra reached Hassan district. The sudden U-turn by Kateel has irked people of Dakshina Kannada, as Netravathi is considered to be the lifeline of the district. District BJP workers too have been shocked after Kateel spoke in favor of the project.

Environmentalists too have opposed the project and raised concerns on the ecological impact of the project. Moreover they have argued that there is no surplus water available for diversion at Yettinahole. Few have even dubbed this project as perpetual ATM for the government irrespective of the party.

Notably, the fund allocation for the project comes even as a case opposing it is before the National Green Tribunal.