Stop Yettinahole project: Environmentalists

Mangaluru: “Due to the various projects of the government, the natural resources and biodiversity of Western Ghat region has been destroyed over the years which has also led to the decrease in the inflow of water in Netravati River. All nine tributaries of Netravati have gone dry. Despite Dakshina Kannada district being named under the list of drought-hit districts the government has decided to go ahead with the detrimental Yettinahole project. The project has been implemented to loot the treasury of the government,” said Dinesh Holla, convener of Sahyadri Sanchaya at a joint conference with National Environment Care Federation (NECF) general secretary H Shashidhar Shetty on Wednesday April 24^th.

Speaking of the mini-hydro projects of the government which have failed due to the lack of water RM Holla said, “Two power projects namely ‘Mruthyunjaya’ and Nidle power projects are already completed, it has failed. If so, how can the government lift water from Netravati River?” he questioned.

Speaking on the occasion Shashidar Shetty said,” The new dam was built at Thumbay was built considering the population of the next 25 years in Mangaluru and to meet the water needs then. However, within 18 months of its construction the district administration has currently resorted to water rationing. This clearly indicates that there is no enough water in Thumbay vented dam and the stored water is not enough to meet the needs of the people. Therefore, the elected representatives must stop the ongoing work of Yettinahole project. If not, we will hold black flag to them irrespective of political party,” warned Mr Shetty.