Citizens and activists staging a protest in Belagavi on Tuesday. Photo: Louis Rodrigues
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Environmentalists, citizens and people from all walks of life were on the roads in Belagavi on Tuesday to oppose the implementation of the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion projects.
Stating that the implementation of the project would have an adverse impact on the wildlife sanctuaries and eco-sensitive forests bordering Karnataka and Goa, citizens also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner (District Collector) of Belagavi not to implement the water diversions project and to save water and forests in Khanapur taluka.
The protests were organised under the banner of ‘Parisargagi Naavu’ (We for Environment) and ‘Parisara Sangama’, the state level organisations.
A large number of people from Belagavi, Khanapur and Dharwad took part in the rally that commenced from the Sardar High School Ground here. Along with environmentalists, citizens comprising women, elders and youth cutting across political, linguistic and religious backgrounds took part in the rally that went via Rani Chenamma Circle culminating at the Deputy Commissioner’s office compound.
Shouting slogans and displaying placards, the protestors gathered at the Deputy Commissioners compound where a memorandum was submitted to Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan.
After holding the meeting with the protestors, the Deputy Commissioner asked for a technical report on the possible adverse impacts of the projects on the ecology and environment of the region.
“We are seeking to immediately stop the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project in view of legal violations and environmental threat to Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Western Ghats,” the memorandum stated.
A large number of farmers and noted activists from the riparian areas like Nargund, Navalgund and other parts of Dharwad districts also took part in the rally.
Noted climate activist of global repute Ridhima Pandey from Uttarkhand was among the activists who took part in the rally and congratulated people for their concern in saving the environment.
“With today’s rally, I have connected myself with the people fighting against the diversion of Mhadei. After visiting the forests I will be also taking up the matter with the Union Government,” the 17-year-old activist said.
Many of the activists opined that the project was being implemented for the benefit of sugarcane industries set up by the politicians in the region and some industrialists, while the ecology of Khanapur taluka is at stake for their vested interests.
“We are sure that we will win and the government would be compelled to stop the work on the controversial water diversion projects,” Capt Dhond said, adding “there is absolutely no need for it as according to a report in Naveelteerth the Dam on Malaprabha will have sufficient drinking water for the people of Hubli-Dharwad till 2041.”
Speaking on the occasion, activist Rajiv Topannavar said while supporting this agitation by the people of Belagavi region, people of Goa should unite to compel the government to declare Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve.
Various associations including the Belgaum Chamber of Commerce and Industries also submitted a memorandum to stop the diversion of Mhadei River.
Nyala Coelho, Lingraj Jagjampi, Suresh Hebalikar, Nagendra Prabhu ji, Shivaji Kaganikar, Deelip kamat , Adv Nitin Bolabandi, Sujit Mulgund, Adv Neeta Potadar, Ravindra Bellad, Prem Chougula, Baba Bhayankarnath, Adv Neeta Potdar and others were leading the protests.
The protests were held amid the presence of a huge police force.
