Mangaluru, August 28: It is apparent to one that Yettinahole project may prove a threat to the Western Ghats and the surrounding environment. In addition it indicates a danger to the Kumaradhara River flowing in DK district and Hemavathi River in Sakleshpur.
The state government which shows interest to provide water to the dry areas in the state, has not listened to the woes of the people of Karavali and Malnad districts who are going to be mainly affected by this project. The project works have begun and in a span of few months, although many trees have been rolled down, heaps of huge pipes used for supplying water is stored in the spot and the dam is being constructed to collect water from empty rivers, yet the government has not revealed the ground reality to the people.
As per this project, 24 TMC water has to be supplied to the dry areas which is impossible from this project. According to the recent study conducted by Environment Specialist T V Ramachandra, only 9 TMC of water may be available from the Yettinahole project. In such situation, the statements of the environmentalists appears to be true that waters from the rivers in Karavali and Malnad will be used to fulfil the promise of providing 24 TMC of water.
Private land has been encroached for constructing the dam here. There are signs of numerous trees being felled in the area. The project works have already begun. One can see the works going on at Yettina Halla situated close to the highway on the Shiradi Ghat. If one glances at the works, a dam of over 140 foot has been constructed. But not even a foot of water is seen in the place. The construction works of the dam is in the finishing stage. It may also affect the highway. It is notable that, in this project jurisdiction falls the elephant corridor and also the railway tracks. The trees are felled and cases are also registered against this.
Anxiety of farmers:
‘Farmers in this area say that many fields are left barren due to scarcity of rains. Every year paddy is grown in these fields. As river Hemavathi flows here, the land will be water logged in rainy season. But this year, the fields are dry as there are no rains. Some educated youths have given our lands to lay pipes. We do not have enough land to give. We do not have the desire for money’, said anxious farmer Doddaiah from Hebbasaale.
Power to pump water:
As per the project, about 270 Mw power is needed. The project also has plans of generating it from the flowing water. In reality, over 500 MW power is needed to pump water. The DK district environmentalists express anxiety that in future there might be chances of stopping the Niddodi water power project for such amount of power.
Special Report: Satya K. / Courtesy: Vartabharati