Villagers protest against Cochin – Mangalore pipeline project

Villagers protest against Cochin – Mangalore pipeline project

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 12, 2012: A massive protest against the proposed gas pipeline between Kochi and Mangalore was held in Kairangala, Balepuni, Pajir, and Kurnadu on Aug 11, Saturday. Protestors gathered in large numbers under the banner of Cochin to Mangalore Gas Pipeline Santrastara Horata Kriya Samithi. 

In his protest address, Rajaram Bhat, president of the samithi, said that the proposed gas pipleline was to pass through dense forest areas in four places, adding that a number of trees will have to cut down in these areas. Besides Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has not yet clearly told the residents about the route the pipeline would take. 

Stating that people are being forced to give up their land for this project, he said that people are worried about any disaster that leakage of gas or damage to the pipeline might lead to in these villages. 

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that any project that is not in the best interests of the people will be opposed, adding that he will discuss this issue with concerned officers. 

Santhosh Kumar Pai, member of the DK ZP, said that pipeline will pass through sensitive areas such as government junior college and a Navodaya school. Suggesting that the pipeline can be laid along the national highway, he said that this is not only safe, but also protects forest areas.

He said that the villagers are unwilling to part with their land, irrespective of the compensation offered. Besides, only four people have received notices regarding land acquisition, he added.

MLA U. T. Khader; M. G. Hegde, JD(S) leader; ZP President K. T. Shailaja Bhat; and several ZP members were also present.