Ettinahole project would cause ecological imbalance : Dr N.A. Madhyastha

Mangalore Today News Network

 Mangalore, Aug 28, 2013:  Noted environmentalist Dr NA Madhyastha  has expressed apprehensions over the drastic  consequences of any project that is aimed at  changing the course of  Netravathi river water the lifeline of the district.

 

 

Giving a talk on the pros and cons of the  River Diversion Project  at the NGO Hall in Mangalore on August 27, Tuesday, he said  every river and its tributaries  have their own distinct features and  mega projects that aim to draw their water or divert their course may wreak havoc, he warned.

The programme was organized by the Nagarika Seva Trust in association with various  pro-environmental organizations. Dr Madhyastha further expressed the fears that any attempt to divert Netravathi or to lift water from Ettinahole  would lead to ecological imbalance. In case the project is implemented then  there is even a possibility of people of the district receiving saline water in their taps in the next ten to 20 years. He said.

Continuing, he said the proposed project would also displace wildlife and also recalled the elephant menace  which some places face already.

 YB Ramakrishna, former president of Bio Fuel Energy Board, said Karnataka has been facing power crisis since 1980 and added the government is only making attempts to increase power generation capacity rather than finding reasons for the power shortage. He said 55 per cent of the power generated in the state is being wasted owing to technical reasons. He also indirectly opposed the proposed Niddodi power project by stressing the need for power conservation and   reforms in power sector rather than going in for coal or  hydel projects.