Ullal coastline must be protected: U. T. Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 24: MLA U. T. Khader said during a press conference that the ADB consultants have recommended an integrated solution to protect the coastline of Ullal. He said that, according to the ADB consultants, the solution includes shortening of the southern breakwater and re-alignment of the northern breakwater at the entrance of Ullal, constructing three offshore multipurpose submerged reefs, and nourishing the beach.

The matter of re-aligning the breakwaters was discussed during the TEC meeting on July 10, 2009, he said. Simultaneously, he voiced his opinion that the present alignment need not be changed in the first phase of the project; instead emphasis should be placed on protecting the eroding coastline of Ullal. He also protested against the reluctance of the government to approve the Rs. 223 crore project proposed by Asian Development Bank is unjustifiable.

Speaking about the damaged pipelines of the River Nethravathi, he said that 75 percent of the water is getting wasted and that engineers must arrive from Pune to repair the pipelines. He urged DC V. Ponnuraj to find out who had damaged the pipelines and to take stern action against them.

Regarding the resignation of Justice Santhosh Hegde, Khader said that his resignation means freedom for the BJP government to do as it wishes. He said that CM B. S. Yeddyurappa must personally visit Justice Santhosh Hegde, apologize to him, and convince him to withdraw his resignation.

Criticizing the state government, he said that it only gives assurances and makes promises, but takes no action and achieves nothing.

Ismail, Mustafa, Razia, Stephen Maroli, Sudheer Shetty, and Ivan D’Souza were present during the press conference.