Udupi: Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Math strongly opposed the acquisition of land in Permude, Kuttettur, Tenka Ekkar and Delantabettu villages, for the extension of MRPL.
He was speaking at a press meet held at the Krishna Math premises on Wednesday, May 11. The Swamiji said that MRPL has formulated a plan for the extension of the project at various levels. The extension of the project will require 3000 acres of land. The primary extension will require 1050 acres of land in Permude, Kukketuru, Delantabettu and Tenka Ekkaru of Mangaluru taluk. The Government of Karnataka has approved the land acquisition proposal of MRPL.
In 2008, the government had approved the land acquisition proposal of 251 acres for the 3rd phase extension but for the 4th phase, MRPL has been requesting 1050 acres of land for the same extension which was proposed in 3rd phase. The KIADB had formulated plans for land acquisition of 2035 acres of land in SEZ in 2008 but with the request of Pejawar Math Swamiji Sri Vishwesha Teertha the proposal for the same was turned down in 2011. KIADB has again formulated plans for land acquisition amid protests. The residents of above said villages have passed a resolution objecting land acquisition. The OMPL unit in MRPL has utilized 817 acres of land but the remaining 1300 acres of land is not utilized. The land which has not been utilized should be surrendered to the government of Karnataka for industrial purposes.
It is estimated that 6,06,00,000 liters of water is needed for operations of the new extension and for the same GOK has approved the proposal. GOK has also approved for the construction of reservoirs for water supply to MRPL. The industrial establishments in Dakshina Kannada are utilizing 13 crore liters of waters everyday. The proposed industrial establishments in the SEZ zone will require an additional 12 crore liters of water. Dakshina Kannada is suffering from severe water crisis and further utilization of water will destroy the lives of people.
We demand that the land acquisition proposal for further acquisition of land be scrapped. The 2013 Land Acquisition Act should be passed in the state. Agricultural land should not be utilized for industrial purposes. The government should research on the availability of water resources in Dakshina Kannada district, he added.
Social Activist Vidya Dinakar was also present.
