Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Oct 9: A large-scale protest was held on Thursday morning at Mangalapadavu against the proposed 400 kV power transmission project between Udupi and Kasargod, organized by Hindu community groups and local farmers.
Religious thinker Manjunath Udupi, delivering the keynote address, criticized politicians for disappearing after elections despite seeking people’s votes and said, “We will not allow the project to proceed under any circumstances.”
Hindu organization leader Arun Kumar Puthila warned that if authorities attempt to suppress the protest or continue with project implementation despite public opposition, the police and district officials will be directly responsible for any ensuing problems. He urged a massive joint movement against the project in the coming days, adding that no one should support a plan that threatens the local community.
Other speakers at the gathering included Narasimha Mani and Akshay Rajput from Hindu Jagruti Vedike, Shedhar Shetty Bailuguttu from the Farmers’ Association, Sudheep Kumar Shetty, president of Mani Gram Panchayat, and Alphons D’Souza Chandrashekhar, among others.
Protesters raised concerns that the power line would affect both farmers’ livelihoods and sacred religious sites in Tulu Nadu, including temples, shrines, mosques, churches, and schools. They specifically mentioned the Mijaru Gopalakrishna Temple and the Kapu Durgaparameshwari Temple near Kajambu Utsava, where the transmission line is proposed to pass, potentially harming religious sentiments and disrupting children’s education.
Farmers suggested an alternative route along the sea for about 80 km from Udupi to Kasargod, costing only Rs 1,440 crore, which would avoid affecting communities. They demanded that authorities consider this option.
During the protest, demonstrators insisted that the District Collector visit the site personally. Though the Deputy Tahsildar was sent, the protesters refused and threatened to block the Vitla-Kalladka road.
Tahsildar Manjunath successfully mediated with the protesters, who agreed to submit a formal petition. The contractors have been instructed to halt work immediately, and authorities have promised a public meeting next week with the District Collector and other officials to address the issue.
The program was chaired by Chittaranjan, with proceedings conducted by B. Deviprasad Shetty, secretary of the Vitla Sanatan Hindu Dharma and Religious Beliefs Protection Committee. Following the mass meeting at Mangalapadavu, participants conducted a procession to Ullalthi Amma shrine for collective prayers.
The protest was jointly organized by the Vitla Sanatan Hindu Dharma and Religious Beliefs Protection Committee, several Hindu organizations, social groups, and farmers’ associations. Farmers and community members from all religions participated, along with leaders of various farmers’ organizations from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.