Daijiworld Media Network -Udupi
Udupi, Sept 4: The villagers of Heruru – Chantharu panchayat have unanimously opposed the proposed solid and liquid resource management (SLRM) unit in Heroor Kadoli area.
A preparatory meeting was held on the issue at the Heroor school on Sunday, September 4. Villagers expressed fears of contamination of groundwater and pollution in the surrounding area.
After attending the meeting, Jnana Vasanth Shetty said, “we are all opposing the SLRM unit to set up here. We will not tolerate this to happen in a fertile area. In case they take a step forward without considering our opinions, we will legally fight against them if necessary. The Krishi Vijnana Kendra is ready to provide land for the construction of a wet waste disposal unit and therefore we will gherao the agriculture and horticulture research center. Presently, we are unwilling to listen and believe anyone and so we decided not to allow them to construct the unit here,” he said.
Anand Bhat said, “If the KVK goes ahead with the construction we the locals will gherao the Krishi Kendra. Earlier the land was with the villagers. Later, villagers donated the land to KVK for developing horticulture and greenery. If they misuse the land, we will take back the land from them.”
Uday Kamath, member, Chanthar panchayat said that, “it was an old proposal. The 2.25 acre of panchayat land was recognised, but now it is expanding to 11 acres. No one knows the actual plan. If it comes, villagers will unite and protest till the end. We are committed to fight legally to get justice.”
Baijkady Suprasad Shetty said, “let’s all unite irrespective of party and politics. There is a need to meet the local MLA and make it clear. We should not allow the this project to be implemented. If an SLRM unit is set up in a residential area, it may affect the surrounding area. Before taking the final call, villagers should oppose the project without taking any second opinion.”
Kumar Suvarna, Sunil Sooda, Ashok Heroor, Anand Bhat , Uday Kamath and others were present.