Activist Dhiraj Shetty announced that the campaign against the Yettinahole project will intensify in the coming days. He made the statement after meeting Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary Mithun Rai in Moodbidri on Friday.
Meeting with Mithun Rai
During the meeting, Shetty and other activists raised concerns about the environmental and social impact of the Yettinahole drinking water project. Rai reportedly assured them of facilitating a meeting with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar soon to discuss their demands.
Shetty said the activists are seeking a comprehensive review of the project, which aims to divert water from the Western Ghats to arid regions of Karnataka. They argue that the project could disrupt local ecosystems and displace communities.
Background of the Project
The Yettinahole project, proposed by the Karnataka government, is designed to provide drinking water to drought-prone districts like Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and parts of Tumakuru. However, environmentalists and local groups from the Mangaluru region have opposed it, citing potential damage to forests and water sources.
According to official estimates, the project is expected to cost over ₹13,000 crore and supply 24.26 TMC of water annually. Critics say the project lacks proper environmental impact assessments and violates the rights of local communities.
Escalation of Protests
Shetty said the campaign will include public meetings, awareness drives, and legal challenges. “We will not stop until the government addresses our concerns. The project must be transparent and sustainable,” he said.
Activists have also sought a meeting with the Chief Minister to present a memorandum listing their objections. Rai’s assurance of arranging the meeting has given them hope for a dialogue.
The intensification of the campaign comes amid growing opposition from various quarters, including farmers and tribal groups in the Western Ghats region.
