Farmers Voice Strong Objections to Transmission Line Project in Mangaluru
Farmers in Mangaluru have raised serious objections to the ongoing work of Udupi-Kasargode Transmission Limited (UKTL), which is executing the Udupi–Kasaragod 400 kV Transmission Line project. During a grievances meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV at Praja Soudha on Thursday, farmers expressed their frustrations over multiple issues related to the project.
Allegations of Unpaid Compensation and Crop Destruction
The farmers alleged that transmission towers are being installed on agricultural land even before compensation payments have been made to landowners. They further claimed that workers are destroying standing crops during the construction activities, causing significant financial losses. In response, the farmers demanded that a meeting with the company be convened at the earliest to address these pressing concerns.
Raitha Sangha leader Yadava Shetty highlighted the plight of farmers, asking whom they should approach when agricultural land is "destroyed forcibly." He emphasized that "most of the issues of the people can be solved if meetings involving the officials concerned are organised."
Demands for Case Withdrawals and Project Realignment
In addition to compensation and crop damage, farmers demanded the withdrawal of all cases filed in connection with protests against the project. One farmer stated, "Farmers grew their crops through hard work, and they should wait until they harvested them. Why should they lay the transmission line on agricultural land? The district administration and police should hold discussions and solve the issue."
Deputy Commissioner Darshan responded by noting that several meetings have already been held at the taluk and DC levels regarding the project. He clarified that enhancement of compensation does not fall under his purview, but compensation for standing crops is being provided as per farmers' demands. Darshan explained, "There is no point in holding a meeting at this phase, as the DPR was prepared about nine years ago. Hence, it is not possible to change the alignment of the transmission line when 90% of the work is complete."
UKTL's Clarification on Compliance and Compensation
Meanwhile, UKTL issued a release stating that all project activities are being carried out in strict compliance with applicable laws, state regulations, government notifications, and directions from the district administration. The company addressed misconceptions regarding compensation, asserting that "UKTL consistently makes every effort to engage with and align landowners through transparent dialogue."
The release emphasized that "the integrity of our processes — particularly those relating to Right of Way (RoW) and compensation — remains paramount." UKTL stated that compensation is determined strictly in accordance with legal provisions, with 100% of the amount disbursed to landowners prior to work commencement and upon execution of formal agreements. Their objective is to ensure timely project completion while addressing genuine concerns within the legal framework.
Permission for Protests Near Praja Soudha
Yadava Shetty also sought permission for organisations to hold protests near Praja Soudha, arguing that "it is a right of all organisations to hold protests for demands, but it is curtailed in the district." He pointed out that Dakshina Kannada district has a tradition of protests in front of the DC office and questioned why this right has been restricted.
DC Darshan clarified that there are no restrictions on submitting memorandums, with many organisations doing so personally or through officials. However, due to multiple departments functioning in the Praja Soudha complex, allowing mass gatherings for extended periods is not feasible. He added that he would ask DCP (law and order) Mithun to identify a designated location for organisations to protest.
