Expressing their opposition to the proposed 24-MW mini-hydro power project in Urumbi near Kadaba, Puttur taluk, across the Kumaradhara River, the Kumaradhara Parisara Samrakshana Samiti has written to the Chief Minister asking him to scrap the project to save the environment.
Justifying their demand, the committee has said the project would adversely affect the reserved forest area around it, while also having consequences on the Western Ghats, which is recognised as a biodiversity hot spot.
Moreover, because of the submersion area and the acquisition of agricultural land, nearly 1,500 families would be displaced or lose their livelihoods, claimed the committee in their letter to the Chief Minister. The committee also alleged that Kukke Hydro Power Project Private Ltd. – a subsidiary of Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd. which is executing the project – has “resorted to intimidation of locals”, while also bringing out false documents to underplay the effects of the project. The committee, headed by N. Karunakara Gogate, has expressed fear that the ‘unscientific’ sanctioning of eight hydel projects on the river would affect water availability for drinking and agricultural purposes.
