Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said on Tuesday that the Nethravati river diversion project and Yettinahole drinking water project could have long-term environmental impact in Dakshina Kannada district. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the “Laksha Vriksha” campaign organised by the Department of Forests here.
Mr. Sorake said he had spoken to scientists and experts about the Nethravati river diversion project and all of them had expressed their reservations about the scheme.
Such a scheme might even lead to lands becoming barren in Dakshina Kannada. Hence such projects should be thought out properly before they were implemented, he said.
Goa and Kerala had managed to get relaxation in the implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. It was essential that the State government approached the Union government and sought the extension of the same norms as were prevailing in Goa and Kerala.
Minister for Forests and Environment B. Ramanath Rai said it was essential to create awareness about protection of forests among the people. There would be a sustained campaign for the next months throughout the State to encourage people to plant saplings.
