The Major Irrigation Department will soon make a presentation by experts on the Yettinahole project to clarify doubts and dispel apprehensions of people in Dakshina Kannada, said B. Ramanath Rai, district in-charge Minister.
This project, which proposes to divert water from the streams joining Netravati river to parched regions of Kolar, Chickballapur and Bengaluru Rural, is being opposed by activists who fear the river, a lifeline to the region, may dry up.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the special women’s ward at the Government Lady Goschen Hospital here on Saturday, Mr. Rai said few from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi turned up for the presentation at Bengaluru held a few days ago. “We want more people to see the presentation by experts. Dates for this presentation will be decided in the next few days,” he said, commenting on the protest organised by Sahyadri Samrakshana Vedike, a group of activists led by artist Dinesh Holla.
According to experts, said Mr. Rai, the project proposes to divert water from the four streams joining the Netravati. The experts have said the diversion will be done during the rainy months (between May and September), which will not affect the flow of the The Netravatii. “People here still have apprehensions about the project. We need to clear it,” he said.
Law and order
Mr. Rai said the State government, if required, would take steps including the transfer of police officers, to maintain law and order in Mangalore and other parts of Dakshina Kannada. He said the murder of 10 persons in the last few days in the region was a matter of concern. A meeting with police officers was held last week to review the situation. He also said that he had discussed with Chief Minister the need to increase the strength of policemen.
