Hundreds of Mangaluru cyclists would lend their voice and support to the Dakshina Kannada bandh on Thursday in protest against the ongoing Yettinahole water diversion project and the larger Netravathi river diversion project.
The Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC), which has been organising several such green initiatives, has taken the lead in organising the Save Netravathi Protest Ride. As of now, 51 members have confirmed their participation while 24 are keen on joining the ride even as many more are expected to take a call by late tonight, according to MBC.
Members of Mangalore Cycling Club (MACC) too would be joining the ride. Members of both the clubs had participated in a Save Netravathi Ride from the city to Netravathi’s confluence with the Arabian Sea at Ullal on October 4 last.
MBC said it has been receiving queries from hundreds of cyclists of Mangaluru, who are concerned about the adverse impact of Yettinahole project on the Western Ghats and water sources, about the protest ride. Responding to cyclists’ query as to whether the ride would be on in the event of rain, MBC has said “We shall ride whatsoever and show our solidarity with the environment.”
Route
The ride would start at 6 a.m. in front of the City Corporation Office at Lalbagh and move via Urvastore, Lady Hill, PVS Circle, Bunts’ Hostel, Balmatta Road, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Hampankatte Circle, M.G. Road, V.T. Road, Car Street, Dongerkery Road, and PVS Circle and culminate at the starting point. The ride would cover about a dstance of 12 km.
