Describing it as another project that will destroy the lush environment of the region, several members of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) and other Christian organisations on Saturday pledged their opposition to 4,000-MW Ultra Mega Power Plant at Niddodi. Nearly 300 people marched from Bendoorwell Church to DC Office, registering their opposition through hundreds of placards that read: “Save Niddodi, Save Karavali”, among others.
The organisation also launched signature and postcard campaigns. They will be sent to the Chief Minister and Union Ministers.
“We’re not against development…but we need responsible development in the rich, fertile lands of our district,” said Daryll D’Souza, Editor of the youth magazine Amcho Yuvak, adding that the government should instead focus on non-polluting, renewable sources of energy.
In their memorandum, ICYM has said that damage has already been done in the district by institutions such as MRPL, BASF and UPCL.
A total of 113 parishes from the district, 49 from Udupi and other Christian groups participated in the protest.