Bantwal: IS the fate awaiting the farmers’ fraternity in taluk? The mega hydel power projects causing havoc on the farmers lives by rigorously exploiting the water resources of lifeline Netravati River. Hrutvik Hydel Project that initially tried to get a foothold in the taluk changed its entity as A M R Project that is now quietly increasing the dam height to further one-and-a-half meter at Sarapady, near Bantwal. Meanwhile, the people living on the banks of Netravati River are distressed over heightening the dam as several farmers have already lost their fertile farmlands owing to building the dam at the first instance.
The farmers living near the dam at Sarapady are likely to be driven to the street, as the catchment areas are likely to flood their household, due to heightened dam. The engineers of said company quietly carried out survey in their locality and for the namesake convened a meeting with the farmers.
Company trying to fool the locals..??
The company has increased the height of dam from 18.6 meters to 19.50 meters without the knowledge of local farmers. The local farmers alleged that the company is trying to take the locals for granted by fooling them in taking away their fertile farmlands, during the meeting held at their locality.
Gram Panchayat unconcerned:
A M R Power was trying to strengthen its foothold in the neighborhood, it began to buy the neighboring farmlands for cheap rates by exploiting the economically weaker tiny farmers. It has blown away all the assurances for including the farmers in their prosperity, while in a latest move; it has been trying to further boost its revenue at the cost of farmers. The locals also express their anguish over the displaced families struggle Committee that staged united struggled in the past against A M R Power backed off suspiciously.
There are several farmers who have not got any compensation for the farmlands acquired by A M R Power, owing to which the elected representatives governing village council shun to come into their locality. The locals allege that either the village council is helping A M R Power in its quest or a mute spectator owing to its helplessness.
Assurances gone in winds:
What happened to the assurances of rural development? The locals say that A M R Power assured to develop roads, provide drinking water and electricity to the household families in the neighbourhood when it was beginning to set a foothold in their locality. All that has gone in the winds now and it is illegally increasing the height of the dam disregarding the interest of household families living in the vicinity. The inundated farmlands prove the disregard of A M R Power to struggling farmers.
The mini hydel project that was initially began its operation in the neighborhood gradually changed into A M R Power, Hrutvik Hydel Project that has changed into Micro Power Project, all convey the conspiracy. It’s owing to the inefficiency of department officials, the project is expanding irresponsibly but brightening their stronghold and future. Its significant that increasing the height of the dam proves this. Several turbines are generating electricity besides its supplying water to mega industries in far-flung Mangalore city. The farmers are distressed over this and urge the government to lay emphasis on their interest.
Industries to be blamed:
The handiwork is underway to de-stabilize entire farming area of Dakshina Kannada (DK) district by setting up several industries in the district, alleges Sarapady Ashok Shetty. The peoples awareness is essential as the industrialization will jeopardize the natural resources of DK district, the turning of Netravati River project, the proposed ultra mega thermal power plant in Niddodi, Thumbe vented dam and now A M R Power project , said Ashok and urged the locals to stage struggle without succumbing to the pressures of any political party in this regard.