NewsKarnataka-Bantwal

Bantwal : Farmers of Bantwal too have filed their strong objection to the proposed Mangalore, Hassan, Mysore, Solur HPCL gas pipeline project.  A meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner AB Ibrahim at the Stree Shakti Auditorium on February 28, Friday was boycotted by the farmers opposing the stance of the HPCL.

As scheduled, the meeting had commenced at 10 am.  Farmers and landlords from 11 villages of the taluk had attended the meeting. Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner informed that the gas pipeline will pass through Pilathabettu, Kavalamudur, Kavalapadur, Moodupadukodi, Kadabettu, Moodanadugodu,  Panjikallu, Arala, Tenkabellur, Badagabellur and Kariangala villages. He also assured that the district administration would protect the interests of landlords.

Ravikiran Punacha, Chief Convenor of the Action Committee who stood up to speak on the occasion,  questioned whether the  company was misleading the Deputy Commissioner or the DC was misleading the farmers.  This infuriated the DC who questioned Punacha for the same.

When Punacha said he was speaking on behalf of the farmers. all participants stood in support of him and  put forth a unanimous demand to drop the project. They alleged that the DC was once again interested in acquiring land for the project despite the farmers making clear their stance.

He asked all farmers who are against the project to stage a walkout and moved out of the meeting. He was followed by others.

Later the DC directed the Special Land Acquisition Officer to go ahead with land acquisition as per the rules.

Nagaraj, Krishnamurthi, Special Land Acquisition Officer Malleswami, Tahsildar and HPCL officials were present.