Newkarnataka – Mangalore

Mangalore: The  bundh call given by several like-minded organizations in Dakshina Kannada district  opposing the implementation of the Netravathi Diversion Project on March 3, Monday, has  evoked a good response  in the city.

The private vehicles that were approaching towards Mangalore, from Kottara Chowki had been sent back whereas the public transportation has also been disrupted as tyres were burnt and roads were blocked to maintain the bundh, there were also incidents of stone pelting at buses at places like Kodialbail and Adyar, but no major damage has been done. At a few places the police booths were toppled on the way towards Agnes College Road.

The roads are wearing a deserted look  and most of the shops and business establishments are closed.

A number of policemen have been deployed at various locations to maintain   law and order around the city. Security measures have been taken by the district administration.

Agitating over the river diversion Project more than 70 organizations have  extended their support for the bundh call given under the leadership of the Karavali Jeevanadi Netravathi Rakshana Samithi. They have urged that Nethravathi is the lifeline of Dakshina Kannada district in the coastal region. However, the Karnataka Government has taken a unilateral decision to divert the river to some of the districts surrounding Bangalore.