Mangalore : Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul DSouza has fully supported the “Save Niddodi Movement” spearheaded by the Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samithi  to oppose the setting up of the proposed 4000 mw ultra mega  thermal power project  in Niddodi village of Moodbidri.

The Bishop met the office bearers and representatives of the Samithi at the Bishop House on August 8, Thursday. During the meeting, the Samithi office bearers drew the attention of the Bishop towards the drastic consequences in case the project was implemented.

“This is a people oriented movement to save the land, greenery and the healthy ecology of the rural scenario. We need to protest against  such  projects which would take away our cultivation, nature and identity of farmers. We need to stop such projects from their very inception lest we should lose our battle.   I congratulate you, the people of the locality who are extremely cautious in-spite of the fact that no official information is shared with you with regard to UMPP’’the Bishop told the Samithi leaders.

He also exhorted them to remain united and fight against the project transcending all barriers of caste, creed and religion. “We are fully with you in your people oriented movement and I have already expressed this to the members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and requested the support.  If God is with us no one can be against us in this movement,” the Bishop said.

The representatives of the Samithi thanked the Bishop for extending support to the movement and urged him to draw the attention of the state and Central Governments towards the fears and demands of the parishioners of Niddodi, Sampige, Kateel, Kinnigoli, Kirem, Pakshikere, Mulky, Neerude, Ferar, Moodbidri  and other places.

Speaking on the occasion, Alphonse D’Souza, President of Mathrubhoomi Samrakshana Samithi said “We need our land, fields and the green nature.  No amount of incentives and promises will change our mind and outlook.”

Valerian Sequeira, Director of the Samithi said the people will take oath in their respective temples, mosques and churches to support the movement and not to part with the land.”Every house will attach a sticker in front showing their voluntary support to the “Save Niddodi Movement,” he added.

Poovappa Gowda, Executive President of the Samithi said “We are united and we will be united in this fight till the end.”

The Bishop also pledged his support to a huge protest to be organized in Moodbidri  in the days to come.Vinodhara Suvarna, Secretary of the Samithi and others were present.