Mangaluru: With the Nethravathi Rakshana Samyukta Vedike sharpening its protest against Yettinahole project, District In-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai has responded to it saying that it’s not possible to stop the project as the work is already under progress.

Speaking in a press conference on Monday at Circuit House, Mangaluru, he said that, the State government had called the protestors for a meeting, but they did not attend it giving various reasons.

“If the people protesting against the project want to halt it then let them proceed with the adjournment motion, we will discuss it in the Assembly. I’ll myself speak to the Chief Minister regarding the project,” he said.

“I won’t speak to get publicity. I always speak the truth and the truth is that, there is no harm for Dakshina Kannada in terms of water resources if Yettinahole project is implemented. I will not comment on others as backing it or not supporting it are their personal views,” he added.

Commenting on the water scarcity in Mangaluru city he said that, the district administration has put its hundred percent efforts to provide drinking water to the public. The people have supported us to overcome water scarcity.

He further said that, the main reason behind water scarcity is the decrease in rainfall by 21 percent last year. The MCC has sincerely worked on bringing water to the Mangaluru city.

“The work on the new vented dam at Thumbe will be completed by next month,” he said.

Health Minister U T Khader, Mayor Harinath, Sudheer Shetty and others were present.