Govt should study Yettinahole ground realities: Yeddyurappa

Former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has demanded that the State government study the ground realities in the surrounding area of the proposed Yettinahole project.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, the BJP leader said that the fight opposing the project should convince the real problems of drinking water. “The issue should not become a cause for political brawl. The protest should not be for the sake of opposing the project. The concern for the people who suffer should be the issue of debate,” he advised.

He added that chief ministers, including Veerappa Moily, are accountable for the outcome of projects.

He alleged that the State government has initiated the business in the area before studying the implications.

‘Beyond decorum’
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje has said that the statement made by Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake has crossed the barriers of decorum.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, the MP alleged that the minister had lost morality owing to his behaviour in safeguarding the accused who attempted to sexually assault the daughter of the maidservant who worked at the house of the minister. She said the minister should be aware of levels of modesty required to be displayed in public domain.

The MP added that State government had failed to ensure proper compensation packages to the farmers and was alleging the Central government for all its misdeeds.

She said the State government should mention the amount spent under the central calamity relief fund. Karandlaje said that if the State government released the funds for the farmers, it would be the responsibility of the BJP Parliamentarians in the State to convince the Central government to reimburse the amount spent on farmers.

Responding to a query on the proposed extension of the coal-based Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) thermal power project, Karandlaje said the company had failed to carry out its CSR responsibilities. Protection of the environment being the prime concern, the company should come up with plans that cause no harm to the environment in its surroundings, she said, and added that the company, before embarking on the second phase of the project, should make clear of the commitments it assured to the people, including fishermen in the region.