Politicians against Yettinahole project, but absent at stir

: A majority of politicians cutting across party lines in Dakshina Kannada district kept away from the road block stir against the Rs 13,000 crore Yettinahole river diversion project at nearby Uppinangady.
Most of the leaders, including Congress MLA representing Mangaluru South, J R Lobo and BJP MLC Ganesh Karnik had earlier spoken out against the project that reportedly poses a threat to Nethravati river, the lifeline of the district and Western Ghats, but were conspicuously absent yesterday at the protest venue.
Only BJP MP representing Dakshina Kannada Nalin Kumar Kateel joined the protest.
Nethravati Nadi Tiruvu Yojaneya Virodhi Horata Samiti convenor Niranjan Rai told reporters they were dismayed by the statements of MLAs representing the district expressing their 'helplessness' on the issue.

He said if MLAs did not raise their voice against the project in the assembly, people who voted for them would be forced to do so to convince them about the reality.
Rai reminded them that the earlier government led by B S Yeddyurappa had dropped the proposal for a thermal power project in Mysuru after four BJP MLAs threatened to resign.

Environmental activist Kishore Shirady, who was also present, said there was no question of allowing projects that would cause harm to the Western Ghats.
Muslim religious leader Mohammed Darimi said people who come out on the streets following slaughter of cows and assault of couples from inter-community faiths, should fight with the same intensity on issues concerning nature and destruction of ecology.

Seers of Odiyoor Mutt, Maanila Mutt, and Vajaradehi Mutt were also present.