Bengaluru :Thousands of students today took out a march in protest against the controversial Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project, which according to them will pose a threat to the Nethravati river, the lifeline of Dakshina Kannada district.
Students of various colleges went on strike in response to the call given by All-College Students’ Association (ACSA). The agitation began with a massive rally from Dr Ambedkar Circle to Deputy Commissioner’s office, where a protest meeting was held.
Addressing the protesters, Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji of Kemar Math said every student must support the call for the welfare of the people of Dakshina Kannada.
“Nethravati is God’s river. Earthquakes and tsunamis are the result of human errors. We should strive to stop the project no matter who has taken the decision to implement it,” he said.
Vicar General of Mangaluru diocese Denis Moras Prabhu said the water coming from the Nethravati river was the lifeline of the people of Dakshina Kannada. “Let the ministers provide water to other districts, but without snatching the rights of our people.”
The project meant to supply water to water-starved districts of Hassan, Bangalore Rural, and Chikkaballapur by diverting water of Netravati river in Dakshina Kannada.
PTI