Dakshina Kannada industry bodies oppose plan to divert Nethravathi River

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Trade and industry bodies in Dakshina Kannada district have extended their support to the bandh call given by some organisations against the proposal to divert the Nethravathi River on March 3.

Some like-minded organisations in the district say that the river diversion project has been named as Yettinahole Project.

A joint statement by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Kanara Small Industries Association (KSIA) and the District Small Industries Association (DSIA) said here on Saturday that the Nethravathi is the lifeline of Dakshina Kannada district in the coastal region. However, the Karnataka Government has taken a unilateral decision to divert the river to some of the districts surrounding Bangalore.

The Government should take everyone into confidence before initiating such programmes that impact the interests of certain regions. The Government should hold consultations with experts, and trade and industry bodies before taking any steps on such major projects, the statement said.

If the Government fails to respect the sentiments of the people of the region, the three industry bodies — KCCI, KSIA and DSIA — will be forced to participate in the bandh call given by certain organisations on March 3, the statement said.