Karnataka government should rethink on Yettinahole project in view of Kodagu floods: Pejawara seer

BENGALURU: Pejawar mutt seer Viswesha Theertha Swami on Wednesday called upon the state government to re-examine the proposal of Yettinahole project, which envisages to provide drinking water to Tumkur and Kolar region by diverting water from the Netravathi river, in view of Kodagu floods that has been perceived to be caused by destruction of environment at the Western Ghats.
“River diversion and afforestation are harmful. While such moves would cause calamities like Kodagu floods, the government should carefully re-examine the proposal of Yettinahole project,” the seer said at a press conference. “The government should consult both the scientists who are supporting and opposing the project and draw a conclusion.”
The swami, however, sought to clarify that that he was not against the proposal of providing drinking water to Tumkur and Kolar and said his concern was that the project would be futile as it would end up depriving water for both the plains and coastal region.
“My personal opinion is that the government should shelve the project since it would result in water scarcity for both the regions. But, it is up to the government to take a call.”
He also said that the government weigh options carefully on the findings of the K Kasturirangan report on conservation of Western Ghats. The Karnataka government has rejected report and recently conveyed to the Centre that it disagrees with the Kasturirangan-led panel report, saying that the implementation of the recommendations would be detrimental to development.
Explaining the relief measures the Pejawar mutt is proposing carryout in flood-hit Kodagu and Kerala, Vishwasaha Theertha said his mutt would spend Rs. 10 lakh each on the relief and rehabilitation works at Kodagu and Kerala.
“We will visit the regions to ensure the assistance reaches the flood victims. Building houses, restoring roads, and forestation are among other works we are planning take up,” he said.
Commenting on the prevailing political situation in Karnataka, the seer said he was not happy with the developments driven by political parties destabilising the coalition government.
“All the three parties- Congress, JD(S) and BJP- are indulging in power politics. While stability of the government is the need of the hour, all the parties are inclined on horse-trading and poaching of MLAs, which is deplorable,” he added.
Responding to query on the proposal to set up a ‘Hindu Court’ on the lines of Muslim Shariyat Court, the Pejawar seer said such courts would never have mandate to decide on cases and pass order.
Giving a account of social works his mutt is undertaking, the swami said the Pejawar mutt waw building an hospital in Bengaluru at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 crore. A residential college is coming up in Pajaka, birthplace of Madhvacharya, in Udupi. Residential colleges have been planned in Hubballi and Raichur.