Mangaluru : The different faiths People and communities took part in the all-religion prayer service held on Tuesday near the Netravathi Bridge here in support of the agitation demanding the stoppage of Yettinahole diversion project.

A large number of people took part in the programme organised by the Ullal unit of Netravathi Samrakshana Samiti. Kolya sri Ramananda seer handed over the flag Ullal unit President Ravindra Shetty Harekala, Ulidottu on the occasion, People marched from the Thokkottu New Bus Stand to the bridge, where they carried out prayers.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajashekarananda Swami of Gurupura Vajradehi Mutt said malnutrition and other health problems faced by residents of Kolar, Chikkaballapura and other arid regions will be also be faced by people of this region if the diversion took place.

Principal of Al-Furkan Arabic Institute Maulana Yayyah Tangal Maudany said all religious texts consider harm to natural resources as sin. Politicians should go through their respective texts and not allow the project that causes extensive harm to the Netravathi and to the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. Dean John Baptist D’Souza from Mangalore Diocese also spoke.

Women took part in large numbers in the event. Around 30 fishermen, who attended the programme, came in two boats in from Adaman Kudru. They stood in the river by holding banners against Yettinahole project.