Mangalore : I am not in favour of any project that would harm environment.  A decision would be taken on Niddodi thermal power project only after  eliciting the views of the public, said State Minister for Environment and Forests and District in-charge Minister Ramanatha Rai.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the  launching of the Ksheera Bhagya  scheme on August 1, Thursday. Rai further said any project which instills fears in public mind should not be implemented. There is a need to go ahead after  understanding the problems of the people and after ensuring that environment is not harmed, he observed.

He also threw light on the various movements launched against mega projects in the district in the past and added there should be no such thing as happened in Ellur where people who opposed the project turned out to be its supporters later on.

Asked why the government has still failed to  adopt a clear stand on Niddodi project despite opposition from people, the minister said though the project was put forth in 2006 itself, serious discussions need to be held.

On the recent incident wherein a Congress delegation which visited Niddodi was chased away, Rai said  he was  not informed regarding the meeting and that the district Congress did not send any team.