Mangaluru : Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya, which has been spearheading an agitation against the diversion of water from the Nethravati, has opposed the inauguration of the World Tulu Parba (festival) by the former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily.

Dinesh Holla said that Mr. Moily was the main architect of the Yettinahole Porject which would destroy the very peaceful living of the people of the region.

If the programme went ahead without change, Tulu Parba, would constitute an insult to the river, which was akin to Tulu cultural deities and spirits worshipped in the region. Stating that Mr. Moily had no moral right to take part in the event, he condemned the idea of Mr. Moily inaugurating the event.

He however clarified that he was not opposed to the World Tulu Parba, which was very much required to ensure that Tulu culture and tradition, language, land and rivers remained without harm.

The diversion of the Nethravati was the biggest threat to that culture, he observed. He has also expressed unhappiness over the choice of the venue – Sahyadri College at Adyar.