Mangalore: The Matsyagandha Express of Konkan Railway was held up for 15minutes on way, from Mangalore Port to Udupi (Yellur), for carrying coal deposits meant for Udupi Power Corporation on June 1, Wednesday, by protesters who alleged that the Railway authorities were not following the guidelines of pollution centrol board in regard to fly-ash contaminating local fields, waters and greenery.
As coal catches fire quickly, carrying it in large quantities in open wagons wa considered dangerous, the protestors stated. It vitiated the local atmosphere and threatens public life, they added.
If adequate steps were not taken to stop such illegal transportation of fire-catching mineral like coal, the agitation would be intensified hereafter warned the people who stopped the train. Nandikur Jan Jagruthi Samithi and Karnataka Rajya Railtha Sangha Volunteers(over 200 people) submitted a memorandum to the Udupi station master and superintendent of Railways.
Nagesh Bhat(Nandikur JJS), Shashidhar shetty (former GP Chief) and Neetha Gururaj( foermer z P member) of Yellur led the agitators and urged the authorities not to repeat mistakes made in coal transportation apenly.