Mangalore : The agitation against the proposed 4000 mw thermal power plant at Niddodi in Moodbidri, has gained strength with Mangalore Bishop Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza pledging support for the Save Niddodi Movement.

The office bearers of the Mathru Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi which is  in the lead in fighting against the proposed project,  met the Bishop at Bishop House in Mangalore on Augst 8, Thursday. The Bishop during his interaction with the Samithi office bearers said he fully pledged his support for the cause. We need to stop such projects from their very inception, the Bishop said  and praised the Samithi  for deciding to fight against the project.

He also stressed the need for people to fight against the project irrespective of religion or creed. The Samithi members also appealed to the Bishop to highlight the problems which people of Niddodi, Sampige, Kateel, Kinnigoli, Kirem, Pakshikere, Mulky, Neerude, Ferar, Moodbidri etc. would face, with the  state as well central governments.

Alphonse D’Souza, President of the Samithi said no incentive or promise would change their mind.

Valerian Sequeira, Director of MSS said  people of all faiths will take oaths in their religious shrines against the project and pledging support for the movements. Stickers showing voluntary  support to the stir will also be pasted in front of every house, he added.

Poovappa Gowda, Executive President of the Samithi, Vinodhara Suvarna, Secretary and others were present.