Mangalore : Dinesh Holla, Convener of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya said that the elected representatives of the district have cheated the people with the fake promise of stopping the Nethravathi River Diversion project.

He was addressing the protest organized by Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya under the slogan ‘Nethravathi Tiruvu – Swathanthrayada Kalavu’ near the Nehru Maidan on August 15, where the 68th Independence Day celebration was organized by the district administration.

Holla also said that, prior to the election, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and District in charge minister had assured to stop the project but now they are silent on the issue.

He also said the over 25 like-minded organizations will submit the third and final representation to the elected representatives and the government.

He warned the Government to hold violent protest if the fail to announce to drop the project by October 2.

The protestors also said to block the roads and streets in the coming days.

Speaking on the occasion, Educationist M G Hegde criticized government for not convening a public meeting to discuss on the project.

Members from various organizations had gathered at Mahatma Gandhi Park in front of Town Hall to render their support to the protest organized by Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya opposing Nethravathi River Diversion project.

Environment activist Kateel Dinesh Pai, said that the government is planning to spend people’s money to draw 24 TMC of water from Nethravati river.

He also said that, if our district in-charge minister and Minister for Forest B Ramanath Rai have concern towards environment and people of Dakshina Kannada then he can stop the project.

Speaking on the sidelines, District-in-Charge Minister B Ramanath Rai assured the people not to implement Nethravathi River Diversion project.

He also said that, Dakshina Kannada is the only district to oppose the project, while eight districts are demanding it. He also assured to urge the government to find an alternative project like Pashchima Vahini for water supply to dry areas.