Mangaluru: About 6,000 people have voiced their opinion against the Yettinahole drinking water project through missed calls during the last two days as part of a novel campaign launched by activists who are drumming up support to stop the project and contain damage to the Western Ghats.
Activists and residents of Dakshina Kannada district decided to document public outrage and submit the results of this novel campaign to representatives of the Union and state governments.
They argue that a diversion of the river Netravati would have an adverse effect on the flow of the river as well as the flora and fauna of Western Ghats. “The government has not bothered to gauge the opinion of local people about this project. We wanted to feel the pulse of the people. This campaign will help us in knowing the real strength of opposition to the project. This campaign would help even those who do not want to be identified with protestors in public. It would help to know how many people are really concerned about nature and how many of them want to oppose the project," a key activist told Deccan Chronicle adding “This is a campaign planned by activists.
The result is monitored regularly. We are happy with the good response. The results of campaign will be submitted to PM Narendra Modi and Union minister for environment and forests, Madhav Dave.”
