Date:29/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/29/stories/2005082902241300.htm

Back `Eco activists impeding industrial activity in coastal Karnataka'

Our Bureau

Mangalore , Aug. 28

THE former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr Veerappa Moily, has said that industrialists have not come forward to establish any industry in the coastal districts of Karnataka for the last several years due to resistance by environmentalists.

In a letter to the Karnataka Chief Minister - copies of which were released to the press here on Sunday - he said that environmental organisations are opposing the implementation of small, medium and large industries in the name of environment protection. The district administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi should take strict action to prevent any inconvenience to investors, he said.

Condemning the recent attack on the office of Nagarjuna Power Corporation Ltd at Udupi, he said that the State Government should take necessary action to ensure the smooth implementation of the project in Udupi district.

All of those concerned, including the district administration, should be given directions to curb such incidents.

Unless the Government takes action to prevent any inconvenience to investors, no industrialist will come forward to invest in coastal Karnataka, he said.

Stating that Karnataka has been suffering from acute power shortage, he said steps should be taken to augment the capacity.

He congratulated the Government for taking steps towards capacity addition through new power projects.