Speakers at the meeting organised by the Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore (ACICM) at the Institution of Engineers, declared that they would continue their struggle against mining in the forest until the Cabinet declared succinctly that the decision taken at its earlier meeting was “null and void”.
MP Vishwanath, who was present at the meeting, lamented that the political parties have failed to create platforms against burning issues. This has forced the private organisations to take up the cudgels.
He termed CM’s reply to the poser of Gundlupet MLA H S Mahadevaprasad in the Session on mining issue as a ‘tricky answer’ that lacks clarity and commitment. The CM had replied that he had not given permission for mining at 11 square kms (coming under Gundlupet constituency) of the total 32 square kms of land allowed for mining at Bolegowdanakatte.
The activists came down heavily on the announcement of the Chief Minister that he had not given permission for mining at Bolegowdanakatte even as the government had announced that mining would be permitted in some areas including Bolegowdanakatte.
Vishwanath said Union Minister of State for Forests and Environment Jairam Ramesh has convened a second round of meeting o f MPs to discuss issues related to western ghats on April 16. The first round was held three days ago. When the issue of Bolegowdanakatte was brought to his notice along with Chamarajanagar MP R Dhruvanarayan, the Minister had written a letter to the Chief Minister.
In his reply, Yeddyurappa had asserted that his government has taken no such decision.
Writer Horeyala Doreswamy alleged that the government was trying to divert the attention of the people in the garb of assuaging the feelings. Gowdike Channappa, a villager from Depegowdanahalli located just a kilometre away from Bolegowdanakatte, in an emotional speech, declared he will lay down his life fighting against mining in the
ACICM convener M Lakshmana demanded that the government revoke the Cabinet decision.