Shivamogga: Former DCM KS Eshwarappa Thursday demanded that the state govt explain allegations that Rs 380 crore was released for Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project before tenders were finalised.Eshwarappa referred to energy minister KJ George’s statement suggesting that certain politicians were misleading the public to protect 25 acres of land allegedly encroached upon by influential politicians.Eshwarappa said that if anyone has encroached upon 25 acres, the govt should immediately confiscate the land and take legal action regardless of who is involved.However, he warned the govt against using the land dispute to divert attention from the project’s financial questions. He reiterated that despite presenting documents on the Rs 380 crore pre-tender release, the govt has failed to provide a satisfactory reply.He said he would continue his opposition to the project and raise the issue at an upcoming convention in Bengaluru as well as at Bangaramakki temple in Gerusoppa of Honnavar taluk, where the project site is located.On the controversy over the national song Vande Mataram, Eshwarappa said politicising the song was unnecessary and inappropriate.‘Need wider public consultation on Kasturirangan Report’Addressing the Kasturirangan Report on the Western Ghats ahead of a meeting in Thirthahalli to be presided over by CM DK Shivakumar, KS Eshwarappa said the govt must gather feedback from the general public and local organisations, rather than restricting discussions to select groups. He clarified that the current draft is only the seventh iteration and not the final decision, and confirmed that a statewide strategy involving public protests and legal action would be finalised after an environmental satyagraha in Bengaluru.
