Mangaluru: Western Ghats-Nethravati Conservation and Research Forum (WG-NCRF) Saturday launched a mass signature campaign in the city, alleging that the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project is causing ecological damage to Nethravati River and the Western Ghats ecosystem and seeking greater protection for both.Addressing reporters, forum convener Adithya Shetty said the campaign seeks public support for an open letter to elected representatives from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts.According to Shetty, the initiative aims to raise awareness about what the forum describes as ecological damage caused by the Yettinahole project, while empowering local communities and advocating environmental justice.“The Nethravati has been the lifeline of Tulu civilisation for more than 3,000 years. However, the implementation of the Yettinahole project reflects a failure to recognise the rights and concerns of people living along the coast, in the river’s catchment areas and in the foothills of the Western Ghats,” he said.Shetty added that the forum had approached Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta on the issue and was awaiting his response.The forum alleged that substantial public funds had been spent over the past 14 years on works that several experts and activists consider unscientific. It plans to mobilise people across Karnataka to demand immediate govt intervention to prevent further degradation of the Western Ghats and its water sources.The signature campaign will conclude on Aug 15, after which the open letter carrying the collected signatures will be submitted to elected representatives from all 10 districts.
