Latest news with #SunandaJayaram
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Preliminary work begins at KRS dam despite opposition
Mandya: Despite strong opposition from farmers, locals, and various organisations, preliminary work on the controversial Cauvery Aarti project has commenced quietly at Brindavan Gardens in the near Mysuru. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This development sparked fresh outrage among stakeholders, particularly given the assurances made by the district administration just days earlier. During a meeting on Friday, in the zilla panchayat, district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy acknowledged the widespread opposition to the Rs 92 crore project. He praised the united stand by farmers and local groups and assured that the matter would be taken up with the deputy chief minister and chief minister before proceeding further. However, contradicting those assurances, groundwork for the project began over the weekend. Workers from Gadag and Hassan have been engaged on-site, for the past three days. The area earmarked for the project is located near the boathouse. When this reporter from TOI visited KRS on Monday, it came to light that initial activities as tree felling, and land levelling have already started. When questioned, one of the workers confirmed, "We have been working here for the last three days for the Cauvery Aarti project. " There are nearly 20 to 25 workers involved in the preliminary work. As part of the preliminary work, a few trees have already been cut. Farmer leader Sunanda Jayaram, who has been at the forefront of the opposition expressed deep disappointment over the sudden developments. Upon learning that the work was ongoing on Monday, she contacted the district minister, who once again promised immediate action to halt the project, she said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, even after her call in the morning, preliminary work, including marking, reportedly continued unabated. Speaking to TOI, Sunanda Jayaram said, "During Friday's meeting, the minister assured us that the govt would not proceed without consulting the DCM and CM. But on Monday, we saw work had already begun. I called the district minister immediately, and he assured us that he would stop the work. If this continues, we will be forced to protest in front of the dam. We don't need a project that puts the safety of the dam and the environment at risk. Mysugar factory revival and Agriculture University by district minister Chaluvarayaswamy we welcomed, but this projects are against the people and environment, and hence we are opposing it. If the work still continues, we will stage an indefinite protest at the KRS dam," she said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Opposition to Cauvery Aarti & amusement park at KRS grows
Mandya: Public opposition is growing over govt-proposed development projects at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, with concerns raised about potential threats to its structural integrity and the surrounding environment. Farmer leaders, local residents and environmental advocates are voicing strong resistance, accusing the authorities of ignoring public sentiment and risking the safety of a critical water infrastructure. Activists said they are not going to permit Cauvery Aarti and an amusement park at KRS Dam. During a meeting held at Kaveri Hall, district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy faced criticism from farmer leaders, including Sunanda Jayaram. The meeting, intended to discuss the proposed Cauvery Aarti and an amusement park near the dam, quickly turned contentious. Jayaram issued a stern warning to the state govt, saying, "This is a struggle for the next generation. We will not allow this project under any circumstances. " Locals echoed this sentiment, questioning the transparency of the decision-making and demanding to know who was consulted before planning the project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo Notably, the absence of the deputy chief minister drew criticism. "He will not be allowed to come," some attendees said, demanding accountability and the presence of all representatives concerned, including the local Member of Parliament. Environmental concerns were also at the forefront. Residents warned of potential water and air pollution near the dam and challenged the legitimacy of any environmental impact assessments conducted. The proposal to hold a camphor aarti and invest Rs 100 crore in cultural and beautification drew sharp scrutiny. "Who asked for a cultural programme near the dam?" asked one attendee, criticising the project as unnecessary and wasteful. Allegations of political inconsistency were directed at MLAs from Pandavapura and Srirangapatna, with claims they shift their stance based on the audience. After the meeting, Cheluvarayaswamy said strong opposition was voiced against both the Cauvery Aarti and amusement park components. He said no construction or development work has begun and reassured the public that further consultations would be held before any final decision is made. "The farmers have said 'no' for now, but may agree later," the minister remarked, indicating that the matter remains open for discussion. He emphasised the govt's intent to resolve the issue peacefully and collaboratively, stating: "There is no intention to force anything here."
