Another dam, another issue

The Bedti hydro-electric project in Karnataka is in the midst of another controversy. The project, which was scrapped in the early 1980s following protests from farmers and environmentalists, is being considered by the state afresh.

Environmentalists had won the first round when, under immense pressure, the Karnataka Power Corporation (KPQ postponed the opening of,,tenders called for executing the project. Over 2,000 people had demonstrated outside the KPC premises.

While chief minister S Bangarappa has sworn allegiance to the project, his environment minister B Basavalingappa has said he is personally "opposed to the Bedti project that will destroy virgin forests for the sake of electricity." Former chief minister R Gundu Rao and opposition leaders from the Janata Dal have also joined ranks with the protesters.

Meanwhile, another environmental protest is threatening to stall the Sharavati Tail Race hydro-electric project in the state. Led by a local agency, Horata Samiti, environmentalists have filed a case in the Supreme Court.