Udupi Residents Stage Protest Against Proposed Dog Shelter Location
Residents from the villages of Uppoor, Havanje, and Aroor in Udupi district gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's office on Friday to voice their strong opposition to a proposed dog shelter planned for Uppoor. The protest highlighted significant community concerns over the selection process and the potential impact of the facility.
Lack of Public Consultation Sparks Outrage
The demonstrators expressed frustration that the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) had chosen a 9.9-acre plot of government land in Uppoor for the shelter without engaging in any prior consultation with local residents. This decision was made to comply with a Supreme Court mandate requiring such facilities, but the community feels entirely sidelined in the process.
Health and Social Concerns Raised
Protesters raised serious health and social issues, arguing that the proposed site is situated too close to residential areas. They emphasized that this proximity could lead to public health risks and social disturbances, making the location unsuitable for a dog shelter. Instead, residents believe the land should be allocated for other developmental projects that would benefit the local population.
Demands for Alternative Location and Development
The community has formally demanded that the CMC identify an alternative location for the shelter, one that is situated away from human habitation. Social activist Sathish Poojary Keelinje addressed the protesters, noting that Uppoor has nearly 25 acres of government land available. He revealed that residents had previously been promised a university for the area, adding to their disappointment over the current proposal.
"Officials decided on the shelter without involving the locals," Keelinje stated, underscoring the lack of transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.
Fr Lawrence D'Souza echoed these sentiments, urging the CMC to select land that is distant from residential zones while also advocating for the introduction of development projects in Uppoor to foster growth and opportunity.
Potential for Tourism and Economic Growth
Rajiv Kulal, former president of the Aroor gram panchayat, pointed out that the area's proximity to a nearby lake makes it ideal for tourism development. He argued that utilizing the land for such purposes would be more beneficial to the community, promoting economic growth and enhancing local infrastructure rather than dedicating it to a dog shelter.
The protest underscores a broader issue of public participation in urban planning, with residents calling for greater accountability and consideration of their needs in municipal decisions.
