Karnataka - Udupi   

‘Systematic efforts are on to promote water privatisation'

Udupi: The Regional Director of Action Aid, Bangalore, Kshitij Urs, said that systematic efforts were on to promote privatisation of water in the State, keeping even the elected representatives in the dark.

He was speaking at a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of water privatisation at Kundapur in Udupi district on June 6.

Dr. Urs said that the U.S. Water Trade Mission had the objective of making $ 50 billion in the next five years by privatising water supply in the country.

Though, the slogan of the mission was provision of water 24 hours a day or 24x7. Its 24x7 actually meant just eight hours.

This mission was expected to make a profit of Rs. 2 lakh crore just from the State, he said.

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) were promoting privatisation of water.

“All this would give a body blow to the democratic system in the country,” Dr. Urs said.

Executive director of the Concerned for the Working Children Damodar Acharya said that water was an essential commodity and its sale should never be accepted. “People should wake up before a situation of paying to buy water arose,” he said.

President of the Kundapur Town Municipal Council Mohandas Shenoy, vice-president Kalavati, and former president of the Federation of Koraga Development Associations Gouri were present.

Venkatesh Modkeri welcomed the gathering. Convener of Gram Panchayat Hakkotaya Andolana T.B. Shetty delivered the introductory remarks.

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