With Additional Inputs and Pics by Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (HB)

Kundapur, May 4: After over 35 years of wait, the first phase of Varahi irrigation project was inaugurated by chief minister Siddaramaiah here on Monday May 4.

With the inuaguration of the project at Hole Shankaranarayana, water was released for 2,500 hectares of land.

Addressing the gathering at a ceremony held at Siddapur government high school later, Siddaramaiah said, "Today we have inaugurated the first phase of the Varahi project and the entire project will be completed in two years. No one should doubt its completion within this time frame."

"As much as 60 percent of the work on Varahi project was done after Congress came to power in the state in 2013. When I had undertaken Padayatra at Kudalasangama I had announced that I would release Rs 50,000 crore for 75 incomplete irrigation projects, and the opposition had criticized it. But ever since I became CM, I released Rs 10,000 crore in the first year, Rs 11,300 crore in second year and Rs 13,000 crore in the third year of my tenure for irrigation projects, and Varahi is one of them.

"It will cost the government Rs one lac crore to complete all the ongoing irrigation projects in the state. The government has already spent 19 percent of this on irrigation. Being from an agricultural family, I understand the problems of the farmers and I am able to respond to their needs," he added.

Responding to Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje remarks that the state government was deliberately trying to postpone the gram panchayat polls by ordering a review of the reservation criteria, Siddaramaiah said, "We will hold gram panchayat elections without any postponement. We are not afraid of elections. We have brought two amendments to Panchayat Raj Act - that is making voting in gram panchayat elections compulsory and extention of president's post from two-and-a-half-years to five years. The reservation criteria will be review to make it 50:50 for men and women."

Targetting the BJP, he said, "Members of the opposition party should have attended this important programme. There is no meaning in critizing on our backs. They could have given their opinions on this platform, instead they want to only make allegations."

He further said, "Congress government walks the talk. We have exceeded the people's expectations by more than 100 percent. BPL cards have been distributed to 1.8 lac families and they are being given free rice from May 1. The state government has taken this initiative to ensure that no one goes hungry and Karnataka becomes a hunger-free state.

"We will also be providing rice to APL card holders at concessional rates from June 1. Any deserving individual who does not have BPL or APL card should apply for it," he added.

Regarding revival of Brahmavar sugar factory, the CM said, "We have already sanctioned Rs 12 crore for the revival of Brahmavar sugar factory and in the coming days, we will look at other similar factories that need revival and come to a decision after discussions.

On Kasturirangan report, he said that a committee has been formed which will submit the report to the union government. "There is no confusion regarding Kasturirangan report. We have reccommended the government to leave out human habitats from the report. Decision has also been taken regarding Kumki lands by the cabinet, and after amendments to the law, title deeds will be distributed. Discussion on construction of vented dams to solve drinking water problem is also under way," he added.

Minister for water resources M B Patil said, "This is a historic day for Udupi district. The Varahi project which began 35 years ago saw only debate for the first 25 of those years. In 2003, it was handed over to the Karnataka Irrigation Commission, and now the first phase of the project is completed and around 2,500 hectares of land has been provided water. In the next two years, remaining work will be completed."

Various facilities were presented to beneficiaries on the occasion. The Udupi district farmers' association submitted a memorandum to the CM urging speedy completion of Varahi project. The CM was honoured by various committees.

Byndoor MLA Gopal Bhandary presided over the programme. Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, district incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Pratapchandra Shetty, ZP member Mamatha R Shetty, Siddapur gram panchayat president Sudhakar Shetty and many others were present.

Udupi: CM lays foundation for research centre at Belapu

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, May 4: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday May 4 laid the foundation stone for the Rs 144-crore advanced research centre to be established by Mangalore University at Belapu here.

Addressing the gathering, Siddaramaiah said, "The undivided Dakshina Kannada is famous for education. When people are given quality education they get the ability and strength to face any situation in the world. This research centre will strive for this. There is a demand for a PG centre by the locals here. I will ask the University chancellor to take steps in this direction."

He further said, "Belapu gram panchayat has earned national recognition for the innovative ideas of its people. Let it continue. I wish that this research centre grows and researchers from this centre earn recognition throughout the world. Rs 15 crore has already been released from the government. This is a special project and it will get assistance from the union government too. I am sure it willl earn international recognition and scientists from around the world will come here to do research.

"There are a lot of natural resources in the coastal region and it is our duty to preserve them. The Western Ghats abound with herbs, medicinal plants and natural remedies. This research will enable scientists to research on them, and find ways to preserve, protect and grow them for future generations," he said.

"We should prepare our students to face the world by teaching them values, tradition and importance of environment protection. If change has to take place in society, children of all sections of society should be able to obtain quality education," he added.

"Strict action will be taken against communal forces who try to break the society. People of all communities will be protected," the CM said.

Minister for water resources M B Patil, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, district incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA Pramod Madhwara, MLA Mohiuddin Bava, MLC Ivan D'Souza and others were present.

The programme was marred by rain and lightning and people rushed for shelter as the shamiyana got drenched. The CM arrived late which caused delay in the programme.