Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Aug 25: "A workforce formed in the past for speeding up development of Dakshina Kannada district had succeeded in its aim. Towards achieving integrated development of the district, it has been planned to set up another workforce now," said Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai.
He was speaking during the interaction organized with him by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at its office in the city on Monday August 24. The minister sought support of everyone to this workforce.
About Yettinahole project, Ramanath Rai said that he had already brought concerns of the people living in Dakshiona Kannada district about the adverse affects of proposed Yettinahole project. "The concerned are arguing that this project is needed to quench the thirst of Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru urban district etc. I have requested major irrigation minister to hold a meeting to pave way for detailed discussions on this project in this district, and the said meeting will be held with the participation of KCCI in the city," he promised.
Rai explained that a decision to hold mega recruitment rally in the district before the end of Novermber this year has been taken. 'As a prelude to this initiative, first round talks have already been held at Bengaluru and Mangaluru, and nodal officer has been posted. This rally will be held soon after the international investors conference at Bengaluru. As supplemental to this effort, committees will be formed soon in Gulf countries,' the minister stated.
Rai pointed out that the city has already been brought under the Smart City project, and that a high level meeting with the participation of Kanara Chambar, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and government officials, would be held shortly. He also said that the cabinet meeting had already given its nod for the formation of Maritime Board.
"About 75 percent of land acquisition process for the development of B C Road-Hassan road has already been completed. The road between the city and Moodbidri has already been handed over to the National Highways Authority for development, and land acquisition proceedings will begin shortly," he said.
He also said that processes relating to the proposed tunnel road passing through Shiradi Ghat with the participation of Japan International Cooperation Agency that will have minimum impact on forest and environment have been set into motion.
About relaxation of Coastal Regulatory Zone rules for tourism development in coastal Karnataka, Rai said that the department of forests and environment has already written to the centre, seeking relaxation in CRZ norms in tune with the ones extended to Kerala and Goa states. He said he expects positive response from the central government.
He however expressed dissatisfaction about the functioning of Agricultural Produce Market Committees in the district as compared to other districts, pointing out low turnover. He expressed the opinion that such systems should be used for achieving interests of the people and farmers. About the demand to reverse the action of the state environment pollution control board in changing classification of cashew industry from 'green' category to 'orange', he promised to find out what he can do in the matter.
"A sports complex is planned at Benjanapadavu near Farangipet, and eight acres of land has been acquired for the purpose. This has been approved by the cabinet. The government is prepared to provide land for permanent industrial exhibition, but KCCI has to identify the land needed for this purpose," he added.
KCCI president, Nigam B Vasani, welcomed. Vice president, Rammophan Pai Maroor, delivered introductory address. Treasurer, M Ganesh Bhat, was present. Secretary, Jeevan Saldanha, proposed vote of thanks.
A memorandum containing various demands of KCCI was presented to the minister on this occasion.