KDP DECIDES AGAINST GREATER TALAKAVERI PROJECT;

Madikeri August 14, 2007

The Karnataka development programme meeting held at Zilla Panchayath yesterday decided to urge government not to take up greater Cauvery project proposed by certain NGOs.

The topic came under heavy discussion and members said that the implementation of it will further curtail the movement of people and turn many into homeless. The Greater Cauvery programme was proposed by wildlife society and Wild Life First organization. It had urged the then Krishna Government to implement the project which will unite Pushpagiri, Brahmagiri and Talacauvery as pristine forest areas and would be protected against human movement.

Wildlife DFO Shashwathi Mishra explained that the forest department did not submit any such project proposals to government. She said that the Chief Minister did not convey any meetings to discuss about it and only certain NGOs have submitted the project before the government.

CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST OFFICIAL;

The meeting chaired by the president Ashok decided to file criminal case against the a retired tahasildar who had issued fake certificates to Ashraya house beneficiaries.

Deputy Commissioner Niranjan, who was present in the meeting said that the preliminary investigations have revealed the involvement of a retired tahasildar. He clarified that the beneficiaries could be issued with fresh records.

The meeting passed a resolution to file criminal case against the retired officer.

DC Niranjan disclosed that a huge office complex comprising DC’s and Zilla Panchayath offices would come up near Golf ground. He said that five acres of land is earmarked for the purpose.

He also said that the district administration is identifying another plot for mini airport project and a decision would be taken in a joint meeting of Mysore and Kodagu officials to be held recently. Members urged the deputy commissioner that the airport project should not be dropped at any cost and proper land should be identified for the purpose.

It can be recalled that the airport project was cancelled earlier as the technical committee had said that the land earmarked for the purpose was not suitable as it has hillocks which would obstruct safe landing.

DISTRICT INCURRS RUPEES 51 CRORE LOSS;

The district has incurred rupees fifty one crore loss due to flood, said the deputy commissioner Niranja.

Disclosing this in the KDP meeting, he said that the central government is given a report about this and the district in charge state secretary Vidyashaknkar has personally inspected the damage.

He disclosed that the district has received thirty percent more rainfall this year and about 790 houses are damaged, five human beings are killed and 19 livestock dead. Thirty hectares of coffee growing area is damaged with a loss of rupees eighteen crores, he said.

Meanwhile DC said that Vidyashankar has proposed three gas stations to Kodagu.