Mangalore: Road connectivity a major problem in city - FKCCI president
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore
Mangalore, Nov 9: "Road connectivity is a major problem in the city. Due to the poor road condition, most of the exporters have diverted their business to other places. Even after several appeals to elected representatives, there was no positive response. Industry and other developments can take place if there is political will," said R Shivakumar, president of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).
Addressing reporters at the conference hall of KCCI, Bunder on Saturday November 9, Shivakumar said, "We later appealed to ministers including transport minister Oscar Fernandes to soon sort out the connectivity problem. He has responded to us positively, but work has not yet begun.
"In an effort to decongest Bangalore city and promote the IT sector in secondary cities, the Karnataka government has chalked out plans to set up IT parks in Belgaum, Mysore and Mangalore. The government intends to develop these parks on a public-private partnership (PPP) mode," he said.
Briefing about the development potential of the district, Shiva Kumar said there are various issues which need attention. Listing out a few, he said Karnataka government should bring the same rules on CRZ which are existing in other states, and also construct a tunnel road bypass in Shiradi Ghat. He also urged that the 900 acres land belonging to Jaiprakash Industries in the city be taken back by the government and alloted to a new industry; withdrawal of trade license; withdrawal of increase in VAT by 0.5%; speedy completion of projects signed at coastal development summit in January 2012 and so on.
Liberal Tourism policy
Stressing the need for a liberal tourism policy, he said the city has high potential to boost its tourism. "Mainly, the city should solve connectivity problem and encouragement should be given to PPP model in tourism. The government should also set up regional tourism zones in every district," he added.
Representation to KCCI
KCCI should get representation in KDP meetings, single window meetings, coastal development, fisheries development board, Western Ghat development board and others, he said, stating that FKCCI should also be nominated to various developmental boards in the region.
In his concluding remarks, he said FKCCI will see to it that the state government takes proactive steps to develop this region in order to achieve a well distributed and balanced socio-economic growth in the state.
FKCCI vice-president Tallam R Dwarakanath, KCCI president Mohammed Ameen, Sudhakar S Shetty, FKCCI and KCCI office-bearers among others were present.