Mangalore: District gets Rs 42 crore for development of roads
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Nov 10: "The central government has sanctioned a sum of Rs 42 crore for the development of important roads in Dakshina Kannada district," said district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai.
He was addressing a gathering of industrialists during an interactive meeting organized by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and industry (FKCCI), Bangalore in association with Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mangalore in its premises here on Saturday, November 9.
He added that the grant has been received from the union ministry of road transport headed by Oscar Fernandes, under the Central Road Fund (CRF). The Fund is compiled from the taxes collected on petrol and diesel, he added. He said there were numerous queries from industrialists too on why road connectivity to South Kanara from the other districts was in poor state.
Thokkottu-Mudipu road to be widened
State health minister and Ullal constituency MLA U T Khadar said that Rs 7.5 crore has been sanctioned to meet the long time demand of the people to widen Thokkottu to Mudipu road. The road connects at least seven educational institutions and Infosys, however, the narrow road witnesses long traffic blocks frequently.
The health minister said that the Government Wenlock Hospital will get a super-speciality centre with additional 350 beds. In addition, one polyclinic will be established for every 50,000 population.
High level committee
"To keep environmental degradation in check, a high level committee has been formed to study and regulate the functioning of industries," said Ramanath Rai.
The minister said, "Environment protection is the responsibility of the industrialists. Apart from ensuring its pro-environment functioning, the firm must plant as many trees as possible in its premises."
In response, R Shivakumar, president of FKCCI, Bangalore said, “We are not against environment. But the forest officers act like foreigners whenever we approach them. We (industrialists) are given step-motherly treatment,” he said, adding, “Industries create huge employment and boost economy.”
President, FKCCI, Bangalore R Shivakumar in his introductory speech listed out problems existing in road connectivity between South Canara and other cities, railway, port and tourism issues. Vice-president, FKKCI Tallam R Dwarakanath chairman, district co-ordination committee, FKCCI were present on the dais.