17.01.2010: CM at Udupi

Report: Mangalorean/

Photos: Janardan Kodavoor

Udupi January 17, 2010: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today announced that an additional Rs Eight crore would be made available in the coming state budget for widening of Kalsanka-Manipal state highway project which is in progress.

Addressing after participating in several programmes, including inauguration of Baje second stage of drinking water project to Udupi city at Baje, inauguration of Ambagilu road widening project and foundation stone-laying ceremony for 'Gopurm' at Ambaligu, he assured to release Rs one crore of the Rs two crore sought by Udupi City Municipal Council for developing parks and gardens at Mannupalla near Manipal. He said the government was committed to developmental activities in the state. Calling upon the officials to concentrating their attention on developing more lakes, parks and gardens, he said in Bangalore, the BBMP had recovered 100 acres of encroached land and developed it into lakes and parks.

He said his government had given more thrust on health and education and is committed for development of major cities and the Bangalore city. He advised the opposition leaders to allow him to work peacefully for the remaining three-and-a-half year to complete his term with all developmental work without any hindrance so that they themselves chose him (Mr Yeddyurappa) to continue in office for the next term and choosing (the oppostion) to remain in opposition bench.

Referring to the hue and cry made by the opposition on the 'mid-night operation' in the BBMP, the Chief Minister clarified that the so called operation' was held only for the repair and maintenance of mechanical and technical work and intended to entrust work through global tender. If they (opposition) continue this attitude further, it would impact on the morale and sincerity of the officials, he said adding that even if his own people drag his feet, he will continue with the development work without paying attention to such activities.

Indicating to the developmental work in Udupi, he said he would make available an additional Rs eight crore each for compensation towards acquisition of land for road widening between Gundibail and Kalsanka and for the ongoing roadwidening project between Kalsanka and Manipal in the coming budget.

Earlier, speaking to mediapersons, the Chief Minister, while replying to a query on the comment made by party's senior leader Dhananjaya Kumar on 4000 acres of land grabbed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, appealed the party leaders not to indulge in throwing stones on others sitting in the glass house. ''Let us concentrate our attention on developmental activities,'' he stated.

Replying another query, he said the issue of regularisation of 'Akrama Sskarma' would be discussed in the coming budget session.