JOIN USCabinet clears 200 MW hydel project at Shivanasamudra
The state government which was treading cautiously over the implementation of the run of the river hydel project at Shivanasamudra in Mandya district, has decided to set up the project at an estimated cost of Rs 845 crore.
The state Cabinet on Wednesday, which decided to give its approval for the project, also decided to inform the Cauvery Supervisory Committee (CSC) about the same.
After the Cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra told reporters that anticipating inter-state water dispute (between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry), the government wanted to inform the CSC about the same, before going ahead with the project.
The government had sought legal opinion from the Advocate General (A-G). “The A-G has given an opinion that the CSC should be informed. The government is not seeking the CSC’s approval. We will just be informing it about the project, and subsequently take up works on the same,” the minister added.
Karnataka had proposed the setting up of the 200 MW hydel project at Shivanasamudra, but had faced stiff opposition to it from Tamil Nadu. It also fears that the neighbouring state might move the court.
When contacted, Energy department officials said that the project will come up within the boundaries of Karnataka. Further, no water will be impounded as claimed by Tamil Nadu. They also said that the decision to approve the project just two days after the demise of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, was a sheer “coincidence”.
Officials said that the project approval was delayed owing to the legislature session in Belagavi.
With the Cabinet approving the project, Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL), the implementing agency, will ready the detailed project report. Once clearances are obtained from the departments concerned, including environmental clearances, the project would be completed within 36 months.
Financial assistance
Jayachandra also said that the Cabinet had approved the extension of a financial package of Rs 396.72 crore to the state-owned Mysore Paper Mills Ltd, Bhadravathi to meet expenses towards Voluntary Retirement Scheme/Voluntary Separation Scheme of 2,200 employees. He said that the sick unit had incurred losses of Rs 600-Rs 700 crores. Given its financial crisis, it had not even been able to privatise the Mills. Hence, the government had decided to extend the financial support.
MML report
The state Cabinet on Wednesday failed to arrive at a decision with regard to taking action as recommended by the then Lokayukta over the alleged irregularities in the state-owned Mysore Minerals Ltd (MML). Law Minister T B Jayachandra said that the matter was debated for over two hours and later deferred. He said that the report will be referred back to the Mines and Geology department for re-examination. A former minister and and seven IAS officers, including Mahendra Jain and Gangaram Baderia, are under scanner.
Other decisions
*Approval for starting new medical college (Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College and Research Centre on the premises of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Bengaluru)
*Approval for Karnataka Advocates’ Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2016. (Welfare fund has been doubled).
*Reappointment of medical officers on contract basis, till they attain 65 years.
*High Court employees to be paid on a par with state government staff.