Addressing a news conference on Thursday, Khader said that though the said project of Rs 223 crore has been cleared by Ministry of Environment and Forests and other departments concerned, it has not been included in the agenda for discussion in the cabinet.
“What is the meaning behind keeping this important file pending. Cabinet meetings have become meetings to discuss withdrawal of criminal cases filed against certain people. Important issues concerning lives of thousands of people are not being placed in the agenda,” Khader refuted.
He informed that the said project will be implemented by ADB and out of the total Rs 223 crore, Rs 160.22 crore will be utilised at Ullal itself. Under the project, he said, three off shore multi-purpose submerged reefs, realignment of northern breakwater and shortening of Southern breakwater on the Ullal entrance and nourishment of the beach will be taken up.
A sum of Rs 2.45 crore has been set aside for community service like tourism development, fisheries development, sub yard for passenger ferries etc.
Hold inquiry
Khader said that the pipeline laid at river Nethravathi near the bridge under 24x7 water supply project for Ullal, was damaged recently.
He said while some people say it is the National Highway pipeline drilling works which has damaged the water pipeline, throwing Ullal into dire straits, many say it is the people engaged in sand mining who have damaged the pipe. Khader said that Deputy Commissioner must take note of this issue, hold inquiry to ascertain the reason and person behind it and file criminal case against them.
With regard to BJP Government’s Sadana Samavesha, Khader has questioned the ruling party as to what exactly they want to prove to the citizens through such programmes.
“Vikas Yathra, Sadana Samavesha and a trail of such programmes are being held, without making it clear as to whose ‘vikasa’ (development) and which ‘sadana’ (achievement) is being celebrated,” Khader said.
He informed that Zilla Panchayats have not received funds and Ashraya Project cheques are getting bounced but still Government wants to celebrate its ‘Sadana’.
“This Government is a Government of ‘assurances’ and not of achievements. The only ‘saadane’ the BJP Government at the State has made is that it has been successful in making umpteen assurances, which have not been fulfiled yet,” he ridiculed.
‘Lokayukta resignation ‘slap on govt’
Khader has called the resignation of Lokayukta N Santhosh Hegde, a ‘slap’ on Yeddyurappa led BJP Government and said that if at all BJP Government has any respect for sincere and dedicated officers, then Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa should go to Justice Hegde and seek apologies fromhim.
“The resignation holds mirror to the plight of sincere officials in the State. It speaks a volume on the functioning of this Government as well,” he said adding that Justice Hegde was sincerity personified. However, Khader evaded a question of alleged involvement of District Incharge Minister Krishna J Palemar in Justice Hegde’s resignation.
District Congress Committee Vice-President Ivan D’Souza said that DCC will stage a protest on Friday at 10.30 am outside Deputy Commissioner’s office demanding State Government to convince Justice N Santhosh Hegde to take back his resignation.
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