Decision on restarting Pandavapura coop sugar factory soon

The Pandavapura sugar factory has remained defunct since 2003 after the Chennai-based Kothari Sugar and Chemicals Limited abruptly terminated the lease agreement in April this year. It was handed over to KSCL in 2005-06 for a period of seven years against a lease amount of Rs 80.10 crore.

"We will take a decision on how to restart Pandavapura sugar factory and revive Mandya sugar factory for the benefit of farmers and workers soon," Gowda said at the inauguration of the new power generation sub-station at Krishnaraja Sagar Dam.

Referring to the meeting he had with sugarcane farmers yesterday, he said a meeting would be held on August 19 in Bangalore to address the problems faced by sugarcane farmers.

Giving an overview of the work done by his department after inaugurating the new entrance gate to Brindavan Gardens, Minor Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai said as many as 232 tanks in Tumkur, Channapatna and Chamarajanagar were desilted and similar work would be undertaken in all the districts.

He also said the Kabini drinking water project was underway and 17 canals including Visweshariah, Hemagiri, Nandagiri and Sriramadeva Katte have been repaired to prevent seepage and wastage of water.

Earlier, Gowda offered 'Bagina' to Cauvery river and later inaugurated the new KEB power station and the new 80 foot crest valve gates installed at the KRS reservoir.

Gowda also performed puja at Goddess Chamundeshwari Temple. He was accompanied by his wife, Medical Education Minister S A Ramdas, Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar and Excise Minister Renukacharya.