JOIN USBSY firm on toll collection
“It was not a sudden decision but the result of discussions for the last three years. Roads have been badly damaged due to movement of ore laden trucks and huge amount of money is required for repair the roads,” he informed media persons here on Monday.
On the resentment of ministers Karunakara Reddy and Janardhana Reddy against levying of toll, he said, “it is quite natural as they are in the same business and are well aware of the problems which the business persons face. They had some confusion over the issue and it was clarified that levying additional toll was necessary to mobilise resources to maintain the roads and undertake relief works in flood-affected areas. As the Cabinet has already taken a decision in this regard, no concession will be provided.”
He again clarified that he had no differences with Reddy brothers. He also ruled out interference in the portfolios of his Cabinet colleagues.
Yeddyurappa said that it has been estimated that the State has suffered Rs 19,000 crore loss due to flood. As the assessment work regarding damage to crops and infrastructure is on, the figure may go up further.
Central Government has released Rs 1,000 crore for relief works. State Government has provided Rs 1,300 crore of which Rs 750 crore has been used to construct houses. One lakh houses will be constructed at the cost of Rs 1 lakh each in the affected area, he added.
The State government has decided to permanently shift 220 villages on the river banks in North Karnataka. The villagers will be rehabilitated at model townships with necessary basic amenities like road, water and power supply. Over 7,000 acre land will also be acquired from farmers. It has been planned to begin house construction works at 150 villages by November 15, he said.
Building houses
The Seva Bharati organisation has come forward to construct 2,000 houses in Ukumanala village of Bijapur district and Siddeshwara Swamiji will attend the foundation stone laying ceremony on October 30. Adichunchanagiri mutt has offered to construct 5,000 houses in Gadag district and the foundation stone laying ceremony will be held on November 1, the CM added.
Similarly, Dalmiya Cements has volunteered to construct houses in Belgaum district, Jindal Company in Koppal district and Ramakrishna Ashram in Raichur district. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BJP leader L K Advani, former President APJ Abdul Kalam and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda will be invited for foundation stone laying ceremonies. “For another two months I will be preoccupied with relief works,” CM stated.
He also reiterated that State Government is committed to take up Gundya hydel power project. Minister for Forest and Environment Jairam Ramesh who had expressed apprehensions over the project will be convinced of the necessity to implement the same.