Action against illegal toll collection near KRS

Minister for Water Resources M B Patil on Wednesday said that he would look into the allegations of illegal toll collection at Hale Kannambadi village en route KRS dam near Mysore by a local politician in collusion with government officials.

He was replying to G Madhusudhan (BJP) in the Legislative Council. Madhusudhan said the State had constructed a new bridge at a cost of Rs 11.48 crore in 2002.

Loss to exchequer

But, a local politician is illegally collecting toll, causing severe loss to the exchequer. Patil assured the member that he will ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

Patil said the government will revive the ‘Jala Samvardhana’ project in the Cauvery basin to ensure adequate water storage to meet the requirements of the region.

Replying to Madhusudan, who sought release of water from dams to minor reservoirs and lakes to help farmers of the region, the minister said that the government will seek funds from the World Bank for the purpose.

Mysore Palace

Tourism Minister R V Deshpande told the Legislative Assembly that a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared to be submitted to the Central government to improve civic amenities outside the Mysore Palace.

Replying to Tanveer Sait (Congress), the minister said Rs five crore would be spent on getting the DPR prepared.

To a question whether new works would be taken up for improving tourism facilities in Mysore, Deshpande said new projects would be taken up depending on the availability of funds.