'Coal based plant - safe, long lasting'

Answering a query related to the recent meet held to discuss the pros and cons of the power plant put forth by media persons on the sidelines of the KDP meeting here on Friday, he said  that the Panchayat officials will be informed when the plant is commissioned as per the procedure. Power purchase agreement will be done once the plant starts generating the power in April. He said that as much as 518 MW power will be generated by the coal based thermal plant, which is the safest and long lasting of all modes of generating power.

Speaking on the issues recommended in the Lokayukta report of 2008, Dr Acharya said that he has held talks with the Governor regarding the measures taken to have thorough probe into the issue. The BJP government was instrumental in introducing the Mining policy that restricted import of the raw mineral without value addition. Additional Chief Secretary, task force and a committee has been set up as the part of inquiry process. Some licenses have been cancelled, he added.

Plans for district

Elaborating on the extended plans of the road development programme in the district, Dr Acharya said that suitable use of funds allocated for the purpose of the road repair was discussed in the KDP meeting. Up-gradation works of NH-17 is 95 per cent completed, for which Rs 2 crore has been allotted to the NH. Funds from Central government have been sanctioned to renovate the road extending from Santhekatte to Sasthana and the works will be resumed shortly, he said.

Acharya said that the Udupi ZP is yet to receive Rs 10 crore funds allocated through 12th Finance Commission. Last year, drinking water project had received as many as Rs 12 crore allocations.

Nearly Rs 7-8 crore is required for the continuation of the programme. Under the ‘Namma Mane’ yojane proposed through City Ashraya yojane, a beneficiary will receive loan up to Rs 1 lakh at 3 per cent interest.

The low income groups can avail the loan facility up to Rs 1.6 lakh at the same interest rate, he said.

Deputy Commissioner P Hemalatha, Zilla Panchayat President Gladys Almeida, CEO Pranesh and others were present.