High-level meeting for revival of sugar factory

District In-charge Minister Jayamala on Saturday promised to convene a meeting of elected representatives and officials of undivided Dakshina Kannada to discuss the possibility of reviving the Brahmavar sugar factory.

The minister said that the government is keen on reviving the factory, which will help farmers. “The chief minister, during his visit to the district, raised the issue and promised to support the rejuvenation if the farmers took the initiative to grow sugarcane in the region. I will discuss the issue with the minister concerned as well as officials and farmer leaders,” she said.

“The sugar factory will not be sold at any cost, as the government had come forward to support the venture by offering infrastructure and technical assistance. The industry’s revival would help generate employment and, in turn, support the development of the district,” said Jayamala.

She added that the Varahi irrigation project would help cultivate sugarcane in the required quantity. The need for a cordial relationship between the farmers and the administrative board of the factory was also stressed by the minister.

Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said that a detailed project report has been prepared for the rejuvenation of the factory. According to the report, Rs 30 crore is required for the rejuvenation, but, prior to that, the study should be carried out on the capacity of the district to cultivate sugarcane, said the officer.

Addressing another meeting, the Minister said that imbalance in Nature, created following the extraction of sand and quarry, needs to be set right by utilising the welfare fund collected.

She said 10% of the royalty collected from licence holders seeking permission for mining activities is deposited welfare fund. “The amount should be utilised to offer infrastructure, health, power supply, school and Anganawadis to the people in the area. The MLAs should send the proposal of the works and the proposed work will be sanctioned,” she added.

The DC said Rs 1.36 crore is deposited in the welfare fund, which can be used to offer various facilities in the areas affected by the mining activities. She added that as many as 25 schools and 11 Anganawadis have already been identified for development.