'Government to emphasis on tourism in Chikmagalur'

State ready to provide Rs 25 cr spl package to develop naxal areas

Addressing reporters after convening a KDP meet at the Zilla Panchayat Hall, he said that the Malnad and other regions in the district face different types of problems. “People in the district suffered huge loss due to untimely rains. The problem of unemployment too has been cropped up as there are no major industries. Hence, we have decided to tap the tourism potential in the district,” he added.

Naxal activities have been reduced considerably in the district. More development work should be taken up to instill confidence in people’s mind, he said adding that the naxal movements can be checked through development.

Kumar said that Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had convened a meeting recently to discuss about the development of Datta Peeta. “Yeddyurappa had directed officials to complete all necessary development work at Datta Peeta before Datta Jayanthi celebrations. There are possibilities that devotees will have the opportunity of having darshana of Datta Paduke,” he added.

Talking about the handloom training scheme started at Gurige village in Sringeri taluk, Kumar said that the Centre will not be closed at any cost. “Necessary steps will be taken for the maintenance of the Centre,” he added.

MP D V Sadananda Gowda said that the Chief Minister has agreed to release Rs 10 crore for the development of Kadur - Chikmagalur road. A final decision on the technology to be adopted to develop the road will be taken through discussions, he said and added that tender has been invited to develop Kemmannugundi at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore.

In Kadur

Speaking to presspersons in Kadur on Saturday, he said the district has its own history and is known for Kemmannugundi and Kallathagiri among other places. He said that he will convene a meeting of MLAs, MP and Deputy Commissioner to study the problems of the district.

The main problem in the district is condition of Kadur-Chikmagalur road, widening of IG Road in Chikmagalur and construction of drains. “I will discuss with the officials on Kudremukh region. An action plan has been prepared for the development of Kemmannugundi. Several projects will be worked out to promote tourism in the district.

Increase in the inflow of tourists will definitely improve the economic condition of the district,” he added.

He said the government is ready to provide Rs 25 crore special package for the construction of bridges, roads and installation of solar lamps in the Naxal infested areas.

The government will work towards the implementation of Hebbe thiruvu and Bhadra drinking water projects. The Deputy Commissioner has conducted a survey on the loss of crops due to untimely rain and has submitted a proposal of Rs 60 crore to provide compensation.

He said water in Kadur taluk has flouride content. He directed ZP CS to supply non-flouride water to those villages affected with flouride content.