Mysuru most suitable for IIT: Vishwanath

Former Mysuru and Kodagu MP A H Vishwanath has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take steps to bring the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), alloted for the State by the Centre in the Budget, to Mysuru.

Addressing a media conference here on Tuesday, he said Siddaramaiah is a native of the district. If he brings IIT to Mysuru, his name will be etched prominently in the annals of history, he added.

Pointing out that Mysuru is suitable for an IIT from all points of view, Vishwanath said K R Nagar, Hunsur, Nanjangud, H D Kote and even Periyapatna taluks are suitable for setting up the institution.

“The place for an IIT should be an industrial and research hub, should have good educational institutions, the climatic conditions should be pleasant and conducive for students, the temperatures should not cross 32 degree celsius as research has to be carried out, water should be available throughout the year, uninterrupted power should be available, land available for the institution should be suitable for cultivation also, should be easily accessible to the State capital, should have good connectivity with the outer world, and should have an airport as aeronautical engineering is also taught. Taking these criteria into consideration, Mysuru is the most suitable place for the IIT in the whole State,” he said. He said, if the IIT is established in Mysuru, at least 10 per cent of the seats should be reserved for Mysureans.

Meanwhile, the IIT site selection committee is arriving in the city on Wednesday. The committee members will visit a few sites shortlisted by the District Administration on Thursday.