Hassan airport to take off, Rs 175 crore earmarked

There is a mixed reaction, from the districts of the Mysuru region, for the state budget, presented by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, on Monday.

The much-awaited Hassan airport is likely to take off, with the government allocating Rs 175 crore.

It may be mentioned that 543 acres of land was acquired decades ago and there were assurances of establishing an international-standard airport in Hassan. The airport in Hassan is the dream of JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. Once the airport becomes operational, it will boost tourism activities in the Hassan district.

Besides the airport, there is a plan for a pilot training institute and a flight management centre. Deve Gowda had performed the groundbreaking ceremony in 2007. However, there was no progress after 2008.

However, the people of Hassan district, who were expecting a permanent solution for the wild animals' menace, schemes for coffee growers and the development of Channapattana lake are disappointed. The ‘Bear Sanctuary’ at Arsikere is also pending.

The budget has no major projects or funds for Mandya, disappointing the people, who hoped for a bonanza for the district, the native of the CM.

The CM had assured of developing KR Pet taluk, on the lines of Shikaripura, during the byelection and requested the people to give him a chance to develop the district. But, neither major projects nor funds are earmarked for agriculture, industries or tourism sectors, said farmer leaders.

Seats for postgraduate courses at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) are increased by 100. The current seats are 59. Rs 10 crore is allotted for the development of Sir M Visvesvaraya Stadium.

Besides, the CM has announced Rs 10 crore for ‘Natha Parampara Kendra’ proposed on the premises of Adichunchanagiri Mutt in Nagamangala taluk.