State budget: Stress on Kodagu development

District In-charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh expressed confidence that the state budget to be presented by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy would ensure projects directed towards the development of the district.

The budget is to be presented on February 8.

Speaking during an interactive meeting in Madikeri on Friday, the minister said that the natural calamity in Kodagu had its negative impact on the development of tourism in the district. “The tourism activities, however, have caught up after the recently held ‘Pravasi Utsav’. The development of the Old Fort, Raja Seat and the Kodava Heritage building would be laid emphasis upon in the budget,” he explained.

Relief measures

“Temporary relief measures are being carried out in the district towards rehabilitation. Some regulation, however, are to be followed towards permanent rehabilitation measures,” he added.

The minister further said that the sites have been identified for the construction of the houses. “The construction of houses is getting delayed due to technical reasons,” he said and added that criticism in this regard is obvious.

Monti Ganesh, District Chamber of Commerce and Industries general secretary, expressed a need to curb illegal homestays in Kodagu. He also said there was a need to construct more public toilets in Madikeri town.