BENGALURU: The Siddaramaiah cabinet on Thursday expressed deep concern over the National Wildlife Board deferring the decision on transfer of forest land for the Mahadayi water project in Karnataka, and resolved to convene an all-party meeting and take the delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Expressing displeasure, Minister of Law, Justice, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs HK Patil said the law department has been advised to consider filing a petition in the Supreme Court. Briefing the press, Patil read out the minutes of the 79th meeting of the Central government’s National Board of Wildlife (NBWL).
“The National Tiger Conservation Authority had sent a team of experts for a fact-finding study of the Mahadayi project area. This committee made several recommendations. A response was sought from the Tiger Conservation Authority. The Wildlife Board informed that no response was given so far, as it is subjugated. Additional Chief Secretary of the forest department said this is a scheme of the Karnataka government, and the Goa government has filed a case in the Supreme Court. After discussion, the board decided to postpone the matter to the next meeting.”
However, the Wildlife Board, at the same meeting, approved the Goa-Thamnar 400KV electricity line project. The board has given conditional approval to the proposal to use 435 acres of forest land in Karnataka for the power line, he pointed out.
Funds for business corridor
The cabinet also decided to raise funds to implement the 73.01-km Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC) Project that runs from Tumakuru Road (NH-48) and passes via Doddaballapur Road, Ballari Road, Old Madras Road, Whitefield Road before terminating at Hosur Road (NH-44). It was proposed 19 years ago to decongest the city.
To fund the Rs 27,000-crore project, it has been decided to raise 70% of funds in the form of loans from government lending agencies like the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd, REC Limited and industrialists, Patil informed.
DBT to continue
The Cabinet decided to continue transfer of money through DBT to beneficiaries, instead of foodgrains under the Anna Bhagya scheme. As it is made easy for beneficiaries to buy edible oil, sugar and other items, transfer of Rs 170 to every beneficiary will be continued, informed Patil.
cabinet decisions
Approval to develop textile park in Karkala, Udupi district, under Public-Private Partnership at an estimated cost of Rs 27.97 cr
‘Nipun Karnataka’ initiative to skill local workforce for global competitiveness in emerging technologies at Rs 100 crore
Approval given to Karnataka Biotechnology Policy-4.0 (2024-29)
Release of 59 life convicts
Revision of fees, fines by 35 per cent being collected from users for registration, renewal, amendment and other services under various Labour Acts
Karnataka Judicial Service (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules 2024
Radiotherapy clinic for Kidwai Memorial Oncology Institute (KIMS) Bengaluru, and diagnostic equipment worth Rs 70 crores regarding administrative approval for purchase
Upgradation of 40-bed Nephro-Urology Hospital, Mysuru, to 100-bed capacity
150-bed Child Health Indira Gandhi Child Capacity unit at Kalaburagi with technical assistance from Health Institute at a cost of Rs 221.51 crore
New building for outpatient department of Nephro-Urology Institute, Bengaluru, was constructed at a cost of Rs 16.15 cr
