Udupi: I don’t believe in the politics of vendetta. I will not say anything else on the issue, said Udupi district in-charge minister Jayamala regarding the episode of her own party workers gheraoing her on October 2.
The minister was speaking to the media regarding the proceedings of the tri-monthly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting here on Wednesday, October 3. It was during this interaction that she was asked about the incident that occurred on October 2 and if there would be any disciplinary action taken against the Congress workers and municipal councillor for gheraoing her at the Congress Bhavan.
Stating that she had full faith in the Congress workers as they are dedicated, Jayamala said that she does not believe in revenge politics and that she would not revisit the issue.
Sand will be available after October 15
The major issue that dominated the KDP meeting was that of sand mining. Speaking about the issue, Jayamala said, “Sand will be available after October 15 in accordance with what was discussed with the Chief Minister. The price for sand has been fixed by the district administration for non-CRZ sand mining. No price has been fixed for sand in the CRZ areas of the district.”
Fibre gates to be put up at vented dams
The minister also informed that it has been decided that fibre gates would be put up in vented dams. “Rivers have been drying up even before the end of the monsoon season, even though there was no shortage of rain this year. Panchayat PDOs have been instructed to shut the gates of the dams if the water level in the rivulets and rivers went down. In some areas, however, the farmers have requested that the gates remain open as there is an overflow of water,” she added.
Mobile anganwadis
To ensure the good health and education of the children of the migrant workers, the state government has introduced mobile anganwadis. The minister said that one of such anganwadis should be sanctioned to the five assembly constituencies in the district.
Brahmavar Cooperative Sugar Factory
Speaking about the Brahmavar Cooperative Sugar Factory, the minister said that it is decided that a meeting of farmers should be called to seek their opinion on the cultivation of sugarcane in the district. She added that only after this meeting is conducted can the next step be decided with regard to the sugar factory.
Ash rain: No mention of ‘fly-ash content’ in report
Udupi district Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, who was also present, responded to a query regarding the ‘ash rain’ that was reported in the district last month saying that the district administration got a report from NITK on the incident, but there was no mention of ‘fly-ash content’ in it. After complaints were lodged with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, a scientist from the Union Ministry visited the district recently. The scientist also visited a power project plant in the district in connection with the incident and his report is awaited, Priyanka said.
Ranga Mandir to be constructed for theatre enthusiasts
Jayamala, while informing the media about issues discussed during the meeting, said that a Ranga Mandir and Rangayana would be constructed on an acre of land at Adi Udupi for the benefit of the theatre artistes and theatre lovers. “We have adequate funds and the same will be provided for the construction of the Ranga Mandir in Udupi,” said the minister.
Maheswara Rao, IAS, Udupi district in-charge secretary, Shivanand Kapasi, IAS, CEO of Udupi district Zilla Panchayat were present.
