Utilisation of natural resources removes regional imbalance

Udupi, Dec 13 (UNI) Opposition leader in the Karnataka Legislative Council H K Patil today said utilising available natural resources could lead to removal of regional imbalance in the State.

Speaking on 'present problems in Karnataka' at the ongoing 74th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana here, he said Dr Nanjudappa Committee, which studied regional imbalance issue, reprted that it had identified 39 taluks, including 21 in Northern Karnataka, as most backward in the State.

''As a first step, to remove the regional imbalance, it was necessary to utilise natural resources available for development of the region and priority should be given for agriculture development in the backward areas,'' he added.

Mr Patil said that every effort would be taken for rain water harvesting.

Referring to the water dispute with neighbouring States, he said that 729 TMC water allotted under 'A-Scheme of Bachawat final award', the State had now the scope to use over 900 tmc water from Krishna river basin and over 400 TMC water from Cauvery river basin under both A and B schemes.

On the Kalasa Banduri Nala yojana, Mr Patil said the issue had remained controversial due to the objection raised by Goa. The project was given in principle approval by the then NDA Government at Centre and was taken back by the same Government within five months for political reasons.

Mr Patil stressed the need for strengthening our judicial system for early disposal of cases. Time had also come for taking up 'Save Bangalore' agitation, which was badly affected with crime, galloping water and environmental pollution and increased land mafia activities, he added.

UNI