Karnataka Govt. to constitute Task Force to combat water problem

Bangalore, Nov 25 (UNI) The Karnataka Government will constitute Task Forces at Taluk level with local Legislators as heads to combat drinking water problem in rural areas, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said today.

Talking to press persons, after a meeting of the BJP Legislative Party here, he said that after two-day discussion held with party legislators participating on yesterday and today, it was felt the necessary to constitute Task Force at Taluk levels.

He said that the meeting with Legislators was focused mainly on drinking water, power position, housing and road condition. It was also felt to expedite implementation of all the development programmes announced in the budget.

Stating that the global economic recession has also affected state economy, he said that it was decided to curtail non-plan expenditure.

It may be recalled here that, the Chief Minister had recently held a high level meeting with Department of Finance and Industry, Agriculture and Planning to assess the impact of global recession on the State economy.

Blaming the centre for the aggrieved power crisis in the State, Mr Yeddyurappa said that the state is getting 1000 mw of power from the central pool against 1150 mw allotted.

Power Minister K S Eshwarappa is in New Delhi to meet Union Ministers seeking permission for the 4000 mw Kudgi Thermal Power Plant in Bijapur. " I will discuss with the Minister and officials after Mr Eshwarappa's return." Mr Yeddyrappa said that a Committee would be constituted to look into the issue of Sarojini Mahishi Committee report on giving preference to Kannadigas in employment. The Committee would also be asked to look into the flow of central funds for Karnataka.

The Chief Minister said that he would have discussion with the opposition parties about steps to be taken to bring pressure on the Central government to amend article 371 of the constitution to accord special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka Region, the most backward region in the State. "Centre should take measures to confer special status for removing the regional imbalance in the State otherwise agitation would be inevitable if the state request was not considered by the Centre." Replying to a question on the controversy over levying road toll on the Bangalore-Mysore State Highway, he said that he will reconsider it. The matter came up for discussion during BJP Legislative Party meeting, he added.

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