K'taka Govt not neglecting North K'taka region, says CM

Gadag, May 4 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said his government had not shown any negligence towards the north Karnataka region and assured that a major portion of the Rs 1800 crore assistance provided by the Asian Development Bank would be utilised for the development of urban areas in the region.

Talking to newspersons here, he said priority would be accorded to providing drinking water. ''I am also appealing to the IT and BT industries to extend their business to the district and taluk headquarters, instead of concentrating only on Bangalore.'' To a question, the Chief Minister said the government had released its share for railway projects coming up in north Karnataka region and now it was the turn of the Centre to come forward with additional money.

To another question, Mr Kumaraswamy said the government would not tolerate irresponsible officers and stern action would be initiated against them.

He said he would not buckle under any kind of pressure as far as closing of illegal mining was concerned. He would take suitable action after receiving a report from Bellary on the issue.

On his attention to the Maharashtra government's efforts to bring certain border areas under the Central rule, he said ''The government will do whatever is possible under the law to protect its borders.'' To another question, he said he had held discussions with the Union Urban Development Minister on including Hubli-Dharwad under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Project Mission and the latter had promised to consider the request.

However, his government would see to it that there would not be any shortage of funds on the development of the twin city.

To another question, the Chief Minister said he would lead an all-party delegation to the Prime Minister on the Kalasa-Bandori drinking water project. ''We have already sought time for the meeting.'' UNI MNP RG SI BD1858