ADB project for devp of N K'taka cities from 2007

Bangalore, June 27: Karnataka will implement an integrated project for development of basic facilities in northern Karnataka cities from 2007, Home Minister M P Prakash told the State Assembly today.

Replying to supplementaries during question hour, he said there had been considerable delay in implementing the project, which aimed at enhancing roads, drinking water and other basic amenities in cities and towns in northern Karnataka. According to officials, work was expected to commence from 2007.

Replying to Mr D R Patil (Congress), he said the total loan-cum- grant had been pegged at 440 million dollars (Rs 1,980 crore), though initially the project envisaged an investment of over 700 million dollars. The assistance had been reduced, keeping in view the capacity of the cities and municipalities to repay the loans.

Mr Patil said the amount was inadequate and urged Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who holds the Finance portfolio, to enhance the funds. A similar project taken up in the coastal Karnataka region saw a percapita investment of Rs 10,617, whereas for Northern Karnataka, the per capita assistance worked out to Rs 4,396 only, he pointed out.

Mr Yediyurappa assured to look into the request.

UNI