Utilise natural resources for removing regional imbalance: H K Patil

Udupi, Dec 13 (UNI) Opposition leader in the Karnataka Legislative Council H K Patil today said that 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 that Dr Nanjudappa Committee which studied Regional Imbalance issue, has in its report 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 should be taken to rain water harvesting by constructing barrages so that every drop of water was utilised.

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 scheme.

Referring to the Kalasa Banduri Nala yojana, Mr Patil said that 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 the center which was taken back by the same government within five month for political reason to protect the interest of the BJP led government in Goa resulting in 200 TMC water flowing to sea from Mahadayi River since then.

Mr Patil stressed that there was also need for strengthen our justice system for speedy disposal of large number of cases pending in various courts to protect human right. 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