HASSAN: Public Works and Energy Minister H.D. Revanna has said that the Government has earmarked Rs. 1,444 crores to develop State highways and major district roads. At the same time, the Public Work and Energy departments have also drawn up various programmes to improve infrastructure in the State.

Speaking after unfurling the national flag at the district stadium here on Thursday, Mr. Revanna said the coalition Government is committed to implementing the common minimum programme for the welfare of the people and working for the realisation of the goals set during the formation of the Government.

Crop loan

As promised, the Government waived interest on crop loans taken from cooperative institutions and made loans available to farmers at an interest rate of 6 per cent.

Distributing rice and wheat at Rs. 3 a kg through the public distribution system is another achievement of the coalition Government, he added.

He noted that it has been planned to upgrade 700 km of State highway by spending Rs. 550 crores. Work on constructing 366 bridges in various parts of the State has been taken up, he added.

With regard to roads in the district, he said the maintenance of the Hospet-Karwar, Dharwad-Alnavar, Ramnagar-Anmod and Chikkanayakanahalli-Hassan roads, which are in a poor condition, will be handed over to Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd.

Power

The Energy Department has decided to take up projects to generate an additional 3,000 MW of power, he said. Work on the Bellary Thermal Power Station will be completed much ahead of schedule, and it will add 500 MW of power to the State grid.

Work on the Bidadi Power Station and the 8th phase of the Raichur Thermal Power Station are progressing, he said.

Varahi project

It has been planned to take up the Varahi power project and permit Nagarjuna Power Corporation to set up a power plant in Udupi district, he said. With the implementation of these projects and completion of the ongoing projects, an additional 3,475 MW of power will be generated, he added.

Mr. Revanna said the Government has decided to regularise 1,35,000 irrigation pumpsets, which will cost the State exchequer Rs. 173 crores. The Rajiv Gandi Rural Electrification Programme is being implemented to provide power connection to 54 lakh families in the State.

Mahamastakabhisheka

Listing the support extended by the State Government to the Mahamastakabhisheka, which will be held from February 8 to 19, he said various development works, including repairing all roads leading to Shravanabelagola, supplying drinking water from the Hemavathi, construction of drains, electrification, construction of five satellite towns and upgrading guest-houses, have been taken up.

While the State Government has released Rs. 25 crores for the event, the Union Government has sanctioned Rs. 75 crores, he added.

Broad-gauge conversion

He said work on converting the Hassan-Mangalore line into broad-gauge will be complete soon.

Mr. Revanna said his intention is to make Hassan a model district.

He called upon people to cooperate with him in the endeavour. A colourful parade by the police, National Cadet Corps and students of various schools and colleges marked the Republic Day celebrations.

Deputy Commissioner K.H. Ashwathanarayana Gowda, Superintendent of Police Panduranga H. Rane and Hassan Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer F.R. Jamaadar were present.

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