The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Plan to develop wasteland essential

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 27, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Plan to develop wasteland essential

Staff Reporter

Workshop on Integrated Wasteland Development Programme inaugurated

Bangalore: The workshop has been organised so that we can share our success stories and learn from each other, said N.C. Muniyappa, former Commissioner of the Watershed Development Department.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the State-level workshop on Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and Department of Watershed Development of the State Government here on Sunday.

He said the workshop will discuss ways of effectively developing wasteland in the State. He said in this context, making a detailed prospective plan is essential.

"We have to involve the panchayats and private organisations. For integrated development, people and the community as a whole should also be involved. Non-governmental organisations with a good track record also have to participate and help the Government to bring in accountability. The guidelines framed by the Union Government have to be properly understood along with the objectives," he said.

Mr. Muniyappa stressed the need to look at things in a holistic manner.

"The Sujala scheme, which is one of the biggest experiments in watershed development, is the best in the country. We had invited Union Government officials to attend the workshop. They, however, could not make it, as Parliament is in session. The workshop could have been a cross-learning experience, where the officials could have given us a clear picture of the situation in the country," he said.

P. Siddanti, Deputy Secretary, Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, spoke. M. Mallappa, Director of Department of Agriculture, welcomed the gathering.

P.V. Veeraraju, Joint Director of Agriculture (Agronomy), proposed a vote of thanks.

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