HUBLI: In what could be termed a "Mahashivaratri gift", the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad will soon get a special grant of Rs. 12 crore from the State Government for development projects.

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister B.S. Yediyurappa told presspersons here on Sunday that the grant was for improving the condition of roads, junctions and gardens, including the Indira Glass House.

Within three or four days the grant would be released from the State Government, he added.

Drinking water project

Mr. Yediyurappa announced that Rs. 50 crore for the Malaprabha third stage drinking water project, which he had promised during his previous visit to the twin cities, would be released before the budget. He said the issue would be placed before the next Cabinet meeting and the proposal cleared.

Estimate

The total project of the Malaprabha third stage drinking water supply project was Rs. 196 crore.

However, the Finance Minister was not forthcoming on whether the amount would be a grant or a loan. He said that that would be decided during the Cabinet meeting. He did not say whether any allocation would be made for the project in the forthcoming budget.

Airport

Mr. Yediyurappa said steps had been taken for the upgradation of the Hubli airport to international standards and the State Government had agreed to give 650 acres of land for expansion of the airport.

To improve air connectivity and attract investors, the coalition Government was contemplating starting airports in Shimoga, Gulbarga, Bijapur and upgrading the Mysore airport, he added.

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