Property Plus
Coimbatore
Infrastructure as catalysts in change
— File Photo: K. Murali Kumar
A view of the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor’s (BMIC) peripheral road connecting Kengeri (Mysore road) and Thalagattapura (Kanakapura road), on the outskirts of South-West Bangalore. This 8.6 kms stretch peripheral road taken up by the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited (NICE) is to be opened for vehicular movement on completion.
Infrastructure is the key to economic development of a state or a nation. It takes high quality civic infrastructure such as well-designed roads, uninterrupted power supply and adequate drinking water to fuel industrial growth. Yet, a focus on infrastructure without a concern for the environment could be disastrous. The ensuing industrial growth and development could well be rendered unsustainable.
“The key to sustainable industrial growth and development lies in developing civic and social infrastructure together. While you build roads and power stations, you also need to ensure there is greenery and environment protection measures alongside”, says Ashok Kheny, Managing Director, Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Ltd (NICE), who is developing the much-awaited Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC). Kheny cites the example of his own project - BMIC - the 111-km expressway connecting Bangalore and Mysore. “Over 7 lakh saplings are being raised along this route. We have a dedicated team of erstwhile farmers just to take care of these trees. The idea is to ensure adequate flora to absorb the vehicular emissions along the corridor, and thus make it that much more healthy”.
The BMIC project will be a landmark case in development with an eye on environment. The corridor, with the five planned townships, will be home to some one million people who will find employment there. “The townships will have dual water pipes – one distributing potable fresh water and the other with recycled water for use in the gardens. While stressing on the need for hi-tech knowledge and industrial corridors, Kheny also believes that development should be all-inclusive. “On the environment front, NICE has undertaken the rejuvenation of 259 lakes along the BMIC. The road is planned to skirt the lakes rather than go over them to ensure their preservation. The preservation helps in the recharging of ground water in the area and is of great help to the farmers as the land becomes more cultivable. This move also draws many species of birds to the vicinity. Elsewhere, in the north of the State, NICE is engaged in highways, power projects, special economic zones and road upgradation. As part of bringing infrastructure to the masses the company has a power generation initiative in Ranjol village of north Karnataka, with non-conventional source of energy, for the benefit of the villagers. The State Government encourages the generation of renewable energy and gives subsidies to consumers who develop renewable energy sources.
The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd is promoting hybrid wind and solar power systems. The State offers a subsidy of 75 percent of the total cost for public use and 50 percent for private use. Two hybrid units in Ranjol Village have cost NICE Rs. 5 lakh. At the end of the day, social upliftment of the weaker sections is a part of the development a State government envisages for its citizens. However, it takes some effort by major organisations involved in setting the stage for the development to unfold.
“They are catalysts in change. They can and should make a difference to people,” says Kheny. It should, in other words, be nice for all.
MYTHILI G NIRVAN
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