The Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Chalukya’s Heritage Area Management Authority Bill, 2017, for conservation of Chalukya heritage area of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal with all its archaeological remains and natural environment.
It aims to preserve thecultural identity and ensure sustainable development of the Chalukaya heritage. Explaining the objectives of the Bill, Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashree, who tabled the Bill, said it was aimed to prevent uncontrolled development of the heritage area and its commercial exploitation. It envisages executing works as contemplated in the development plan, coordinating activities of the local authorities, taking action to protect public property in heritage areas, and encouraging research into the archaeological, historical and environmental values of Chalukya’s heritage.
KPME Bill passed
Amid criticism from a few Opposition members that the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017 had been watered down, the Legislative Council on Thursday approved the Bill after a debate of over two hours. Earlier, debating the Bill, BJP member Ramachandra Gowda termed it a “toothless snake”.
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UKP III phase: Cabinet sub-committee to tour project area
A Cabinet sub-committee, led by Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa, will visit the villages to be rehabilitated for implementing the third phase of the Upper Krishna Project on December 4 and 5 to assess the rate of compensation for land-losers.
Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil told the Legislative Assembly that the government would take a decision on the compensation based on the recommendation of the sub-committee. The sub-committee comprises Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H.K. Patil.
The Water Resources Minister said the project needed 1,33,867 acres of land. As many as 20 villages would get submerged as the project involves increasing the height of Almatti dam from 519 m to 524.26 m.
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Separate coach for women in metro train soon
Replying to Congress member S. Veena Achaiah, Minister for Bengaluru Development and Planning K.G. George said a separate coach would be reserved for women and the disabled in metro trains once the number of coaches is increased from three to six. He told the Legislative Council that already BEML had been issued work orders to supply metro coaches, and the additional coaches would be augmented in a phased manner after December 2017.
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Yoga for police personnel
Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy told the Legislative Council on Thursday that steps would be taken to have a regular programme to provide yoga training, counselling, health awareness, and stress management for police personnel in the State. Replying to a question by BJP member Tara Anuradha on modernisation of the Home Department, Mr. Reddy said while 7,563 police personnel were being recruited during 2017–18, sanction had been given to recruit 4,357 personnel during 2018–19.
