B.R. Patil, MLA of Aland, has strongly opposed the State government’s ‘Patala Gange’ project which aimed at drilling the earth deeper to meet drinking water requirements in arid regions.
He said at a media conference here on Tuesday that the initiative was completely unscientific and would have an adverse impact on nature. He suggested that the government initiate a dialogue with environmentalists, activists involved in water conservation, scientists and other stakeholders before implementing its plans. “We should live in harmony with nature. Antagonising nature for meeting our endless needs would definitely have an adverse impact. The government should involve premier institutes such as Indian Institute of Science, experts in water conservation and nature such as Shri Padre and Rajendra Singh and other stakeholders before implementing its plans.”
Responding to Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H.K. Patil’s comments on the project, Mr. Patil said that Aland was a semi-arid region whose drinking water requirements could be met by constructive projects utilising surface water. “Rural Development Minister has recently said that the government planned to implement Patala Gange scheme in Aland and Indi taluks that don’t receive rainfall. But, the reality is that Aland receives good rains. The Minister should look at the rainfall data of last 70 years.”
Prohibition
Recalling Minister of State for Medical Education and Kalaburagi in-charge Sharan Prakash Patil’s promise to curb illegal liquor shops across the district, Mr. Patil alleged that no action was taken by the Minister. He said that he would stage a dharna outside the district administrative complex on May 22 if the Minister did not act before May 20.
Sugar dues
Pointing at the dues to the tune of Rs. 77 crore to be paid by Aland Sugar Factory to sugarcane growers, Mr. Patil appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to intervene in the issue and ensure that the farmers get the money. “The locked-out factory may seek permission to sell the sugar stock at the factory for clearing the dues. The government should not heed any such demands as the factory is known for breaking its promises,” he said.
To a question, Mr. Patil said that 12 MLAs, including himself and 7 from JD(S), would shortly join the Congress. “We have already discussed the issue with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who in turn has got the green signal from the party high command. The Chief Minister will once again discuss the matter with K.C. Venugopal, Congress in-charge of Karnataka, and finalise the date of joining,” he said.
