Karnataka Governor flags concerns over infra projects; writes to Chief Secy

Bengaluru, Aug 16 (IANS) In a letter to the state’s Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has raised concerns over the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC/NICE) project and the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) at Bidadi.

The infrastructure corridor project is managed by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), which is a private entity.

The Governor has said that he had received a detailed representation from Abraham T J and the Farmers’ Welfare Association of Bairamangala and Kunchagaranahalli Panchayats.

While nearly 376 acres of government land were utilised for the peripheral and link roads, and related infrastructure under the BMIC project, around 6,757 acres of government land remain unutilised and could still be under the possession or control of NICE-linked entities or other private parties without lawful authority, the petitioners have claimed.

They have also raised concerns over the proposed GBIT-Bidadi project, for which nearly 7,431 acres spread across nine villages are reportedly under acquisition proceedings.

The land identified for acquisition supports extensive agricultural and allied activities, the petitioners have claimed.

They have said that the project could impact more than 5.03 lakh fruit-bearing trees, annual milk production of nearly 49.4 lakh litres, more than 8,400 livestock, around 840 acres of cultivable agricultural land, 501 acres of mulberry cultivation that supports silk farmers, and social forestry plantations comprising nearly 12,400 trees.

While forwarding this representation to the Chief Secretary, Gehlot has called for examination and appropriate action, highlighting the significance of the issues raised in relation to land use, agriculture and livelihoods in the region.

The Karnataka High Court, had earlier called the long-delayed BMIC/NICE project “one of the biggest scams in the state”.

Only one km of the proposed 111 km expressway had been constructed in 25 years, the Court had noted while highlighting how private players are gaining.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had also urged the Karnataka government to take over the project and recover surplus land.

The state government had said that it would proceed in the matter legally.

–IANS

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