The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka sends proposal to Centre

THE Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, Mr M.P. Prakash, has said that the State Government has sent a proposal to the Centre to upgrade the domestic airport in Mangalore to an international airport.

Addressing presspersons here on Monday, Mr Prakash said that the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Praful Patel, has been convinced about the need for an international airport in Mangalore. There is a good potential for operating flights to the West Asian region from the city.

While Karnataka has only one international airport in Bangalore, the neighbouring Kerala has three international airports, he said.

Asked about the plans of the electricity supply companies in the State to disconnect power supply to those gram panchayats that have not paid the bills, he said he will discuss the matter with the Energy Minister, and request him not to disconnect the power supply.

A meeting will also be convened with the Rural and Panchayat Raj Minister to find a solution to the problem.

Tahsildars appointment

Mr Prakash, who is also the Revenue Minister, said that the Government would initiate steps to appoint the vacant posts of `tahsildars'. There has been no direct appointment of `tahsildars' since 1986. A majority of `tahsildars' - who are in the age group of 56-58 years - are on the verge of retirement. The Government will appoint `tahsildars' within six months, he said.

Nisarga Dhama

Earlier, Mr Prakash visited Pilikula Nisarga Dhama on the outskirts of the city. The nisarga dhama houses a zoo and a science park and an amusement park.

He commended the initiatives taken by Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers (MCF) Ltd on adopting animals at the nisarga dhama. MCF Ltd will release Rs 90,000 a year for three years for the maintenance of some of the wild animals at the nisarga dhama.

Mr P.C. Jain, Director (Works), MCF, handed over a cheque of Rs 90,000 to Mr Prakash on the occasion.

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for the involvement of corporate houses in the development of nisarga dhama.