The Hindu Business Line : Cos evince interest in Dakshina Kannada hydroelectric projects

The Karnataka Minister for Fisheries and Endowment, Mr B. Nagaraja Shetty, who is also in charge of Dakshina Kannada district, has said that some companies have come forward to set up 13 mini hydroelectric power projects in Dakshina Kannada district.

Addressing presspersons at Muchchur village in Mangalore taluk, Mr Shetty said that all steps would be taken to ensure that fertile agricultural land are not submerged while setting up these projects. The companies will be asked to supply drinking water to the nearby villages from the dam built to produce power.

Along with power generation, villages will be assured of drinking water. The companies will be asked to give an undertaking on supplying drinking water to the nearby villages before implementing the projects, he said.

Gujarat model

The Minister said he was in favour of following the Gujarat model in building check dams to solve the water problem in the district. Many check dams have been built in Gujarat to tackle water scarcity. The same method could be followed in Dakshina Kannada also, he said.

Mr Shetty said that a delegation of Ministers from the State would visit New Delhi soon to hold a meeting with Central Government officials to discuss issues related to the coastal areas. The Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, and the Ministers in charge of Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts will be present in the delegation, he said.

Breakwater plan

The meeting will discuss subjects such as feasibility of construction of breakwater to prevent sea erosion in coastal area; and the coordination between State and the Centre in matters related to rescue of fishermen while in distress at sea, and providing communication sets to fishermen.

Mr Shetty laid the foundation stone for the Rs 40-lakh road project at Muchchur village on the occasion.