The Hindu Business Line : Task force submits report on Dakshina Kannada, Udupi

The Karnataka State Planning Board may consider some of the recommendations of the Coastal Agenda Task Force (CATF) for the 11th Five-Year Plan, according to Dr A. Ravindra, Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka State Planning Board.

He was replying after receiving a copy of the CATF recommendations on the comprehensive development of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts at the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). Presenting the copy to the Karnataka State Planning Board, Mr N. Vinay Hegde, CATF Chairman, said the aim of the task force was to bring the best of public sector expertise and private sector entrepreneurship into preparing a development plan for the coastal districts.

Its objective is not just to draw up critique of the existing status of social and economic infrastructure, but also to suggest various means of improving it.

This initiative is to remove the unseen barrier between Government departments on one hand and the private and non-Government sector on the other to create a synergy between them.

Dr Ravindra said the CATF report had come at an appropriate time when the State was preparing for the Budget for 2007-08 and for the 11th Five-Year Plan.

Stressing the need for urban development activities, he said grandiose projects were not the solutions for the development of a city.

"You need a proper plan for each city. Identify critical areas for development." Cities today need professionals to manage them, he added.

Mass transit system

Earlier, submitting a memorandum to the Planning Board, Mr J.P. Menezes, KCCI President, suggested that the State consider the establishment of a mass transit transport system to suit the nature and terrain of the region.

Mangalore is the only city in the State with a major port, an emerging international airport and a railway point with connectivity to three zones, besides two important national highways.

The KCCI will look forward to speedy implementation of the Mangalore SEZ in view of the strategic location, local talent pool for employment and the availability of raw material. Mr Menezes said that the State should consider the effective use of natural gas - which ONGC is planning to bring to New Mangalore Port - in Bangalore and other areas in Karnataka.

More Stories on : Infrastructure | Karnataka

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page