LEADERS CLASH OVER ISSUE;

Madikeri March 6, 2007

Former ministers M.C.nanaiah, M.M.Nanaiah, MLA K.G.Bopaiah and former ZP chairperson K.P.Chandrakala yesterday fought over single umbrella about the drinking water issue.

The press club organized a contact programme with the stalwarts who had been propagating different drinking water projects, all in vein since decades. The programme observed hot to very hot debate between the leaders who attempted to mock and taunt each others, sliding from the main issue. M.C.Nanaiah was found pacifying others who would loose temper during discussion.

However, the leaders decided to pressurize government apolitically to implement Bethri water project which can provide permanent drinking water to Madikerians.

K.G.Bopaiah said that Kunda Maistry project was cheaper and feasible for Madikeri. He also clarified that he never objected to Bethri project.

M.M.Nanaiah stated that his government had sanctioned the Rs.19 lakh Bethri project and the change in power gave a turn to it. The elected CMC members later changed records and emphasized on Kunda Maistry project. The BJP MLA Bopaiah went furious about this comment and said that he never opposed Bethri project.

Former chairperson of state water and sewerage board, K.P.Chandrakala recalled that she had proposed Vanachalu project for Madikeri and it could not materialize as some vested interests opposed it. She said that Madikeri should get Cauvery water and Bethri is the best project. MLA shall see that it is implemented, she opined.

M.C.nanaiah opined that the projects are not being implemented as the leaders want to take credit by pushing through their own ideas. He suggested that all the leaders should strive for the development apolitically. He insisted that Bethri project should be taken up and other small projects could be implemented for an emergency utility.

Press club president H.T.Anil presided over. Jagadish welcomed and G.Chidvilas compered the programme.

THREE ARRESTED FOR STEALING RODS AT HARANGI;

Kushalnagar police arrested three persons in connection with the stealing of iron bars from harangi reservoir.

The police action came as the irrigation officials lodged a complaint alleging theft from the reservoir. More than 800 iron bars used for the crest gate and worth few lakhs were missing.

The crime branch police, led by inspector Lingappa arrested Hanif from Hoskote, Rajiv from Harangi and Mahindra from Kushalnagar and booked a theft case.

Police also seized a lorry in connection with this. Preliminary investigations revealed that the heavy iron bars were sold at Mysore by the culprits. The residents of Harangi suspect hand in glove action by the officials and engineers in the crime and they have urged for a thorough investigation.