Shivakumar asks Kumaraswamy to identify land for Mandya ARAI centre
The Chief Minister said the state government is ready to acquire and hand over any land chosen for the project.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday challenged Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to select the land needed for the proposed Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) centre in Mandya.
Speaking to reporters in Mandya, Shivakumar said the state government would acquire the identified site and hand it over for the project, according to The Hindu.
The Chief Minister dismissed allegations from Kumaraswamy that the state government was not cooperating to secure land for the centre. Shivakumar stated that the ARAI initially requested 100 acres and later updated the requirement to 500 acres. He added that Mandya MLA P.
Ravikumar and Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy have already extended their cooperation for the project.
Regarding the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project, Shivakumar said the reservoir would help meet water requirements during rainfall deficits. He noted the proposed 66 tmcft storage capacity would assist farmers in the Cauvery, Hemavathi, Kabini, and Harangi command areas during distress years.
Shivakumar said a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner has been formed to manage land acquisition for the Mekedatu project. He mentioned that 500 acres of farmland would be needed, while the rest would be forest land. The state has already given 2,500 acres of alternative land to the Forest department and will provide more soon.
The Chief Minister also expressed his intention to lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to meet the Prime Minister and the Water Resources Minister to protect the state's interests.