Survey of Sharavati project-affected people completed, report will be submitted to SC soon: Minister

The survey of land being cultivated by people displaced by the Sharavati Hydel Power Project has been completed, and soon the government of Karnataka will submit its report to the Supreme Court, said Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa, who is also the Minister in charge of Shivamogga district.

Addressing the gathering after hoisting the national flag to mark Republic Day celebrations at Nehru Stadium in Shivamogga on January 26, he said that the State Government had taken special interest to resolve the issue concerning people displaced by the project. The government would make honest efforts to provide justice to the people.

Later, speaking to the journalists, the Minister said that the survey was completed under the leadership of previous Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegade. The report would be submitted to the court in consultation with the Advocate General of Karnataka.

“During the election campaign ahead of 2023 assembly polls, our party leaders (Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah and (Deputy CM) D.K. Shivakumar had assured the displaced people of resolving the issue. We are working towards it. The government is considering the claims of those who are not covered under the survey,” the Minister said.

The Minister said the CM had convened a meeting on February 2 to discuss the budget proposals for his department and the district. He was hoping to get funds for the upgradation of McGann Hospital in Shivamogga, among other projects. His department would soon launch 900 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) in the State, with special thrust on the Kalyana Karnataka region. Shivamogga district would get 19 schools. “The Chief Minister will visit Shivamogga to inaugurate the KP Schools,” he said.

Cultural performances

Earlier, the minister received a guard of honour. Platoons representing schoolchildren, police officials, Forest Department officials, municipal workers, NCC and home guards took part in the march past, led by probationary IPS officer Megha Agarwal.

Dance performances presented by schoolchildren won the hearts of the audience. The students of Police Public School at Machenahalli presented a dance drama based on the life and contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The students of Ramakrishna School in Shivamogga presented a collage of dance forms of different States, and the performance ended with a tribute to Saalumarada Thimmakka. Students of Jnanadeepa School presented Trivarna Vaibhava, a dance that highlights the significance of the national flag.

Legislators S.N. Channabasappa, D.S. Arun, Dr. Dhananjay Sarji, Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti, Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil, and Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth were among those present at the celebrations.