New location for bio-tech park

By S.K.Ramoo

BANGALORE, OCT. 1. The S.M.Krishna Government's ``undue haste and lack of sensitivity'' combined with a systematic disinformation campaign launched by some Opposition leaders have resulted in considerable adverse publicity to the planned bio-technology park on the University of Agricultural Sciences campus. Succumbing to the pressure, the Government has now decided to locate the park away from the UAS campus.

It is likely to be established either at Bommanahalli or on Mysore Road. The change of location was conveyed by the Chief Minister at a meeting on Monday which was attended by the Agriculture Minister, Mr. T.B.Jayachandra, the Minister of State Information Technology, Prof. B.K.Chandrashekar, and a host of senior bureaucrats.

It is widely felt that the Government could have avoided the ``needless controversy,'' if only it had conducted a public hearing on the UAS campus involving the faculty members, scientists, and students by explaining how the proposed bio- technology park would benefit them. The State Government and the Vision Group on Bio-technology in the first instance should have agreed to the release of land, whatever its location on the campus. The ``strong-arm tactics'' adopted by the Government, particularly the City Police, have badly dented the images of both.

Observers feel that the Government was ``totally unjustified'' in imposing Section 144 of the Cr.PC and allowing police personnel on the campus which provoked the students and some faculty members. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Krishnappa, who is the administrative head of UAS, should have been consulted for permission for imposing prohibitory orders on the campus.

According to the Government's political detractors, the authorities have violated the ``sanctity of the university campus'' by their ``thoughtless and coarse action.'' It is a classic example of a good cause made to suffer chiefly owing to ``unimaginative'' handling of the situation. A few ``misguided and ill-informed elements'' in the university are instrumental for stoking the fire and for generating needless controversy.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has criticised the Opposition leaders by saying that they were doing a great disservice to farmers by creating an unwarranted public polemic over the location of the planned park. It is significant that the Karnataka Agriculture Commission, headed by Prof. R.Dwarkinath, a former Vice- Chancellor of UAS, has made recommendations for the promotion of bio-technology for surmounting the current barrier of the State's agriculture production and productivity. It has recommended the establishment a ``bio-technology corridor'' in the northern part of the City.

If the bio-technology park does not come up in Bangalore, a number of bio-technology firms may shift to other States where governments may offer faster and better facilities.

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Section  : Southern States
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