Date:18/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/18/stories/2005051800601700.htm

Back Karnataka Govt firm on retaining ONGC investments

Our Bureau

Mangalore , May 17

THE Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr Dharam Singh, has said that the State will not allow the proposed investments of ONGC to go out of its hand.

In an informal chat with newspersons in Mangalore on Tuesday, he said the Government is firm on its stand on ONGC's investment in the State. The corporation, which has signed a memorandum of understanding with the State Government, plans to invest around Rs 21,000 crore on various projects in the State.

It may be mentioned here that the Member of Parliament of Mangalore, Mr Sadananda Gowda, had recently alleged that the Union Petroleum Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, was planning to shift the ONGC projects to Tamil Nadu.

Stating that he had discussed the matter with the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister said he would also discuss it with Mr Aiyar.

To a query on the recent hooch tragedies in the State, Mr Singh said the concerned district administration would be held responsible for the same. A high-level meeting will be held in Bangalore on May 18 to discuss cracker unit explosion, which took place at Hassan on May 16. Eight people were killed and 10 injured in that incident.

Asked about the illegal works taken up by Andhra Pradesh in the Krishna Basin, he said an all-party delegation from Karnataka, which met the Prime Minister recently, has brought this to his notice. Package for fishermen

Later addressing newspersons at Belman in Udupi district, the Chief Minister said the Government would consider providing a package for fishermen. Steps will be initiated to rejuvenate the Fisheries Department to help resolve fishermen's problems.

To a query on the establishment of thermal power projects in Udupi district, he said the Government wants to establish power projects. These projects will have to be reconsidered, if the people are against them for environmental reasons.

Mr Singh said the coalition Government in the State has given importance for the agriculture sector.