Date:22/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/22/stories/2007052207170500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

HKDB gets Rs. 37 crore

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The State Government has sanctioned Rs. 37 crore for the Hyderabad-Karnataka Development Board (HKDB) for implementing various developmental works this financial year.

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday reviewed various developmental schemes of the board and instructed the officials to take steps for executing works expeditiously. He told them to give priority for drinking water and housing schemes.

Although Rs. 18 crore had been exclusively earmarked for the board's social welfare schemes, the money had been sanctioned throughout the State. The Chief Minister, on coming to know of this, had directed that the funds be returned to the board to be spent in the HKDB region comprising five districts.

Minister for Planning Ramachandra Gowda, MLAs and Ministers of the Hyderabad-Karnatak region were present. Minister for Energy and Public Works H.D. Revanna reviewed the work of the Public Works Department and said a District Road Development Corporation would be established for laying district roads. About Rs. 1,000 crore would be availed of from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for developing 10,000 km of roads by the end of 2008. He said Rs. 1 crore each would be released for construction of 104 first grade colleges' buildings.