Dharwad: With the advent of New Year, people of Hubballi-Dharwad, prominent cities of North Karnataka region and centre for many developments having a direct impact on the state’s politics are hoping for a positive change.
People here are hoping for the revival of many prominent projects such as Hubballi-Ankola railway line, Kalasa-Banduri water project, road development, BRTS, drinking water facility and drought management system among others, which will ensure overall development of the region.
BRTS Project
People are expecting the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project to be complete in 2017 for it has been affecting traffic between twin cities since years. The deadline set for the project was December 2017 but because of the snail’s pace of the work, completion on time seems to be a distant possibility. The officials concerned must show strong will in this regard.
Hefty Grants
For the first time in history the Centre has released Rs. 358 Crore for the development of roads in twin cities, including 103 kms of interior roads. Though BJP government in the past too had released hundreds of crores of funds for road development, the quality of work was exposed within a year. The year 2017 is important for Hubballi-Dharwad, following their selection under the Smart City Project. About Rs. 1662 Crores is being spent under the project for setting up of a Skill Development Centre, market area development, traffic junction improvement, lakes development and installation of solar lamps among others.
Kalasa Banduri
The struggle for Mahadayi, Kalasa Banduri Nala project for over two years by farmers and other members of public, the delegation’s visit to Prime Minister id not yield any fruit and the issue is entering 2017 with a hope of respite.
It is hoped that after the Goa elections the project would get more impetus.
Drinking Water
With majority of the lakes and tanks dried up prior to the summer season, the problem of drinking water is looming large in the region. Drinking water is being supplied once in a week. The condition of rural areas is still worse where water is being supplied through tankers. District administration is spending around Rs. 40 Lakh per month for transporting water to 14 villages in Kundagol taluk in Dharwad district alone.
Drought Situation
The undivided Dharwad district including Gadag and Haveri regions, has been witnessing drought situation for the past four years and the farmers are relocating in search of jobs. With less compensation aid for crop damage, the demand for purchase of variety of produce under minimum support price was ever increasing. Proper planning and management to contain recurring drought situation is need of the hour.
Railway Line
The Hubballi-Ankola railway line which is on hold for one or the other reason needs to be revived. The state government has to start afresh on the matter to lay this railway line which connects coastal Karnataka with other parts of the state.
Many such issues need to be looked into and implemented at the earliest for the region to prosper.
