Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Sep 15: Nalin Kumar Kateel said that the ambitious project of the union government of building a mega tunnel on Shiradi Ghat is given a new design.

Speaking to reporters in the city, Nalin said, “The union government undertook surveys twice to construct an alternative tunnel instead of the highway on Shiradi. As per the first survey, a DPR of Rs 3000 crore was made and as per the second survey, the DPR is Rs 12500 crore. Now the design of the project is changed. The tunnel will be constructed at two places and flyovers at other areas. The union government has agreed to release Rs 2500 crore in the first phase. The work will begin in 2024.”

Speaking on the state government, he said, “The chief minister is silent on the accusations made on minister Sudhakar on the encroachment case of land belonging to SC and STs. No action is taken against minister Cheluvarayaswamy, though the officials raised complaints. This government is full of dictators and scamsters. Media which questions the government are slapped with cases.

“Farmers’ educational fund is withdrawn. The government has also withdrawn the Rs 4000 added by the Yediyurappa-led government to the Kisan Samman scheme of the union government. Though 275 farmers have died by suicide in the past three months, the government is silent. The Congress government is sacrificing the interest of Karnataka in the matter of Cauvery.

“The government has declared 161 taluks as drought-affected. This is not right. The whole state should be declared as drought-hit. Every year, the coastal region and Malnad areas were receiving the highest rainfall. This year due to shortage of rains, rivers have dried up. The government should immediately take action,” he said.

Regarding the election of opposition party leader, Nalin said that discussions are held with national leaders of the party.