Vijayashankar has joined the band of netas who are singing the old song of tourism promotion in city for the last 25 years with no significant contribution. He feels that tourism should be developed as the main industry in this heritage city, which generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs contributing to the increase in commercial activity. However, looking at the poor facility available for tourists, neglected tourist spots in and around Mysore city without proper roads, the condition of KSTDC hotels in Srirangapatna and elsewhere, sale of the dormitory of KSTDC in Somanathapur (in T. Narasipur taluk) to a private person who has left it in a dingy condition, unhygienic condition of city hotels, Vijayashankar should realise that mere slogans will not promote tourism. Like anybody else he too dreams about miracles once the JNNURM brings a lot of funds for tourism development. Let us wait and see.
We learn that the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) project sanctioned for city is in trouble due to technical flaws. It is said the project report may not be accepted by the Centre as we have no elected ward committees and if election to the City Corporation is not held on time.
Don't worry. Such issues may not come in the way of JNNURM. We have submitted the project report to the Centre two months ago itself. Ward Committees are not a must here. We are going to get Rs. 300 crore initially to launch the project within a month. The Chief Minister himself has confirmed this to me. I have also met many Central authorities in this regard who have promised to release the first installment of the allocation. Tenders will be invited soon to select the consultants to implement the project. (However, District in - charge Minister Jayakumar himself recently confessed that JNNURM will not be sanctioned unless election to the City Corporation is held. The elections have been postponed indefinitely — Ed).
Have you heard that the Ring Road is not connected to Nanjangud road, as the MUDA has not been able to acquire the lands for about 9 - km stretch as the lands belong to highly influential people? It is also alleged that the Urban Development Secretary is sitting pretty over the relevant files.
I had asked Nagaraj (MUDA Commissioner now under suspension) to expedite acquisition proceedings. I do not know what happened later. However influential may be the land owners, the work should be resumed. It should not be stalled just because of a handful of people.
Will you approach the Government to tackle this problem?
Definitely. I will talk to people at the helm of affairs and see that the hurdles are removed. I will come back to you in this regard.
Talking about land mafia and boasting of curbing them has been the latest fashion among the politicians, including the Chief Minister these days. Have you noticed the land mafia's presence in Mysore?
Yes, I too have heard about it, but I have not gone deeply into it. There are provisions in the existing law to deal with land mafia. But it needs political will. I will definitely play my role effectively in this regard.
We have heard the law is in their favour. They are capable of purchasing anyone. MUDA Commissioner Nagaraj was suspended for talking against the land mafia.
I do not endorse Nagaraj's conduct. Sitting in an official chair he should not criticize the Chief Minister and the Government. I did not like it. He should have taken up the matter with the appropriate authority. Or he should have discussed such issues with me so that I could alert the Government.
His conduct might be wrong. But what he said was true. Is it not?
It may be true, but the way he dealt with it, is wrong. Under service conditions, an officer should not criticize the Government, himself being its representative. What will happen if every Officer behaves like him?
Water supply system in the city is in total disarray. The Commissioner himself has admitted that 22 out of 24 water tanks are not in use. Then why were the tanks constructed? Just to favour some contractors who "look after" netas?
It is wrong if the Corporation has been unable to utilise so many water tanks. I will discuss this issue with the Commissioner. But it is a local matter. Being an MP I have no role in the local issues.
But many of your party people are Corporators. You can tell them to work with responsibility. (Now the question does not arise, as all the Corporators have gone home!)
Yes, I can do that. But the fault is with the water supply system itself. The machineries are 70 to 80 years old. It should be overhauled or replaced. However, Melapura II Stage project, which is expected to be completed by December, may ease the situation.
Do you see a bright future for IT sector in city despite mega projects moving out due to poor infrastructure?
IT sector is growing. About 1,500 acres of land acquired for Fab City (now gone to AP) near Thandya is available for new industries. We will create all infrastructure here to attract entrepreneurs. Many applications seeking lands have been received by the KIADB.
What kind of industries you want in and around the city?
Any industry except chemical plants. About two months ago I held a meeting of KIADB officials and issued strict instructions not to allow chemical industries near city. Chemical units are hazardous to the city and its people. See what a havoc the chemical units have played in Bider district. Local officials allowed chemical units indiscriminately and the poor people are now paying a heavy price for it. Crops do not grow 2 kms around the units. Ground water is depleting. People have contracted several diseases with no solution in sight. When I visited Bidar as a member of Parliamentary Committee on environment, I literally broke down seeing the plight of the people. I do not allow this to happen to our city.
We have been hearing our netas bluffing us for the last 25 years with assurances that tourism would be promoted in a big way in Mysore. As if this is not enough, our District in-charge Minister is doling out figures in thousands of crores' (fund for tourism promotion). But nothing has materialized. What is the future?
Tourism is very important for our city's growth and health. We should give top priority for promotion of tourism. We should concentrate on developing tourism as main industry, which has great potential. It is people - friendly and environment - friendly. It can beat all the industries in earning revenue. Government and political leaders should at least start working now towards this goal, which has been ignored so far.
Being a heritage city, known world over, Mysore could survive mainly on tourism if we implement plans professionally. It can bring a lot of money, generate thousands of jobs and improve commercial business. The JNNURM has special packages for tourism, which will help in the implementation of projects.
You mean, politicians including you?
Yes, yes. It applies to me also (laughs)
Courtesy: Star of Mysore
