Bengaluru, Jul 17 (PTI): The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to ask the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to submit a report after carrying out a study across the state, regarding the location for the proposed nuclear power plant, following which it said it will take a considered view.
The cabinet did not agree with three potential sites identified by NTPC to conduct preliminary studies for setting up the nuclear power plant.
"In-principle approval was sought to set up a nuclear power plant in the state, along with permission to conduct preliminary studies at potential sites identified by NTPC. They (NTPC) were requesting to study three locations, but the cabinet did not agree with that. We have decided that let them study the whole of the state for possible viable alternatives and submit a report, so that the government of Karnataka will take a considered view," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said.
Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, he said, "Now we have agreed that we need to have a nuclear project, but as regards the location is concerned, they have to study all possible alternatives and submit the report and we will take the considered opinion later."
The three places suggested were in Vijayapura, Raichur and Koppal district. "They were not considered for various reasons after detailed discussion," he said.
Patil said, to promote tourism in the state, it was decided that, the North Karnataka tourist circuit including Hampi-Badami-Aihole-Pattadakallu-Vijayapura will be developed under the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model through Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 2,166.22 crore.
Administrative approval was given by the cabinet to undertake 5 years of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) work of the Lift Irrigation Project to fill 126 lakes in Kolar district and Chintamani taluk of Chikkaballapur district with treated wastewater from Bengaluru city at an estimated cost of Rs 128.00 crore.
Also approved was the purchase of the 32 Mobile Forensic Vehicles (with Fabrication + SOC kits) for the Directorates of Forensic Science Laboratories at a cost of Rs 2,20,40 crore.
To develop a new textile park in Raichur taluk, Raichur district, under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a total cost of Rs 24.50 crore was approved by the cabinet.
The cabinet has also decided to merge the Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani (ASU) Drugs Enforcement Division and Testing Laboratory of the Department of AYUSH with the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA).
The establishment of Dr B R Ambedkar Constitution chair in the University of Mysore at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore was also approved.
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Bengaluru: The Yellow Line of Namma Metro, running from RV Road to Bommasandra, has received the required safety clearance to begin passenger services. The clearance came from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (Southern Circle), A M Chowdhary, who submitted his report on Friday, reported Deccan Herald.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is now reviewing the report.
Quoting officials the report mentioned that they will need a few days to meet the conditions mentioned before starting operations.
The 19.15-km corridor will connect key areas in South Bengaluru, including Silk Board Junction and Electronics City. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the line, but the final date depends on his availability. BMRCL has tentatively set August 15 as the launch date.
Initially, the line will operate with three driverless trains, running every 20 minutes. The frequency will be improved once more trains are available, with full services expected by March 2026, offering trains every five minutes or less during peak hours.