Hydro power project along NH: Bommai

NT Correspondent

The Jal Shakti(Hydro Power) project to produce electricity from water flowing along National Highways would be implemented along the National Highway from Kittur to Belagavi that reaches up to the Maharashtra border. It would be implemented all over the state in the coming days, announced Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

The project envisages tapping rainwater along the National Highways by channelising water and building small water bodies to generate power. Speaking at a function to lay the foundation stone for construction of 5 National Highways measuring 238km at a cost of Rs.3972 cr by the Union Surface Transport ministry and National Highways department here on Monday, Bommai said, a new dimension for development would be added by implementing Jal Shakti project along all highways in the state. He requested Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari for speedy completion of the Ring Road in Belagavi and in other cities of the state.

Nitin Gadkari has drawn up a novel project linking the Pilgrim Centres of Maharashtra including Pandharpur and Shirdi with Pilgrim Centres of Karnataka like Badami, Pattadakal, Bommai said and lauded the efforts of MPs from Karnataka for their relentless efforts to develop National Highways in the State. He made special mention of Union minister Prahlad Joshi.

GST exemption
Bommai assured that the state government would provide GST exemption for development of Highways, Ring Roads and acquisition of land for the projects. “We will ensure complete cooperation for the projects,” he said.

Belagavi would witness a revolution in road connectivity with the 4 National Highway projects. Nitin Gadakari has shown how to mobilise resources for major projects and how to implement infrastructure projects, Bommai said and recalled how Gadkari had earlier as PWD minister of Maharashtra, drawn national attention by building more than 58 Road Over Bridges in very less time. Over 5000km of National Highways have been developed in the State since Gadkari assumed charge as National Highways minister, he added.

Foundation Stone for 5 projects
Gadkari laid the foundation stone for 5 National Highway projects which include --Belagavi-Sankeshwar by pass, Sankeshwar bypass upto Maharashtra border, Chorla-Jamboki-Belagavi, Vijayapura-Muragundi ( N H 548B), SiddapuraVijayapura(NH 561A) Muzrai and Wakf minister Shashikala Jolle, PWD minister CC Patil and others were present.