KDP meet rejects nuclear plant in Besur; seeks HC circuit bench in Shivamogga

Shivamogga: The district-level Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) quarterly review meeting, chaired by district in-charge minister Madhu Bangarappa Friday, unanimously resolved that the plan by National Power Corporation (NCP) to set up a nuclear power plant will not be allowed in Besur village of Sagar taluk, citing severe anxiety among locals over displacement for a long time.The meeting also adopted a resolution demanding a high court circuit bench in Shivamogga to serve central Karnataka.On doctor shortage at district hospLawmakers flagged an acute shortage of doctors at McGann district hospital, especially during night shifts.Bangarappa said a monitoring committee would be formed within 15 days and noted that a proposal for a separate district hospital is under consideration to ease pressure on McGann, a teaching hospital attached to the Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS).Ahead of the monsoon, the minister directed the immediate removal of hazardous trees and timber blocking school zones.Regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission, ZP CEO Hemanth N said a fresh proposal for 464 connections has been submitted after the project was extended until 2028.Ordering a crackdown on illegal liquor trade, Bangarappa warned of zero tolerance for official collusion following complaints that liquor is sold round the clock and instructed the deputy commissioner to initiate action.MLA Gopal Krishna Belur and Malnad Area Development Board (MADB) chairman RM Manjunatha Gowda accused the forest department of uprooting crops belonging to tribal communities in Sagar Taluk.