KHENY SAYS BMIC PROJECT WILL GO ON

KHENY SAYS BMIC PROJECT WILL GO ON
Work to begin from Mysore end on July 7
DDeccan Herald

The much-discussed work of Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BM-IC) from Mysore end is certain to begin from July 7, as announced by NICE Managing Director Ashok Kheny during his recent visit to the city.

NICE sources confirmed to Deccan Herald that the work will certainly begin from July 7. “We are making all arrangements for the launch, that is for bhoomi puja at Devanoor Layout. The launch will take place at 9:30 am,” the sources said.

But it is not clear whether the land for the work had been allotted to NICE. There were reports that the land would be alloted by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

No MUDA land

However, Deputy Commissioner and MUDA acting Chairman S Selva Kumar told Deccan Herald that MUDA has nothing to do with BMIC work. The land has to be allotted by Karnataka Infrastructure and Development Board (KIADB).

“Only if KIADB pays up its dues of Rs 85 lakh to MUDA, the land — about 15 acres — identified for the work, will be given to KIADB, otherwise no,” he clarified.

Kumar said 15 acres is just about 500 meters. “There is a possibility that NICE could have bought additional land in Mysore for the work. It can begin the work on that land,” he said.

‘No direction’

Meanwhile, KIADB authorities said that not an inch of land had been allotted to NICE in Mysore.

“No direction has come from the government for allotting land to NICE,” they clarified.

But, NICE sources said in categorical terms that the work will commence at the place identified for the work.

“The government had directed that the work has to commence from Bangalore and Mysore. That is enough for us. What is the need for another order?” they said, adding that “there is no problem from our side.”

Kheny’s reaction

Meanwhile, in Bangalore, Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) Managing Director Ashok Kheny said on Tuesday that the review petition filed in the Supreme Court by the State government will not affect him nor disrupt the schedule of the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project.

“I have not received any communication regarding the petition. The Government is welcome to go to the Court. I believe the law will support the one who is right. I cannot sit and worry over the issue anymore. I am more interested in getting the work started on the Mysore end,” Kheny said.