Airport work has started: CM

The problems with the Bangalore international Airport project at Devanahalli near here have been solved and the work has started, chief minister N Dharam Singh said here on Friday.

"Work on the project began two days ago. I am visiting the site for an inspection the day after tomorrow (Sunday)," he told reporters.

Singh said that 'certain problems' in the Rs 1,300 crore project were resolved a few days ago. CM has also directed officials to invoke the Goondas Act against land grabbers and bootleggers.

Singh issued the directive to top officials of the administration at a meeting he addressed yesterday in the wake of the stepped-up campaign launched by JDs chief H D Devegowda demanding action against landgrabbers and culprits behind the recent hooch tragedy that claimed 36 lives.

On the decision taken at the meeting of deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and excise officials, Singh said he has directed that a standing committee, comprising deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and deputy commissioner (excise), be set up at the district level to monitor the situation.

Home commissioner would hold monthly review meetings on enforcement of laws such as Goondas Act, CrPC and prevention of unlawful activities act and report to the chief minister.

He said officials have been warned that DCs, SPs and commissioners of police would be held responsible for occurrence of communal violence, atrocities against SCs, STs, women, children and hooch tragedy.

The government would not hesitate to invoke provisions of criminal laws in addition to taking disciplinary action under services rules against inefficient and corrupt officials, he warned.

Deputy chief minister Siddaramaiah had urged the chief minister for strict action against officials in the aftermath of two hooch tragedies in the state.