Hubli airport to be renovated

The work on reinforcing runway at Hubli and Belgaum airports is all set to commence.

Karnataka minister for municipal administration S R Morey Ehas indicated that the work will start soon. The Hubli airport will have night landing facilities enabling air service between Bangalore-Hubli and Hubli-Mumbai. He said that the air transport operators had expressed apprehensions about getting space for landing at Mumbai airport as it is overcrowded.

As of now Air Deccan operates between Bangalore and Hubli. Civil aviation secretary Kashyap who visited Bangalore last week has promised the Centre's assistance for the reinforcement of runway at Hubli and Belgaum airports. The tower and canteen facility at Hubli airport will be upgraded.

Explaining the measures taken by him after assuming charge as minister for municipal administration S R Morey said that he had introduced cadre and recruitment rules in 222 urban local bodies in the state to bring accountability among the staff and ensure that efficient people were appointed.

The government has recruited 123 environment engineers, 33 assistant engineers and 180 junior engineers through Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). There has also been delegation of financial powers to chief officers of ULBs.

The minister expressed confidence that the Rs 176 crore Malaprabha Third Stage project will get clearance from the finance department and state cabinet in next two weeks. The Finance department had raised 54 queries seeking details about repayment capacity of the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation.

Morey said replies to all the queries had been given. He said the HDMC should receive its share in the devolution fund as per the recommendations of the State Finance Commission and the amount due to HDMC would be diverted for repayment of loan.

"I have discussed the issue with deputy chief minister Siddaramaiah and he has agreed to clear the proposal," Morey said.