The Karnataka Government has decided to release a grant of Rs 65.23 crore to Kudremukh Iron Ore Company (KIOCL) and the Mineral Exploration Corporation (MECL) to identify mining areas in the state. The State Cabinet also decided to constitute a six-member cabinet sub-committee as recommended by the Dr Kasturirangan Committee on the extent of national park wildlife sanctuaries.
The Cabinet also granted approval for rejuvenation of court buildings at Devadurga at Rs 13.95 crore, in Lingasugur at Rs 15.82 and Somvarpet in Kodagu Rs 12.82 crore. The Cabinet sanctioned Rs 130 crore for rejuvenation of Harangi dam in Kodagu district, Rs 225 crore to fill 84 lakes in five villages of Mandagod taluk of Uttara Kannada district under minor irrigation project channelising a tributary of Bedthi Nadi.
The government also agreed to give administrative approval for the Budihal-Veerapura irrigation project, including the Shahpura area at an estimated cost of Rs 549 crore. A total of Rs 234 crore has been sanctioned by the government for the project. The government sanctioned Rs 10 crore for hostels for SC/ST students at the Jnanabharathi premises of Bengaluru. With matching grants from the Centre, the project will cost Rs 32 crore.