Government should not ban gutka sachets - Nagaraj Shetty

Mangaloretoday News Network

Mangalore, Mar 9, 2011: Coastal Development Authority Chairman B. Nagaraj Shetty said that the government should not ban gutka sachets because it will mean a huge loss for arecanut growers. He was addressing reporters at a press meet held in his office on March 8, Wednesday. 

Further speaking on the issue, he said that the government has banned gutka sachets because it is made of plastic and added that the government ought to use the same logic and ban chocolate and milk too because both are packed in different types of plastic. He urged the government to ban gutka only if harmful chemicals are used to produce it or to wait till the gutka industry finds an alternative way to package gutka. He also said that MLAs and MPs of the region will meet CM B. S. Yeddyurappa to discuss the issue and find a solution for it.

 

 

Regarding the problem of PDF students seeking jobs in MRLP and ONGC, he said that talks have already been held with the state government in this regard and that all affected people will fight for justice under the leadership of MP Nalin Kumar Kateel. 

The CM has also called for a meeting in Bangalore to discuss the problem posed by UPCL to local residents. 

He also said that the Coastal Development Authority, which is in the second year of its establishment, will continue to promote the three districts for which it is an advisory board. 

Stating that Nithin Gadkari has suggested that beach and religious tourism should be developed in the twin districts, he said that the Athrady to Manipal road will be shortened to reduce the distance between the two places from 65km to somewhere between 48km and 52km. 

He also said that solar lights will be distributed among houses and that a brand new company has agreed to give away solar lights worth Rs. 8,000 with 5 year guarantee. Stating that a tender has been called in this regard, he said that MESCOM will be the agency to distribute lights in the two districts in collaboration with the Coastal Development Authority.