State highways to connect tourist spots

BANGALORE: The state government has decided to develop 69 km of state highways which connect religious centres and tourist centres in Malnad and the Western Ghat regions.The state Cabinet which met here on Thursday gave its approval for the development of four roads at the cost of Rs 35 crore.The roads to be developed are Shimoga Airport to Umblebailu(7km), Virajpet to Baindur(10km), 22 km stretch on Malpe-Molakalumur state highway and NR Pura-Balehonnur (30 km).Other decisions:*To give 103 acre of land to BNM Ispat company to set up a steel plant near Danapur village in Hospet taluka in Bellary district*To provide 100 acre of land near Ramanagar for Sanskrit University*To bring an amendment to Visvesvaraya Technological University Act*To give AICTE scale to teaching staff of Ayush colleges from April 1, 2011*To absorb eight assistant and junior engineers who are from Karnataka Construction Corporation into Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike*Drinking water to Byadagi and three enroute villages from Malaprabha river*To provide drinking water to Sagar and 14 enroute villages from Sharavathi river backwaters*Power looms to 1,500 weavers. The Cabinet has approved the release of Rs 10 crore for the purpose*Two acre to Sri Krishna Sevashrama to set up a 100bed hospital near Varthur.