2 weeks Ago
Bengaluru: The state govt has formed a cabinet sub-committee headed by home minister G Parameshwara to review the long-disputed Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), developed by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE). The sub-committee will examine allegations of multiple violations of the framework agreement (FWA) signed between the govt and NICE. The panel's recommendations will determine whether the govt should take control of the project amid alleged discrepancies in land allotment, toll operations, and project execution.
Ministers HK Patil (law and parliamentary affairs), KH Muniyappa (food and civil supplies), MB Patil (industries), HC Mahadevappa (social welfare), Satish Jarkiholi (public works), and Krishna Byregowda (revenue) are part also of the sub-committee. A cabinet note stated that the panel "shall discuss with legal and subject experts the steps to be taken as per the law." The panel has been given a two-month deadline to submit its findings.
"Action will be taken based on the recommendation of the panel regarding the allegations, including irregularities while implementing the project," it added. The sub-committee will examine various reports, including a 392-page legislature committee report submitted in Dec 2016 by a team led by then-minister TB Jayachandra. The report indicted NICE for several violations, including acquiring land in excess of limits set by the framework agreement, toll collection on roads not built with concrete, and illegal mining activities.
The original framework agreement permitted NICE to acquire 20,193 acres—13,237 acres of private land and 6,956 acres of govt land. However, in 1998-99, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) entered into an agreement with NICE, reportedly without Cabinet approval, for acquiring 29,313 acres—23,625 acres of private land and 5,688 acres of government land. Of the total land associated with the project, 25,616 acres were marked as an industrial area.
While a preliminary notification was issued for 18,058 acres of private land, the final notification covered only 4,809 acres. Compensation amounting to Rs 316 crore has been disbursed for 2,268 acres. "So far, NICE has been given 2,191 acres of private land and 5,000 acres of govt land," HK Patil said.
"A sale deed for 1,699 acres has been executed by KIADB in favour of NICE," he added..
