New environment university in Sirsi: Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai

KARWAR: Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that the two existing colleges of forest and horticulture in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada, will be merged and a brand new ‘environment university’ will be created. On a flying visit to the district to inspect development works on the “insistence” of local BJP legislator and speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri, Bommai said the ecologically critical Western Ghats is an integral part of Uttara Kannada district and holds great importance to flora and fauna of the world. “Considering that it requires much protection besides dedicated study, I have decided to open an environment university in Sirsi,” Bommai said. “The existing horticulture and forest colleges in the region will be merged to form the university. We also intend to launch general courses at the same university. ” Bommai was expected to announce the formation of a new Sirsi district, dividing Uttara Kannada district, but instead, he deflected questions on the issue. “We have received a petition to make Sirsi a new district, but we have received many such demands from across the state. All these demands need to be discussed in the cabinet before taking a decision,” he said. Kageri is said to be seeking bifurcation of the district since 2008 and wants Sirsi, his constituency, to be the headquarters. At a public meeting a few days ago, Kageri, had announced that Sirsi district will be formed soon by including Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Haliyal, Mundgod, Dandeli and Joida taluks. This was opposed by the people of all taluks except Sirsi and Siddapur. (Source: TOI)