TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BELGAUM: Goans visiting Belgaum may find it difficult to get accommodation till December 7, with most hotels and guest houses fully booked by government officials for the winter session of the Karnataka State Legislature commences in Belgaum from Monday.
The session will be held in the imposing ‘Suvarna Vidhan Soudha,’ the mega legislative structure that was constructed at a mammoth cost of Rs 400 crore last year. The Karnataka State Assembly has 225 MLAs, while the Karnataka Lagislative Council has 75 MLCs.
The district administration, under the direction of Deputy Commissioner N Jayaram ~ who is also the District Magistrate, has made elaborate arrangements for the session.
“We have made complete arrangements in all aspects. Most hotels and guest houses in Belgaum and Dharwad have been booked for officials, legislators and VIPs attending the session. Belgaum already has the experience of holding three sessions of the state legislature, hence there should be no problem of any sorts,” N Jayaram told media persons.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, leaders of opposition, speakers of both houses and ministers will be accommodated at the VTU guest house, while ministers, MLAs and MLCs have been accommodated in all leading city hotels.
As a result, there could be no rooms available in the city for other visitors till December 7.
“About one kilometer area around the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha has been declared as restricted zone under IPC Section 144 during the session,” he said, adding that notices have been issued to all the Kannada and Marathi organizations against holding protests. Speaking at a press conference, IGP (North) Bhaskar Rao said that elaborate security measures are in place for the large number of VVIPs visiting Belgaum during the session.
“Security at all the check posts bordering Goa and Maharashtra has been beefed up,” he said.
Superintendent of Police Dr Chandragupta said that about 5000 police personnel comprising of Rapid Action Force, Home Guards and State Reserve Police force will be deployed during the session.
“We have sought the help of neighbouring district police officials to ensure law and order. Additional police force from several neighboring district also will be arriving for the session,” Dr Chandragupta said.
