Shimoga stood to gain considerably from him

SHIMOGA: Although not remarkable, Sarekoppa Bangarappa’s - one among the four chief ministers from Shimoga - contribution to the development of the district was significant. During his tenure as CM (1990-92), the upgradation of the district hospital - McGann hospital - into a super-speciality hospital was undertaken for the benefit of people in Malnad. It is a travesty that his successors did not show the same concern as he did. In fact, efforts were even made to increase the bed strength of the hospital to ensure that Bangarappa does not get credit for his initiative.Even the inaugural of the upgraded  hospital was tinged with controversy and got postponed twice despite then health minister Kagodu Thimmappa - the former CM’s close aide - announced the date. When Bangarappa’s supporters threatened to disrupt the inaugurual function, the idea to inaugurate the hospital was dropped.He was also instrumental in the implementation of the Upper Tunga Project which was designed to irrigate 2.5 lakh acres of land in Shimoga, Haveri and parts of Bellary. Bangarappa also focussed on the development of the famous tourist spot, the Jog Falls. He took the initiative to establish the Jog Development Authority. Another notable contribution of his was the formation of municipal corporations for the twin cities of Shimoga-Bhadravati. Unfortunately, the corporation was superseded by the successive government headed by Veerappa Moily