Priority for white topping; Discussion with Bengaluru MLAs soon: DCM DK Shivakumar

Belgaum: "White topping is being given priority to develop Bangalore's roads and drains, and a meeting of Bangalore MLAs will be held soon," DCM DK Shivakumar said.

He answered a question from HS Gopinath, a member, during the Legislative Council question and answer session.

“There are 1.14 crore vehicles in Bangalore. There are as many vehicles as Bangalore's population. An average of 1300 two-wheelers and 490 cars are being registered in the city every day. Due to the pressure of vehicles, the roads are getting damaged and closing the potholes is a big task. Thus, the work of closing the potholes has been decentralized. Corporation officials are closing the potholes where the public or the police personnel have taken photos and sent it to them.There is a grant of Rs 1000 crores for white topping and there is a demand to build roads other than the main roads. Cable problem has increased in Bangalore. The road is being dug for this. So white topping has to be done in a planned manner," said DCM Shivakumar.

He said, White topping is preferred as roads last for 25 to 40 years. I am going to call a meeting of MLAs in Bangalore soon to discuss where it is needed. No matter how much the government grants, the corporation needs to earn more income. For this we are going to increase the tax. Through that, we are working to make the corporation financially strong. If you have any suggestions on this please do. Let's work together to save the honor and self-respect of Bangalore.

Action in collaboration with Home Department to prevent crime

In response to a question asked by Bharathi Shetty about the cleanliness, infrastructure development, crime prevention and measures taken to save the dignity of Bangalore at the global level, he said, "Bharathi Shetty is originally from Mangalore but is very interested in Bangalore. In terms of cleanliness, Mangalore, Belgaum are better than Bangalore. Apart from Jayanagar, Chamarajpet, Malleswaram areas, Bangalore is not a planned city.

When I was the urban development minister earlier, Bangalore had a population of 60 lakhs. Now it is 1.40 crores. Supply of drinking water to such a large population. Solid waste disposal is a big challenge. Garbage removal is a big problem, it is a business. The systems adopted in other states for garbage disposal are being studied. Studied in Delhi, Hyderabad. I have to go to Indore. I have taken advice from all the party leaders and the public in this regard, said Shivakumar.

Over 70,000 suggestions have been collected from the public on the concept of Brand Bangalore. A plan is being prepared for the development of Bangalore by dividing it into health, drinking water, technology and environment sectors. Bangalore is everyone's favorite city. Bengaluru's income is helping the development of villages. 39% of the country's export earnings are collected from Bangalore. So Bangalore needs to be given more priority, he said.

Certain organizations are tasked with reviewing public suggestions. There was no airport at Devanahalli when we approved the construction of the Hebbal flyover. Now that it is an airport, the vehicular traffic has increased. Bangalore North is growing, said Shivakumar. He also stated, Discussions have been held with 9 organizations to solve the traffic problem of Bangalore. I had a meeting on this issue yesterday as well. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence are being adopted to prevent traffic and crime. We are planning together with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He added, Traffic congestion has increased within the city from five major roads. This requires long-term planning. Bangalore is not planned to be a tourist destination. Foreign tourists have no options other than Vidhana Souda and the High Court.

Creation of a separate department for protection of government assets

Responding to Maritibbe Gowda's question about the Supreme Court ruling in favor of private individuals in BDA asset disputes, he said, “I agree with Maritibe Gowda's argument. There is a big mafia there. There is no liability. Although the previous governments appointed advocates, 90% of the judgments were in favor of private individuals. Recently, Minister HK Patil discussed with the advocates of the state. In the matter of BDA and Corporation, a meeting of advocates has been scheduled next Saturday, and who has argued how many cases, how many cases have been won, and what is their future plan will be checked. All of a sudden we wont remove them one day. Taking into consideration the concerns raised by the members, the Advocate General has been instructed to form a separate division to look into cases related to BDA property. We will hold the government advocates accountable," he said.