Bengaluru: The state government will not hesitate to take stringent action against those encroaching government land including storm water drains and lakes in the city, Minister for Bengaluru Development K.J. George said on Tuesday.
Taking part in an interactive programme organised by Press Club of Bengaluru and Reporters’ Guild here, Minister George said the authorities have identified the encroachment of government land in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. “The authorities are ready to clear the encroachment. There is no question of protecting anyone in this regard,’’ the minister said.
Poster menace
The minister said he has already instructed BBMP officials to file cases against those who indulge in pasting wall posters. He said that he would soon convene a meeting of all party leaders to discuss regarding aesthetics of the city. “Over 180 cases have been booked so far. I appeal people of Bengaluru to cooperate in this regard to maintain the beauty of the city,’’ the minister said.
Focus on development
The state government has allocated more funds for development of Bengaluru city. “The measures have been taken to supply drinking water to 110 villages at an estimated cost of Rs 1800 crore. Around 800 kms of underground drainage (UGD) facility has been completed. The work will commence on 142 km long UGD soon. The government has the plan to extend it to another 400 kms,’’ the minister said.
He said around 1400 million litres per day of drinking water is being supplied to Bengaluru. “The government has taken measures to filter about 80 per cent of water being supplied to the city. The measures, to filter the remaining 20 per cent of water, will be taken after consulting the experts,’’ he said.
Steel flyover is BJP’s baby
The proposal to have the steel flyover was made during the BJP regime but allegations are being made against Congress government without any reason. “I condemn these allegations. A few non-government organisations are protesting against the steel flyover. The government was ready to plant saplings to compensate the trees that were either to be relocated or cut down. However, the government had to cancel the proposal when some people made baseless allegations,’’ he said.
The minister has said no irregularities took place in setting up Indira Canteens in the city but some people are busy in issuing false statements.
Segregation of waste
The minister said the city produced 3500 to 4000 tons of garbage in the city per day and the city was the first among other cities regarding segregation of dry and wet waste. “All abandoned quarries would be filled up and developed scientifically into tree parks and play grounds. The government will avail technical know-how from Germany for this purpose,” he added.
Train between Yesvantpur and airport
The state government has contemplated to have a direct train from Yesvantpur to Kempegowda International Airport. “The government will discuss and debate over the proposal of having direct metro service to the airport from Yesvantpur. Namme Metro Phase 1 has been completed and the 2nd Phase is in progress. Metro service will be provided from Silk Board Junction to KR Puram in the third phase,’’ he said.
Rs 1800 cr water supply scheme
The minister said the government has prepared a Rs 1800-crore plan to supply treated sewage water to Kolar, Chikkaballapura and Anekal.
