Budget boost for Brand B'luru

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: While presenting the first state budget by the Congress government, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced grants for white topping, road development, urban upliftment, water maintenance, clearing and repair of Rajakaluve.

He has also earmarked money for Metro and Bangalore Suburban Railway projects in the city. The Brand Bengaluru theme is focused on addressing the nine major challenges facing the city namely, traffic management, environment, solid waste management, proper utilization of public places, public health, animal health, people friendly e-Governance, water security and flood management.

"By addressing these challenges in a planned and scientific manner we will elevate Bengaluru to international standards," the CM said.

Repairing of Rajakaluves

As the monsoon has arrived, the CM has assured the repairs of Rajakaluves and filling of potholes in the city.

Additionally, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will upgrade 20 Sewage Treatment Plants by March, 2026 at a cost of Rs 1,411 crore.

BWSSB will execute this project using their own funds, Siddaramaiah announced. Once completed, these projects will ensure sustainable management of water supply and protection of the natural ecosystem in BBMP limits, he said.

Further he said that encroachment of storm water drains (Rajakaluves) has hindered smooth flow of storm water leading not only to floods but also to mishaps due to water from waterlogged roads entering people’s homes.

Action will now be taken on priority to resolve this issue by vacating the encroachments identified by the Revenue Department.

Infrastructure

Despite taking so many projects worth thousands of crores, it is unfortunate that the city’s infrastructure continues to crumble and is unable to keep pace with the rising aspirations of the people.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that approximately 190 km of roads were white-topped by the Congress government in 2016- 17 and 2017-18 which are still in a very good condition.

"Subsequently, no white topping work was taken up by the previous government," he said.

Disposal of waste

The CM said that action will be taken to initiate scientific disposal of waste in Bengaluru. Legacy waste of 97 lakh tons will be treated through biomining and bioremediation and in 5 years, 256 acres of land will be converted into parks in Bengaluru.

New mega Jewellery Park in Bengaluru

 The Karnataka government will establish a mega jewellery park in Bengaluru with an aim to create 10,000 new job opportunities, the budget document revealed. This is in a bid to attract investors in the jewellery sector.

One lakh housing scheme

 Not only did the earlier government fail to complete the construction of these houses, the selection of the beneficiaries was also not done satisfactorily, Siddaramaiah alleged.

Development of government offices

Basic infrastructure amenities will be upgraded in eight SubRegistrar offices in Bengaluru, to prevent overcrowding, reduce the inconvenience caused to the public and make the offices people-friendly.

Tax proposals

 For effective tax administration, aew divisions will be made functional in Bengaluru. For large taxpayers in the city, one dedicated division will also be established.

Disaster management

 To reduce disaster risks and strengthen fire and emergency services, it is proposed to take up works at a cost of Rs 721 crore from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF)

Strengthening police department

 In order to strengthen traffic management, five traffic police stations will be established in the city. To ensure safety and security of women six Women Police Stations will be set up in Bengaluru. Further, a total of 2,454 new posts will be created in the existing police stations.

Indira Canteens

Indira Canteens were started with the objective of providing breakfast, lunch and dinner at a very affordable price to the poor and working class. Though successful, the scheme was neglected by the previous government, Siddaramaiah said. For the current year, Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the repair, renovation and maintenance of these canteens.

Technology park

 A Technology Innovation Park will be developed in 100 acres of land at Kadugodi in Bengaluru. This will provide services in testing, design, innovation, research and development of semiconductors, besides housing a Technical Research