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Bengaluru, Oct 11 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar on Saturday heard suggestions from people in Bengaluru and assured that the Lalbagh Botanical Garden will remain unaffected by the Tunnel Road project.
As part of the “Bengaluru Walk” initiative organized to interact directly with citizens and seek their opinions, suggestions and complaints, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, who is also the state Urban Development Minister, led a morning walk and public discussion at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden.
The Deputy Chief Minister clarified, “Lalbagh is public property. We will take every measure to preserve this public property. There is no need to acquire six acres of land for the tunnel project. Access and exit for the tunnel road will be provided from about half an acre near the Ashoka Pillar. About an acre of parking area will be used for temporary storage, which will later be cleared and returned to Lalbagh.”
“Small trees will be removed and replanted. Otherwise, Lalbagh Garden will not face any disruption,” he said.
When asked when the project would start, he replied, “Tenders have been called for the project. We will see who participates and award the work to the best bidder.”
Shivamrur also announced that the Bengaluru Civilization Agency will provide funds worth Rs 10 crore for Lalbagh development as per public demand.
After a walk and discussion with citizens in Lalbagh, Shivkumar inspected the access points of the tunnel road.
“I have discussed with many citizens and heard their suggestions and complaints. Their issues will be addressed. We have decided to provide Rs 10 crore from the Bengaluru Civic Agency for Lalbagh development. A gym will also be built for the benefit of senior citizens and women,” he assured.
He also said, “I will discuss with the forest department about creating tree parks on the lines of Lalbagh wherever possible in Bengaluru and financial assistance will be provided for the same.”
“We have arranged for doctors and ambulance services here from morning to evening. In future, toilet facilities will be provided free of cost here. We have received many suggestions and opinions regarding garbage disposal, parking and other issues of Bengaluru and I appreciate them all,” he said.
Asked whether the “Bengaluru Walk” program would continue in other gardens, he said, “We will be visiting gardens in all Bengaluru civic agency areas to hear citizens’ opinions, suggestions and complaints.”
Asked about concerns raised by citizens over Bengaluru’s garbage problem, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “We have discussed it with officials, and cameras will be installed at all identified black spots to take action and solve the problem.”
Citizens openly shared their suggestions with the Deputy Chief Minister, who were heartily welcomed for this initiative.
“Their suggestions, requests and contact details were recorded by Bruhat Bengaluru Municipal Corporation (BBMP) Commissioner Rajendra Cholan,” Shivakumar said.
Senior citizen RC Jagannath requested that no project should be started inside Lalbagh and the area should not be disturbed.
Responding to the issues surrounding Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “Lalbagh will not be affected under any circumstances. The road to the tunnel will pass underground. The authorities have planned an entry point for the tunnel near the Lalbagh shore. I will inspect the site, and if necessary, the plan will be amended.”
Karthik Kumar, another citizen, suggested that the government initiative will not be successful unless citizens are made aware.
Therefore, necessary steps should be taken to increase citizen awareness, Kumar said.
He also highlighted that vehicles are being parked on the roads near CBD schools, leading to traffic congestion, and requested that schools ensure parking within their premises.
The Deputy Chief Minister replied, “We will definitely consider the matter and take necessary action.”
Rajaram, another citizen, suggested that whenever there is metro or other construction work on Bengaluru roads, the authorities should manage that road from beginning to end to ensure that even if there are potholes, they are repaired immediately, which would solve at least half the problems.
A resident of Jayanagar 4th Block complained that street lights were missing at 7B Main Road and complaints lodged earlier had not received proper response.
“We will resolve this immediately. All street lights in Bengaluru will be replaced with LED lights within the next six months,” the Deputy Chief Minister assured.
A teacher from St. Francis School complained that garbage was being dumped on the road near her school, causing damage to the road.
Shivakumar replied, “I will send an official team to your school area to resolve the issue and will contact you for coordination.”
–IANS
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