With the Cauvery 5th Stage expected to exhaust Bengaluru’s share of water from the river, the State government has approved a detailed project report (DPR) to bring water from Linganmakki in Shivamogga district to meet the projected need of the city.
“We have approved for a DPR to bring water from Linganmakki. A feasibility study has to be made, and it is still in the conceptual stage,” Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister G. Parameshwara told mediapersons on Monday. “The city requires 24 tmc ft. of water. Drawing water from Linganmakki, which is about 300 kms away, is technically possible,” he said, adding that drawing water from Yettinahole to T.G. Halli reservoir on the city’s outskirts is another option.
Incidentally, the idea of drawing water from Linganmakki to Bengaluru had been suggested by a 10-member expert committee headed by former Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board chairman B.N. Thyagaraja in 2014. The committee had suggested drawing 30 tmc ft. of water. However, several experts on environment and water resources had expressed concern over the proposal.
Nod for BBMP budget
Mr. Parameshwara on Monday held a 6-hour meeting with heads of civic agencies managing the affairs of Bengaluru, and also MLAs, MLCs and MPs from the city.
The government has approved the Rs. 10,000-crore budget proposal made by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for the year 2018-2019.
Among other approvals given on Monday were for making chief engineers of eight zones responsible for maintaining road infrastructure for which funds have been released, he said, adding that tough measures will be initiated against those violating parking guidelines in the city.
On restructuring the administration of Bengaluru, the Minister said, “Bengaluru cannot be cut like a cake. It is an administrative restructing. The matter will be discussed in future.”
The government is keen on the peripheral ring road project that would connect Tumakuru Road to Old Madras Road.
The Minister promised to speak to defence authorities for land to build a flyover at Goruguntepalya on Tumakuru Road to clear congestion, while efforts would also be made to clear congestion in K.R. Puram.
‘5,000 acres encroached’
As much as 5,000 acres that belong to Bangalore Development Authority in the city, estimated to be worth about Rs. 25,000 crore, has been encroached upon, Mr. Parameshwara said.
While the matter pertaining to several pockets of land located across the city is pending in courts, the government will decide whether to remove encroachments or regularise the same, he added.
