Bengaluru-centric focus is not good for the State, historian Ramachandra Guha said on Wednesday and added that Karnataka must look at developing other cities as financial capitals or commerce hubs.
At a panel discussion on ‘My idea of Karnataka’ as part of the Foundation Lecture series organised by the Bengaluru Central University on Wednesday, he said Karnataka must emulate neighbouring States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala that have more than one centre of commerce.
Taking this idea forward, journalist Sugata Srinivasaraju said there was potential to develop Mangaluru, which has a port and an airport, and Belagavi, Hubbali and Dharwad. There were also discussion on the disconnect between Bengaluru and other towns. “People living in Bengaluru do not know where the water they drink comes from and the effect it has on ecology. The city must grow without hurting the hinterland,” said Sharad Lele, researcher, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. A book titled Speaking for Karnataka, a compilation of deliberations on the State, was released on the occasion.
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