BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Monday that a comprehensive development roadmap for Greater Bengaluru is almost ready and will be presented to the cabinet at its next meeting.
“We are in the final stages of finalizing the development plan for Greater Bengaluru,” Shivakumar told reporters, marking a significant initiative in the government’s urban governance reforms.
The announcement follows Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement in May regarding the implementation of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, which will see the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) replaced by a new governing body, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). On May 25, Shivakumar also mentioned that the re-division of BBMP would be finalized by September 15, paving the way for the establishment of GBA.
In preparation, Shivakumar and officials from the GBA undertook a study tour to Delhi in June. They met with representatives from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to explore urban planning strategies, waste management systems, and construction regulations.
“Delhi is a historical, large, and well-planned city,” Shivakumar noted. “Its population is double that of Bengaluru. There are three primary challenges in Delhi: town planning, waste management, and construction regulations. Although I also visited Hyderabad and Chennai, it was crucial to learn about the policies in Delhi.”
He emphasized the necessity of a long-term vision and strategic planning for Bengaluru’s future, stating, “Without proper planning, a city cannot function effectively… I had brief meetings where they presented their new laws and plans for the next 25-30 years.”
Additionally, Shivakumar plans to travel to New Delhi on Tuesday to seek central approval for forest land acquisition for the Yettinahole drinking water project. The government still needs to acquire 428 acres of forest land in the Hassan and Tumkuru districts. During his visit, he aims to meet Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to discuss the matter. Shivakumar clarified that his trip is not politically motivated, although he did not dismiss the possibility of meeting senior Congress members, stating, “The party office is like a temple for us, and I always make it a point to visit.”
