Pramesh S Jain
*Plans for the city’s vertical growth.
*Rs 1.25 lakh crore project for the city’s development.
*KHB site for the Vokkaliga Sangha at a concessional rate.
*Let us face the drought; let us save farmers.
Hailing Bengaluru’s founder Kempegowda as a Vishwamanava,Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today called on people to follow his footsteps.
“Kempegowda was born a Vokkaliga but grew into a Vishwamanava (universal human).No one should forget this. We must all walk along this very path,”the CM said while speaking at the Kempegowda Jayanthi celebration in Yelahanka.
“The whole world is watching Bengaluru.The reason for this is Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.Five hundred years ago, he performed pooja and built the city.
The residents of Bengaluru should not forget this.When he built this city,he did not know it would grow to such a large scale. But his foresight has worked here,”he said.
*Thinking of vertical growth for the city:
“Bengaluru is growing day by day.The city keeps expanding.We cannot stop those who come to this city. That is why I am thinking about ‘vertical growth.I have formulated a Rs.1.25 lakh crore programme for the city’s development,”he said.
“Kempegowda is not the property of the Vokkaligas alone, his programme must be shaped by including people of all castes and religions.Only then will it amount to paying true respect to Kempegowda,”he said.
“Krishna Byre Gowda has earmarked a site to build the Bengaluru North office grandly, right on the airport road. The development of Bengaluru means the development of the common people,”he said.
*KHB site for the Yelahanka Vokkaligara Sangha at a concessional rate:
“MP Sudhakar and former MLA Gantiganahalli Krishnappa had appealed for a reduction in the rate for a site for Bengaluru North Vokkaligara Sangha.As per everyone’s request,a rate of 10 per cent will be fixed for this site,” the Chief Minister declared.
*Let us face the drought:
“For the past three years there had been good rainfall. But this year there is a likelihood of drought across the entire country.We must all come together to face the drought. We must save the farmers,”he said.
*Garlanding of the Kempegowda statue at Vidhana Soudha:
The Chief Minister later garlanded the Kempegowda statue in Vidhana Soudha premises.Speaking to reporters after garlanding, he said,“To make Bengaluru a Garden city once again,today we are planting 15 lakh saplings.
It has been decided to create parks in the forest department lands in and around Bengaluru.Through this, greenery will be preserved in Bengaluru,” he said.
The CM later offered floral tributes to the 108-foot-tall bronze statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda located near the Devanahalli International Airport.
Nirmalananda Natha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri, Nanjavadhuta Swamiji of Sphatikapuri in Sira taluk,and Nishchalananda Natha Mahaswamiji of the Vishwa Vokkaligara Samsthana accompanied him on the occasion.
“We have undertaken a marathon run,a programme to plant 15 lakh saplings in Bengaluru, and comprehensive development work on Kempegowda’s fort in Magadi at a cost of Rs.100 crore on the occasion of Kempegowda Jayanthi.
The process of acquiring 10 acres of land near Kempegowda’s tomb in Magadi has begun,and five and a half acres have already been purchased,” he informed.
*Action plan to introduce Kempegowda’s history:
“To introduce people arriving in Bengaluru to the history of Kempegowda,we have instructed the Airport authorities to take the necessary measures at the Trumpet circle.
They will soon prepare an action plan and submit it to the government.Through this, those coming to Bengaluru will be made to remember Kempegowda,”he said.
“Last year, we allotted five acres of land near Sumanahalli for the construction of a Kempegowda Bhavan and performed the bhoomi pooja.
Along with that, guidance has been given to set up a Town Planning College in Kempegowda’s name there. The previous government built this statue well. But those coming to the Airport cannot see this statue.
I discussed with the Swamijis and Krishna Byre Gowda about what measures could be taken regarding this, and directions have been given to the Airport authority,” he said.
*Each year, a programme in a different Assembly constituency:
“From now on,we have decided to hold the Kempegowda Jayanti programme not only at Vidhana Soudha but across the 28 constituencies of Bengaluru. Today this programme is being held in Yeshwantpur, and next year it will be held in another constituency.”
*Kempegowda is the property of all sections*
“Bengaluru has a population of 1.40 crore and a vehicle count of 1.30 crore.
No matter how much Metro and public transport we bring in,each person keeps a vehicle of their own. In the coming year, we are moving ahead to establish a Metro connection to the airport.
Over our next two years,we are thinking of a 500-km Metro expansion, and Krishna Byre Gowda will be deliberating on this.
This programme is not limited to one caste.It is a programme that draws upon Kempegowda’s foresight, conduct, ideas and principles.Kempegowda is the property of all sections of society,”he said.
