Deputy CM Shivakumar goes on city rounds, promises to tackle Bengaluru’s problems

BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who holds the Bengaluru City Development portfolio, on Thursday went around the city to check the rain preparedness, ahead of the arrival of the monsoon in the state.

The Deputy CM, accompanied by BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath and other officials, went around the city in a bus and inspected the Yamlur rajakaluve, the Bellandur, Varthur and Sarjapur lakes, and the DivyaShree apartments. Near Yemalur lake, encroachment clearance was being taken up on a 800-mt stretch and Shivakumar directed the officials to take necessary measures.

The Deputy CM vented his anger at the officials over dirty lakes and encroachment of rajakaluves. Wherever courts have issued stay orders, he warned property owners to clear the encroachments themselves or face action.

At Bellandur lake, the Deputy CM vented his anger at the BDA chairman over lack of cleanliness. He also inspected the late vents. When he asked for the gate valve to be opened, a marshal and a security guard tried hard, but could not. He then directed the officials to ensure that there is no flooding like it happened at Rainbow Layout and DivyaSree Apartments during the last monsoon.

“I visited the places which witness frequent flooding. This is happening due to encroachment of rajakaluves. The encroachments are being cleared, but some people have secured stay orders from courts. They have been warned to clear the encroachments themselves or to face action as per law. I will continue going around the city and ensure that the city is rid of its problems”, he said.

Shivakumar also directed the officials to ensure that places which witness frequent flooding are not affected much, with the monsoon expected to set in soon. Mahadevapura BJP MLA Manjula S Limbavali also accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during his visit.