Preparations have begun for Metro Phase III works: CM

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said his government has started preparations for taking up Phase III of the Metro project with an aim of providing a total of 250 km of Metro lines in Bengaluru in the next five years.

In his address on the occasion of 71st Independent Day at Manekshaw Parade ground, he said  Metro Phase III is proposed to be of 92 km. Work on 72 km of Metro Phase II is going on a brisk pace and it is likely to be completed by 2020. Phase II (A) – from Silk Board junction to KR Puram – is at the tendering stage, while phase II (B) – Nagawara to Kempegowda International Airport – has received in-principle clearance, he added.

“The city needs world class infrastructure to match its status as a knowledge and an innovation hub. In the last four years, we have made consistent efforts to build infrastructure of the city and I am glad to say that the results are showing (sic),” he stated, noting that 42 km of Metro Phase I was recently inaugurated.

Besides, Siddaramaiah promised to completely stop the flow of sewage water into lakes in Bengaluru by 2020. “Bengaluru has been a city of lakes. Fast pace of growth in the city has resulted in the lakes coming under pressure.  Flow of untreated sewage into the lakes is also contributing to the problems of our lakes. BWSSB has taken up projects, which when completed in the year 2020, will treat one hundred percent of the city’s sewage. This would go a long way in conserving our lakes (sic),” he said.

Primacy for Kannada
The chief minister reiterated that imposition of any other language in the state is unconstitutional and against the spirit of formation of states on linguistic basis.

He said the Constitution recognises primacy of the language of every state. The concept of co-operative federalism mandates that primacy of the local language cannot be compromised, but opportunities could be given to learn other languages, he said.

He said communalism and casteism raising their ugly heads is a dangerous development. These are nothing but anti-national activities.

People should take a pledge to stop divisive forces that are indulging in such activities, he added, indirectly referring to the recent incidents of communal unrest in Dakshina Kannada district.

Siddaramaiah also said the Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Ordinance has been promulgated to convert 58,000 habitations into revenue villages and to give ownership rights to those who are in occupying those places.