Devanahalli (Bengaluru): Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday unveiled an ambitious vision to develop “New Bengaluru” across the North and South Bengaluru districts, positioning the region as a global urban destination with world-class infrastructure, assured water supply, and strict planning norms.
Speaking after inaugurating the new office building of the Bengaluru International Airport Area Planning Authority (BIAAPA) at Ambika Layout in Devanahalli, Shivakumar said the government’s objective was to transform the Bengaluru periphery into a future-ready international urban zone.
Cauvery and Yettinahole Water for Devanahalli Region
The Deputy CM said sustained efforts are underway to extend Cauvery and Yettinahole drinking water projects to Devanahalli, Kolar, and Chikkaballapur regions.
“After assuming office, I issued orders to earmark 6 TMC of Cauvery water exclusively for Bengaluru. There is a clear goal to bring Yettinahole water to this region as well,” Shivakumar said.
Referring to the Mekedatu agitation, he noted that recent Supreme Court observations have strengthened Karnataka’s position, with technical aspects now to be decided by the Central Water Commission (CWC).
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Strict Urban Planning Norms: Wide Roads, No Sewage in Lakes
Issuing firm instructions to planning authorities, Shivakumar said all new layouts must mandatorily have 30–40 metre-wide roads, with zero compromise on infrastructure standards.
“No sewage water should be released into lakes under any circumstances. Dedicated underground drainage systems must be created, and lakes must be fully protected,” he said, underlining that Devanahalli and surrounding areas are being prepared as international-standard urban zones.
New Townships, No Denotification: Government Stand Clear
Shivakumar reiterated that new townships will be developed in Bidadi, Solur and Nandagudi, and categorically ruled out any denotification of notified areas.
“Just yesterday, the High Court’s division bench ruled in favour of the BDA. There is no question of denotification. Farmers will be compensated fairly and ensured good value for their land,” he assured.
He added that Hoskote, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, Nelamangala, Bidadi and Ramanagara would together emerge as the next phase of Bengaluru’s expansion.
‘Your Property Value Will Rise’
Addressing local residents and landowners, the Deputy CM said the government’s planning initiatives would significantly enhance land and property values in the region.
“Protect your properties. We will ensure that their value increases. Our goal is to transform Bengaluru in a way that attracts global attention,” he said.
He also clarified that Bengaluru Rural district has now been recognised as Bengaluru North district, aligning governance with the city’s rapid expansion.
Recalling the Airport Decision
Shivakumar recalled his role as Urban Development Minister during 2002–04, when the decision to locate the international airport at Devanahalli was taken.
“At that time, there was intense debate on whether the airport should be in Bidadi or Devanahalli. With the cooperation of local leaders and farmers, about 2,400 acres were acquired at ₹6 lakh per acre, and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone,” he said.
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Highlighting the long-term impact, he added, “People here know how much employment and development the airport has brought, and how land values have multiplied.”
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಉತ್ತರ–ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ‘ಹೊಸ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು’ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ: ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿಗೆ ಕಾವೇರಿ–ಎತ್ತಿನಹೊಳೆ ನೀರು, ಅಗಲ ರಸ್ತೆ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ – ಡಿಸಿಎಂ ಡಿ.ಕೆ. ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್
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