Our good work is our response to critics: DCM

Thorekadanahalli (Malavalli), Oct 17: Inaugurating the Cauvery Stage 5 drinking water project, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today said that his good work was his response to the critics.

Speaking after inaugurating the project which provides drinking water to 110 villages around Bengaluru, he said, “The Cauvery Stage 5 is not limited to 110 villages around Bengaluru but is applicable to 1/4th of Karnataka’s population. It is a delightful that the project which was kickstarted by CM Siddaramaiah is being inaugurated during his second term.”

“Many MPs criticised that Yettinahole project will not see the light of the day. Many criticised us for the damaged crest gate in Tungabhadra dam. Criticisms die and good work lives on. Their criticisms are not dead and our work has come to life. This project is a standing example for this,” he said.

“We took out a rally for Mekedatu. Our government took responsibility for Bengaluru’s water security and we have delivered that with this project. Dr Ambedkar used to say that you will become a leader if you survive a fight or else you will become history. I have come to politics to bring change,” he said.

“In order to provide electricity to the people 365 days a year, we have inaugurated the gas turbine power plant in Yelahanka. We are also focussing on water and drainage needs for Bengaluru. We will fix the traffic issues too soon,” he added.

“Japan’s JICA has financed Rs 4,500 crores to the Cauvery Stage 5. I would like to thank them on behalf of the people of Karnataka. We would like to work with them for many projects in the future. We are preparing for the Mekedatu project by handing over forest land to the project. I pray to Goddess Chamundeshwari to give CM Siddaramaiah strength to lay the foundation stone for the Mekedatu project.

Rs 5 crore for Ambedkar Bhavan
An Ambedkar Bhavan will be built at a cost of Rs 5 crore as per the request of Malavalli MLA Narendraswamy. We will also get water to the last village along the canal,” he said.
“A lot of officials have worked hard for the project. Many farmers from Malavalli, Kanakapura and Bengaluru South taluk have sacrificed lands for the pipeline to pass, I would like to thank them for their sacrifice,” he added.

Media Reaction
Speaking to reporters before the inauguration, he said, “We are kickstarting the operation at an auspicious time. MLAs and JICA representatives are gracing the occasion and I would like to thank them for their support. We have brought water from seven rivers of the country for the pooja. Bengaluru will get 775 MLD of additional water. Many areas of Bengaluru including Yeshwanthpur, Rajarajeshwarinagar, Dasarahalli, Mahadevapura, Byatarayanapura, Bengaluru South, Bommanahalli assembly constituencies will benefit from this project.”

“Bengaluru’s population has grown to 1.5 crore now. We are planning to use water from Thippagondanahalli reservoir as well in the future,” he said.

Asked about Bengaluru rains, he said, “Let there be more rains. We will ensure that water is drained out within half an hour. We are fully prepared. We have instructed BBMP officials to extend all support to the affected people.”

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