K’taka to build ‘Wall of Gratitude’ for landowners aiding public projects: CM Shivakumar

Bengaluru, June 27 (IANS) Stating that he wants to create history, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday announced that the government would erect ‘Walls of Gratitude’ to honour landowners who voluntarily give up their land for public welfare projects.

Speaking at the 517th Kempegowda Jayanthi event at Kempegowda Layout, developed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the Chief Minister said: “The government has decided to include the names of landowners who give up land without any objections for public welfare projects such as industrial areas, schools, lakes and road construction on a Wall of Gratitude. Through this, the sacrifice of these landowners will be commemorated.”

“Ambedkar has said that one who forgets history cannot create history. More than reading or remembering history, I like to create history,” he said.

“The work of constructing a shorter tunnel road near Hebbal will begin in a few days. Bengaluru is a city of the world. To relieve traffic congestion here, many projects, including the construction of a large tunnel road, have been planned. Along with this, a team of officials will be formed. I will continue to live up to the immense trust you have placed in me,” he assured.

“Today, we have inaugurated a 10-lane road named after former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna. This road will not stop at 11 km. Going forward, it will be extended into a 123-km corridor. We are taking steps to build a Wall of Gratitude along this road. Through this, the Government of Karnataka will, in the coming days, undertake the work of permanently preserving the names of those who gave their land for this road. This will be done everywhere,” he said.

“We are concerned about those who lose their land. How were Kengeri and Yelahanka towns built? Parameshwar is taking steps to build a township in Tumakuru. Aren’t those also land? Birth is accidental, death is certain. What matters is what achievement or sacrifice we make between this birth and death. I offer my salutations to all those who sacrificed their land for this 10-lane road,” he said.

“A green Bengaluru must be built, and through that Kempegowda’s far-sighted vision must be realised. With that aim, 15 lakh saplings have been planted today on behalf of the BDA. This is a historic decision. We cannot forget that, during Krishna’s time, Balagangadharanatha Swamiji took a vow to plant 5 crore saplings. In the same way, in Bengaluru, every school should take charge of one area each, and a programme should be carried out to have children plant and nurture trees there. On this matter, a competition will be organised on behalf of the GBA,” he said.

“It has been decided to establish a Kempegowda Study Centre at Bengaluru University. Minister K.H. Muniyappa has provided 9.5 acres of land in his constituency, and it has been decided to establish the Kempegowda Study Centre there. A development programme worth Rs 10 crore is being undertaken at Huthridurga. Remembering S.M. Krishna’s achievements, we have named this road after him. It was S.M. Krishna who built Arkavathi Layout, Kempegowda Layout, Shivaram Karanth Layout, and Vikasa Soudha,” he said.

He described Kempegowda as “a great soul of far-sighted vision, a Bhagiratha who built lakes, a devout man of God who constructed temples, and a courageous leader of all communities who built various petes (markets), gave priority to people of all communities, and infused them with economic strength”.

“The people of Bengaluru must remember three Ks: Kempegowda, who built Bengaluru; Kengal Hanumanthaiah, who built the Vidhana Soudha; and S.M. Krishna, who took Bengaluru to the international level. After Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji and Nanjavadhoota Swamiji together decided that Kempegowda Jayanti should be celebrated on June 27, we have been celebrating Kempegowda Jayanti. I extend my congratulations to Revanna, who stood in support of me at that time,” he said.

“Earlier, the government had decided to build a Peripheral Ring Road, but it was not put into action. After I took on the responsibility of Bengaluru city, we have moved forward to implement this project. Because Kempegowda, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, and Krishna have left behind a legacy, we are today remembering these three,” he said.

“The process of constructing the 123-km-long Bengaluru Business Corridor road is underway, and tenders have been called. We will shortly issue the final notification for the stretch connecting Mysuru Road with Electronic City as well. Without this road, Bengaluru cannot survive. Therefore, I am going to make a bold decision. The government is moving to give landowners who lose their land 35 per cent commercial land, 40 per cent residential land, and TDR (Transferable Development Rights). Landowners may take whichever option they prefer,” he explained.

–IANS

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