BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s ambitious plans to transform Bengaluru’s infrastructure and governance have faced significant hurdles over the past 14 months. The proposals, aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the state’s capital, have been delayed due to a combination of political complexities and insufficient funding.
Shivakumar, who is responsible for Bengaluru’s development portfolio, has outlined several key initiatives to address the city’s challenges. Central to his agenda is the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, designed to overhaul the city’s civic administration by establishing a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). However, the bill has struggled to gain unanimous support in the assembly, leading to its referral to a joint House committee for further examination. Assembly Speaker UT Khader is expected to form this committee, which will be led by a city legislator, later this week.
The proposed bill has faced criticism from various stakeholders, including civil society representatives. Critics argue that the bill deviates from the original draft prepared by the Brand Bengaluru Committee. Srikanth Viswanathan, CEO of the non-profit Janagraha, described the bill as a “poorly done cut-paste job” of the BBMP Act 2020, lacking in strategic spatial planning and effective local governance. “The bill introduces unnecessary elements like the constituency consultative committee, which adds to the confusion rather than providing clarity and coordination,” Viswanathan stated.
In addition to the governance bill, another proposed change that has faced delays is the renaming of Ramanagara district to Bengaluru South. Although the cabinet has approved this proposal, it has not yet been officially published in the gazette. This delay has led to frustration among stakeholders, including Congress representatives from Bengaluru. R Ramalinga Reddy, the district in-charge minister, acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the process for notification is ongoing.
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The commercial development along the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), recently rebranded as the Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC), is also experiencing setbacks. The establishment of BBC Ltd, chaired by the Bengaluru development minister, is a crucial part of this project. However, the ambitious plan requires approximately Rs 27,000 crore, and the government has struggled to secure the necessary funding from the Centre. Without significant financial backing, the project’s progress remains uncertain.
Shivakumar is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with various stakeholders in the coming weeks to build consensus and push forward these stalled projects. The success of these initiatives is crucial for addressing Bengaluru’s growing infrastructure needs and improving urban governance.
Despite the challenges, Shivakumar’s efforts to address Bengaluru’s issues are seen as a positive step towards long-term urban development. The proposed changes to the city’s governance structure and infrastructure are aimed at creating a more efficient and responsive administration. However, the need for effective collaboration between the state government, local authorities, and stakeholders is essential for overcoming the current obstacles and achieving the proposed goals.
In conclusion, while DK Shivakumar’s development proposals for Bengaluru face significant hurdles, the deputy chief minister remains committed to advancing these initiatives. The upcoming meetings with stakeholders will be pivotal in resolving the current issues and securing the necessary support to move forward with the plans. As Bengaluru continues to grow, addressing these challenges will be key to ensuring the city’s sustainable development and improved quality of life for its residents.
