Karnataka to Develop Five Major Cities, Including Mysuru, to Decongest Bengaluru: CM
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Saturday that the Karnataka government will formulate a new development plan for five major cities, including Mysuru, with the aim of reducing the growing population density, traffic congestion, and pressure on infrastructure in Bengaluru. The plan is part of the state government's broader strategy to ease the pressure on the capital. The announcement was made at a public event in Mysuru, where Mr. Shivakumar was the chief guest at the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswami.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Grounds, Mr. Shivakumar said the development plan would cover Mysuru, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburagi, and another major city. He did not name the fifth city during the interaction. Special programmes, he said, would be formulated to create employment opportunities and strengthen education, healthcare, and infrastructure in these urban centres. The programme will be designed in consultation with urban planning experts and local stakeholders.
The move is aimed at addressing the growing challenges in Bengaluru, the state capital, which has been experiencing rapid urbanisation and a rise in population density. Traffic congestion and overburdened civic infrastructure have become pressing concerns for residents and the government. The Chief Minister said steps had already been taken to construct ring roads in small and major cities across the state to ease traffic congestion. The development plan is intended to promote balanced growth and improve the quality of life in these cities.
Mysuru, often regarded as one of the best-planned cities in India, received special mention from the Chief Minister. “Mysuru is a better-planned city than Bengaluru, and new models of development have been introduced here,” he said. The remark underscores the potential of Mysuru to serve as a model for sustainable urban planning.
To further the development of Mysuru, Mr. Shivakumar said a special meeting would soon be convened with local MLAs and elected representatives. The meeting is intended to discuss the comprehensive development of the city and finalise an action plan. The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the plan is effectively implemented. The meeting will also discuss ways to improve basic amenities and promote economic activities in Mysuru.
On the Hanur shoot-out case, Mr. Shivakumar said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The magisterial inquiry report has already been submitted, and the case is now under detailed scrutiny by the CID. “If any lapse is reported, action will be taken,” he asserted.
Responding to accusations by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of being unable to accept his becoming Chief Minister. He said the Opposition was creating unnecessary controversy for political reasons. In a sharp retort, he said, “Let Kumaraswamy speak whatever he wants if he gets satisfaction by doing so. I do not want to control his tongue. There is no medicine for jealousy.”
The event was attended by Chamaraja MLA K. Harish Gowda, Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikant Reddy, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, and other leaders and officials.
