Works launched in Shivamogga with 20-month completion deadline

Shivamogga: Urban development and town planning minister BS Suresh announced that the state govt is prioritising basic amenities for the marginalised and has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for each city corporation's development.Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana (Phase-2) and the official renaming of Bommanakatte Ashraya Layout after former CM S Bangarappa in Shivamogga on Saturday, the minister emphasised that works worth Rs 127.5 crore have been launched with a 20-month completion deadline.The minister highlighted that the govt is following the constitutional path of Dr BR Ambedkar by providing secular and pro-people schemes, noting that Rs 25,000 crore has been allocated statewide for urban drinking water and drainage systems.District minister S Madhu Bangarappa expressed satisfaction that a cross-party demand since 2016 to rename the layout has been fulfilled, honouring his father's legacy of helping the poor through schemes like free electricity for farmers and the Aradhana project. He also noted that Rs 40 crore has been earmarked under NGT grants to prevent the pollution of Tunga River.Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa and Sagara MLA Gopalakrishna Belur lauded the late leader's contributions to rural weightage and Bagair Hukum, while also requesting additional funds of Rs 490 crore for the city's drinking water needs and Rs 27 crore for housing for pourakarmikas.Shivamogga Rural MLA Sharada Puryanaik added that the legacy of the late leader, specifically regarding the Bagair Hukum committees and farmer welfare, must be carried forward to future generations.The event was attended by MLCs Balkis Banu and DS Arun, along with various department officials.