Bengaluru, Oct 11 (NationPress) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar engaged with Bengaluru residents on Saturday, assuring them that the Lalbagh Botanical Garden will not be impacted by the Tunnel Road Project.

As part of the “Bengaluru Walk” initiative aimed at direct citizen interaction, Shivakumar, who also serves as the State Urban Development Minister, conducted a morning stroll and open forum at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

He emphasized, stating, “Lalbagh is public property. We will take every measure to preserve this public asset. There’s no requirement to acquire six acres for the Tunnel Project. Access to the tunnel road will be from approximately half an acre near the Ashoka Pillar. A section of one acre in the parking area will be temporarily utilized for storage, which will subsequently be cleared and returned to Lalbagh.”

“While some small trees will be relocated, Lalbagh Garden will not experience any major disruption,” he added.

When queried about the project timeline, he responded, “The tender for the project has been issued. We will evaluate the bidders and award the work to the most qualified.”

Shivakumar also revealed that the Bengaluru civic agency will allocate ₹10 crore for the development of Lalbagh, in response to public demand.

Following the walk and discussions with locals at Lalbagh, he examined the entry points for the tunnel road.

“I’ve engaged with numerous citizens and taken note of their suggestions and complaints. Their concerns will be addressed. We have decided to allocate ₹10 crore from the civic agency for Lalbagh's enhancement. Additionally, a gym will be established to benefit senior citizens and women,” he assured.

He continued, “Wherever feasible in Bengaluru, I will consult with the Forest Department about developing tree parks inspired by Lalbagh, with financial support provided for this initiative.”

“We have arranged for medical professionals and ambulance services from morning until evening. Furthermore, restroom facilities will be made complimentary in the future. We appreciate the numerous suggestions regarding Bengaluru’s waste management, parking, and other concerns,” he noted.

When asked if the “Bengaluru Walk” program would extend to other parks, he stated, “We will visit parks across all Bengaluru civic agency regions to gather citizen feedback.”

Addressing concerns about Bengaluru’s waste management, Shivakumar mentioned, “We’ve coordinated with officials, and cameras will be installed at all identified problem areas to address this issue.”

Citizens readily shared their suggestions with the Deputy Chief Minister, who received a warm welcome for this initiative.

“Their suggestions, requests, and contact information were documented by Rajendra Cholan, the BBMP Commissioner,” Shivakumar stated.

Senior citizen R.C. Jagannath requested that no projects be implemented within Lalbagh, advocating for the area’s preservation.

In response to concerns regarding the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the Deputy Chief Minister reassured, “Under no circumstances will Lalbagh be affected. The tunnel road will be constructed underground. An entry point to the tunnel has been planned near the edge of Lalbagh. I will inspect the site and make necessary adjustments to the plan.”

Another citizen, Karthik Kumar, suggested that government initiatives would achieve success only through increased citizen awareness.

He urged that necessary measures be taken to enhance civic awareness.

Kumar also pointed out that vehicles are being parked on roads near CBD schools, causing traffic congestion, and requested that schools manage parking within their premises.

The Deputy Chief Minister responded, “We will definitely take this matter into consideration and act accordingly.”

Another resident, Rajarama, suggested that during metro or other construction work on Bengaluru roads, authorities should oversee the road from start to finish to ensure immediate repairs of potholes, which could significantly alleviate problems.

A resident from Jayanagar’s fourth block complained about the absence of streetlights on 7B Main Road, stating that previous complaints had not received adequate attention.

The Deputy Chief Minister assured, “We will address this issue promptly. All streetlights in Bengaluru will be upgraded to LED lights within the next six months.”

A teacher from St. Francis School raised concerns about garbage being dumped on the road near her school, damaging the infrastructure.

Shivakumar replied, “I will dispatch an official team to address the issue in your school area and will reach out to you for coordination.”