Mysuru, 29 August

The government has decided to develop five major cities in the State to ease the growing population density in Bengaluru, reduce traffic congestion, and lessen the strain on infrastructure, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Friday. 

These five cities are Mysuru, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi, he said. The State government has already planned outer-ring roads in major cities, he noted. Shivakumar was in Mysuru to inaugurate the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji. 

On Friday, Shivakumar directed officials to identify five cities for industrial development, announcing a special package to draw in investment.  

On Saturday, he said that the government will initiate more development works to boost commerce, trade, tourism and employment in these cities, and that a meeting is being planned with stakeholders and elected representatives to chalk out a plan to develop Mysuru. 

He noted that Mysuru was already developing rapidly due to its proximity with Bengaluru. 

On Dasara, he said that the Kannada film Industry Association will also set up a tableau during the festival, and that his government is in talks with the Centre seeking the Indian Arm’s participation in the festival. 

Meanwhile, former chief minister Siddaramaiah hauled the contributions of late Suttur Mutt seer Rajendra Swami for striving eradicate the caste system. 

He said that pontiffs must not only focus on promoting religious activities, but also work to end the practice of discrimination.