DCM: Will consider river rejuvenation

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar today promised to look into demands for rejuvenation of Vrishabhavathi River which runs through the city and development of Basavanagudi as a heritage corridor under Brand Bengaluru. Vrushabhavathi is a tributary of the Arkavathy River and has suffered from issues such as pollution in recent times. Shivakumar made the comments at ‘Kadalekai Parishe’ (peanut fair) in Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on Monday. “We all must strive to take Kadalekai Parishe to a global level. We have cancelled the tax collection this year to help farmers and traders. Kadalekai Parishe will be a tax free event,” he said.

“We have been growing peanuts for a long time. I have also grown peanuts in our lands as well. Peanuts are poor people’s almonds and it is used in various dishes in various parts of Karnataka. Farmers around Bengaluru are doing a great job of keeping up the tradition of agriculture and fairs. We are all working towards preserving our culture standing here at the birthplace of Vrushabhavathi,” he added. Shivakumar also defended the Brand Bengaluru initiative on the occasion. “Opposition leaders have criticised the Brand Bengaluru initiative. I will give them an answer before 2028,'' he said.