Bengaluru would be easier to govern if split into two: Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: " Bengaluru is a large city and it would have been better managed if it was divided into two. However, this is only my opinion." Chief minister Siddaramaiah's words revived hopes of the restructuring of BBMP, a plan that was put in cold storage following widespread opposition.

Siddaramaiah was speaking at the Kempegowda award ceremony, 2016, on Friday at the BBMP headquarters. Stressing on the problems plaguing Bengaluru, he lauded Kempegowda's farsighted vision for the city.

He said, "Long ago, Kempegowda was able to foresee Bengaluru's needs way in the future. He is the one who created several artificial lakes that are precious sources of water even today. They not only cater to the present requirement but will also be useful for the generations to come."

Siddaramaiah spoke about the city's history of rainwater harvesting and suggested that residents adopt the practice. "If we take up rainwater harvesting seriously, it will go a long way in helping us deal with the water crisis," he added.

Speaking about a different political party administering the municipal corporation, he said: "Despite differences in political agenda, I have never hesitated in providing them monetary support. Without asking for results, I have given them whatever I could."

Also present on the occasion was Bengaluru development minister K J George. "I would like to thank the civil servants and lawmakers who have made it possible for Bengaluru to be such a great city. They're worked hard in every possible way to make it better," he said.

The Kempegowda award was conferred on 150 prominent members from various fields like education, medicine, media, social service, arts, culture and films. Acclaimed IAS officer Sonia Narang, Dr Manjunath S Gujjar, actor Dingri Nagaraj, director SK Bhagwan, Master KT Darshan and tabla player Vishwanath Nakod are among the recipients.