From today, B'lore turns Bengalooru

BANGALORE: Suvarna Karnataka — the state's Golden Jubilee year — is bringing promises with it for the people of the state.

Here are some of chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's plans, told to The Times of India on Tuesday, the eve of the big launch of the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations on Wednesday.

Greater Bangalore: The process has begun, most of it is under way. On Rajyothsava day, I don't have to make new announcements. There are two proposals doing the rounds, one of them is having an administrator for Greater Bangalore while retaining a commissioner for BMP. I haven't decided on the person for the administrator's post. It will not be a political choice.

On renaming Bangalore as Bengalooru: A proposal on renaming Bangalore as Bengalooru will be sent to Delhi for clearance. However, a formal announcement on renaming will be made on Wednesday. Later, a gazette notification will be issued. This apart, cities like Mangalore, Mysore, Belgaum, Hubli, Gulbarga, Shimoga, Tumkur and Hospet will also be renamed.

A house-full state: Houses should be provided for all below poverty line. We plan to provide free single-room flats for the poor. I have asked the officials to survey BPL families and work out a comprehensive housing plan. Budgetary allocation will be worked out. Quality of construction will not be compromised.

Infrastructure in Bangalore: We will have 20 new underpasses for Bangalore city. Skywalks to address pedestrian problems will be put in place. Recently, the students of Maharani's women's college complained they were finding it difficult to cross the road, a skywalk will come up there. B-TRAC will be implemented to decongest Bangalore.

Helmets from today: Compulsory helmet-wearing will come into effect on Wednesday in Bangalore and other city corporations barring Bellary.