Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced plans to establish a total of 600 Indira canteens across the state, including Bengaluru, aiming to provide affordable meals and breakfast to the underprivileged.
“We are starting 188 new Indira canteens in Bengaluru. Two canteens are being started as per the demand of taxi drivers and other drivers to start Indira canteens near the airport. Of these, 40 have already been completed and the rest are underway. The Indira Canteen was required at Kempegowda Airport. One has already been inaugurated and another Indira canteen is coming up here. Its purpose is to provide meals and breakfast to the poor at low rates. Breakfast is provided for Rs 5, and lunch and dinner will be available for Rs 10,” stated the Chief Minister during the inauguration of an Indira Canteen organized by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Emphasizing the importance of ensuring continuous water supply in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah assured that efforts are underway to address any water scarcity issues. He instructed Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to ensure uninterrupted water supply through tankers, regardless of the expenses incurred.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar denounced the BJP’s alleged politicization of the water shortage issue, urging them to seek central government assistance for projects like Mahadayi and Mekedaatu instead of staging protests against the state government.
Addressing concerns about water scarcity, Shivakumar revealed that nearly 7,000 borewells out of 16,000 were experiencing difficulties. Efforts are being made to rectify the situation, with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and BBMP actively involved in resolving the issue.
Furthermore, measures have been taken to regulate the water tanker sector, with over 1,500 tankers registered to ensure transparency and curb exploitation by illegal operators. Additionally, free water supply to slum areas is being facilitated to alleviate the impact of water scarcity on vulnerable communities.
