Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar dismissed claims of negligence by officials in the recent Bengaluru wall collapse tragedy that resulted in seven fatalities. He attributed the collapse to heavy rains, hail, and thunderstorms, emphasizing that the old wall, burdened with soil and trees planted nearby, succumbed to the pressure. Shivakumar revealed plans to identify similar vulnerable walls in the city and relocate street vendors to prevent such incidents.
In response to concerns about deficient rainfall impacting dams, Shivakumar expressed readiness for potential challenges and assured proactive measures to avert rain-related disasters. He highlighted the government’s preemptive actions in anticipation of heavy rains in Bengaluru, emphasizing the importance of preparedness during adverse weather conditions. Shivakumar also mentioned the potential repercussions of low rainfall on reservoirs and power supply in certain areas.
Acknowledging the need for water conservation, Shivakumar announced a visit to the Tungabhadra dam for a readiness assessment on May 3. He underscored the importance of water storage and compliance with a Supreme Court directive to release a specified volume of water in the Cauvery matter. Additionally, he instructed authorities to trim weak tree branches in Bengaluru and established a control room for swift response to any emergencies.
Shivakumar disclosed plans for a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, followed by a Cabinet session, addressing any speculations about leadership matters raised by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. He clarified that there was no confusion regarding the leadership issue and suggested seeking clarification directly from Kharge himself.
