Latest news with #D.K.Shivakumar
New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar breaks down over Bengaluru stampede during RCB's IPL victory celebrations
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar broke down in tears on Thursday while addressing the media for the first time following the devastating stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives and injured dozens, ANI reported. The tragedy unfolded during a public celebration to honor Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win. Visibly shaken, Shivakumar struggled to contain his emotions, especially while speaking about the young victims. 'I am worried about the children... those small children, I saw they were 15 years old. I've seen with my own eyes at least 10 people who passed away. No family can digest this loss,' he said during the press conference. 'It hurts to see the little children. I have seen their pain.'
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Hemavati water project: Tension brews between Tumakuru and Bengaluru South
Ramanagara: A major rift has emerged between Bengaluru South and Tumakuru districts over the Hemavati water project, leading to rising tensions on the ground. Farmers in Gubbi taluk's Sankapura in Tumakuru district staged a protest at the project site, defying prohibitory orders imposed by the district administration. This has triggered a tense situation around the construction area. Public representatives and farmers from Tumakuru have thrown a direct challenge to the state government, stating 'let's settle this once and for all.' Much like the ongoing disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water, this intra-state water sharing issue is intensifying with protests and opposition from both sides. The project aims to supply water from the Hemavati River in Hassan district to Magadi through the nala (canal) belt. The state government had issued an order in 2019 for water sharing to taluks under this belt. However, a nala construction to divert Hemavati water to Magadi via Kunigal had already been completed nearly a decade ago—but water never flowed through it. In 2018, then Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar proposed supplying water to Magadi through the Express Canal. The project was later stalled. Now, back as the irrigation minister, Shivakumar has revived the project, increasing the cost from ₹468 crore to ₹1,000 crore. The project, already underway, plans to tap water at the 78th km point and channel it to Magadi using gravitational force. However, the project has met immediate resistance from Tumakuru locals. Farmers argue that despite spending crores on the open nala, it remains unused due to lack of water. Some say that water could still be pumped through the nala instead of laying expensive pipelines for the Express Canal project. Pipes are currently being laid alongside highways under this scheme. Tumakuru stakeholders say that the Hemavati River from Gorur reservoir is meant to supply 24 TMC of water annually to the district, but that has never been fulfilled. The new project aims to divert water via pipeline from Sankapura (Gubbi) through Kunigal to Magadi, which farmers fear will bypass Tumakuru's share. They demand water be routed through the natural canal system via Gubbi and Kunigal rather than large steel pipelines, which they believe will deprive Tumakuru of Hemavati water. The situation is further complicated by the political prestige attached to the project. Earlier, credit wars erupted between current and former MLAs over water being supplied to certain Magadi lakes under the 'Sri Ranga' scheme. Now, similar political undercurrents surround the revived Hemavati Express Canal project. Ramanagara leaders assert that water from Hemavati is not needed across the district, only for Magadi. Tumakuru's argument is that Hemavati water must not be redirected unscientifically via the Express Canal, potentially causing scarcity in their region. 'Let the government supply us just drinking water—no irrigation water needed,' they say. Amid this, even as soil work begins on the Express Canal, Tumakuru's in-charge minister remains silent, raising questions about the state's commitment to fair water distribution. Irrigation experts too have yet to express a clear opinion. The Hemavati Express Canal project, intended to ease water woes in Magadi, has now become a flashpoint between two districts. With political posturing, bureaucratic silence, and farmer agitation rising, the real question remains—will Hemavati water ever reach Magadi, or drown in yet another water war?
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
RCB team gets grand welcome: Shivakumar gifts Kannada flag to Virat Kohli
Bengaluru: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team arrived at the HAL airport here on Wednesday, where they were personally welcomed by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He presented bouquets to each player. Dy CM Shivakumar specially greeted cricketer Virat Kohli, presenting him with both the RCB team flag and the Kannada flag. Virat Kohli joyfully received the flags and posed for photographs with the Dy CM. Shivakumar was also seen waving the RCB flag from his car while on his way to the airport. RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, defeated Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings by six runs to lift the IPL trophy for the first time at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The side also became the fourth different team to lift the IPL trophy in the last four seasons. Virat Kohli top-scored with 43 off 35 balls as RCB posted an imposing 190/9. In their defence, RCB's brilliant bowlers, led by Player of the Match, Krunal Pandya's match-winning spell of 2-17 in four overs, restricted Punjab Kings to 184/7, meaning that the franchise and Kohli finally became IPL champions. IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru's plans to organise an open bus victory parade following its first-ever championship win have been cancelled, said the Bengaluru Traffic Police on Wednesday. As per an earlier announcement from the franchise, the open-top bus parade was supposed to begin from 5 p.m. and run from Vidhana Soudha to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the team's home ground, where a felicitation event would take place from 6 p.m. Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Wednesday that for security reasons, the players will not be travelling to the stadium in an open vehicle. The KSCA will organise a programme at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Necessary police security and traffic management arrangements have been made to avoid congestion. Giving details about the felicitation programme by the government on the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha, Parameshwara further stated, 'All the players will arrive by bus to the Vidhana Soudha. After the programme concludes, they will return to Chinnaswamy Stadium by bus. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will offer their congratulations. Two members from the RCB team will speak.' Parameshwara further clarified that there are no other events planned apart from this.
Arabian Post
8 hours ago
- General
- Arabian Post
Joy Turns to Tragedy as Stampede Claims 11 Lives at Bengaluru Cricket Celebration
Eleven people lost their lives and over 50 sustained injuries during a stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, as a massive crowd gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru's maiden Indian Premier League title. The tragedy unfolded when an overwhelming number of fans attempted to enter the stadium, leading to chaos and a deadly crush. The event was intended to be a jubilant victory parade for RCB, who clinched their first IPL championship by defeating the Punjab Kings. However, the celebration turned catastrophic as more than 200,000 fans—double the anticipated number—converged on the stadium and surrounding areas. The stadium, with a seating capacity of approximately 35,000, was ill-equipped to handle such a surge, resulting in overcrowding and panic. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated when fans began pushing through narrow entry points, leading to a stampede. Emergency services faced significant challenges in reaching the injured due to the dense crowd. Victims were transported to nearby hospitals, including Bowring and Vydehi, where several were pronounced dead on arrival. ADVERTISEMENT Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that neither the state government nor the Karnataka State Cricket Association anticipated such a massive turnout. He emphasized that the event's planning did not account for the overwhelming enthusiasm of the fans, which led to the unforeseen tragedy. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar acknowledged the lack of adequate crowd control measures, admitting that the authorities struggled to manage the unexpected influx of people. He confirmed that the victory parade was halted to prevent further casualties. The Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Devajit Saikia criticized the event's organizers for insufficient safety protocols. He stressed the need for better planning and coordination in future celebrations to ensure public safety. The BCCI has announced plans to review and revise guidelines for large-scale public events following this incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as 'heartrending.' He urged state authorities to provide all necessary assistance to those affected and to investigate the causes thoroughly to prevent similar occurrences. RCB players, including star batsman Virat Kohli, expressed their devastation over the tragedy. Kohli, who addressed the crowd briefly before the event was cut short, stated that he was 'at a loss for words' and extended his sympathies to the victims' families. The incident has sparked widespread criticism regarding crowd management at public events in India. Experts have pointed out that despite previous tragedies under similar circumstances, there remains a lack of effective crowd control measures during large gatherings. This stampede adds to a series of such incidents in the country, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive safety protocols. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, focusing on the planning and execution of the event. Preliminary findings suggest that last-minute changes to the parade route and inadequate communication contributed to the chaos. Officials are also examining the roles of various agencies involved in organizing the celebration.
Hans India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3A: Sarjapur–Hebbal Red Line Faces Cost Review by Centre
The metro line from Sarjapur to Hebbal, known as the Red Line under Phase 3A of the Bengaluru Metro project, is facing fresh challenges. With an estimated cost of ₹28,405 crore, this line is being dubbed the most expensive metro project in the city's history. As a result, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has been instructed to re-evaluate the project. Central Government Raises Concerns Over Cost of Sarjapur–Hebbal Metro Line According to initial estimates, the cost per kilometer of this corridor could be as high as ₹776.3 crore. The central government has expressed concern over this high per-kilometer cost, which is significantly above national benchmarks. Hence, a more thorough assessment of the project is now required. Re-evaluation by Independent Experts Even though Phase 3A was approved by the state cabinet in December 2024, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is now carefully scrutinizing the project's cost. The Ministry believes that the projected cost exceeds acceptable standards. New Cost Evaluation Standards The revised cost estimates for metro projects now depend on 13 key factors, including alignment and construction, station buildings, power and traction systems, signaling, depots, train sets, etc. In particular, challenges in tunneling and fluctuations in equipment supply have been identified as reasons for cost escalation. Expert Report Expected in Three Months A report by independent experts is expected to be submitted to the central government within three months. Based on this report, a decision will be made regarding whether to approve Phase 3A as is, or propose modifications. This could lead to delays in the expected central clearance, which was originally anticipated by December 2025. The project completion deadline remains 2031. Costly Features of the Underground Metro Section Around 14.44 km of Phase 3A is planned to be underground. Construction costs for underground stations, tunnels, power systems, depots, and traction systems significantly increase the overall cost per kilometer. Typically, underground platforms are 240 meters long, but there is a proposal to reduce this to 190–200 meters to save on civil construction expenses. Speculations Regarding Tunnel Route Some recent statements by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sparked speculation that the route alignment might be changed. However, two senior BMRCL officials have clearly denied any such changes, affirming that the alignment remains intact — from Sarjapur to Iblur (14 km) and Agara to Koramangala 3rd Block (2.45 km) as originally planned. Double-Deck Flyovers According to officials, the changes mentioned by the Deputy CM refer only to the double-deck flyovers included in the Phase 3A plan. These flyovers are limited to elevated segments and do not affect the overall metro alignment in any way. With inputs from GoodRetruns.
