Karnataka to develop 65-acre tree park at Baiyappanahalli: Minister M B Patil
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Saturday said a 65-acre tree park will be developed at Baiyappanahalli at an estimated cost of Rs 37.75 crore, with the first phase expected to open to the public in March.
The park will be developed on part of the 105-acre site that previously belonged to the state-owned New Government Electrical Factory (NGEF), he added.
The large and medium industries minister visited the NGEF premises to inspect ongoing work, accompanied by senior officials from various departments.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister, in a statement, said the tree park is being developed in four phases—phase 1, 1A, 1B, and phase 2—at a total estimated cost of Rs 37.75 crore.
Works under phase 1A are expected to be completed within six months. The site houses around 8,500 trees of various species, with scientific names displayed, and Patil emphasised that not a single tree would be felled.
A scientific assessment will guide decisions regarding the existing eucalyptus trees.
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He added that Rs 11.50 crore required for phase 1 works has already been released.
The administrative office buildings and industrial sheds on the NGEF premises, assessed by scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), are structurally sound and will be refurbished and repurposed.
"A multi-level parking facility capable of accommodating 5,000-7,000 vehicles will be constructed on an additional 4.5 acres of factory-owned land outside the compound," Patil said.
The minister added that two convention centres, each with a seating capacity of at least 15,000, will be developed in the existing electric motor sheds to host meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events.
"In addition, an incubation centre for startups, named ‘Innoverse’, will be established by the government-run KITS, providing a dedicated workspace for entrepreneurs. The IT-BT Department will also develop a Rs 100-crore ‘Technology Innovation Museum’ at the site," he said.
Patil said the tree park will also feature a world-class sculpture park and an NGEF museum. Clarifying that no shopping mall would be constructed on the premises, he added that a well-equipped amphitheatre will host a variety of activities.
He noted that the project would greatly benefit residents of East Bengaluru and could emerge as a green space surpassing Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.
"Only a small portion of land required for the entrance gate falls under Namma Metro’s jurisdiction, and discussions are underway to secure it," he said.
"I have initiated a Vrikshathon (tree plantation drive) in my hometown of Vijayapura, intending to plant 10 crore saplings. Not a single tree at the NGEF site will be cut; they will be carefully preserved. My goal is to develop this into an international destination," Patil added.
Listing key attractions, he said, phase 1 will include an entrance plaza, elevated walkways, cycling tracks, water cascades, fountains, a food court, children’s play area, pet-friendly zones, toilets, and other infrastructure.
Phase 1B, costing Rs 26.23 crore, will include additional elevated walkways, an observation tower, renovation of the administrative block, and an open amphitheatre.
Under phase 2, the factory sheds will be redeveloped into a sports hub, arts and culture centre, community hall, and food court through a public-private partnership, the minister added.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
