Mysuru: Plan to develop five major cities, including Mysuru, on par with Bengaluru is part of efforts to decongest the state capital and promote balanced urban development, said chief minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday. He said govt is considering construction of Outer Ring Roads around cities.Even in smaller urban centres, Outer Ring Roads would be planned to ensure smoother traffic movement, the CM told reporters in Mysuru. “All stakeholders will be consulted, and a detailed discussion will be held before reaching a decision on this,” he addedShivakumar said special support would be extended to the five cities to strengthen infrastructure and attract development outside Bengaluru. “Bengaluru needs to be decongested. We want to develop five cities on par with Bengaluru. Mysuru is already better planned than Bengaluru,” he said.Reacting to criticism on former minister B Nagendra, Shivakumar said the issue had been turned into a political controversy by the BJP. “For the BJP, it is a political issue. He is innocent, yet he resigned,” the CM said.Regarding three deaths at Hanur, Shivakumar said the report had been submitted, and the case was handed over to the CID for a detailed investigation. “Let the CID conduct a detailed investigation. If there has been any wrongdoing, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.Plans afoot to make Dasara procession an int’l eventRuling out scaling down of Dasara celebrations due to drought in state, the CM said the govt was planning to introduce several new ideas for this year’s celebrations and make the procession an international-level event.“I want new ideas and new thinking for Dasara. I have invited the Air Force and Army to participate in the Dasara procession and parade. I have also spoken to film chamber president Jayamala to ensure the participation of film stars in the Dasara parade. Special tableaux would also be introduced. We want an international-level parade. There should be representation from folk teams and cultural troupes from across Karnataka,” he said.A separate meeting will be held to finalise the arrangements and tourism stakeholders will be involved, he said.Regarding Dasara inauguration, Shivakumar said govt is yet to select a guest to open the 10-day Dasara celebration.
