Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced plans to establish 600 Indira canteens across the state, including Bengaluru, with the objective of providing affordable meals and breakfast to the underprivileged. Addressing the inauguration of an Indira Canteen organized by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), he revealed that 188 new canteens will be set up in Bengaluru alone. Additionally, two canteens are being initiated near the airport to cater to the needs of taxi drivers and other workers. Of these, 40 have already been completed, while the rest are in progress. The Chief Minister emphasized that the purpose of these canteens is to offer meals and breakfast at highly subsidized rates, with breakfast priced at Rs 5 and lunch/dinner at Rs 10.

Highlighting the changes in the food menu and the provision of dining halls, Siddaramaiah underscored the importance of ensuring that every ward in Bengaluru and other parts of the state have access to Indira canteens. He reinstated the initiative, which had faced closures under the previous government, citing the imperative need to support the impoverished population.

Responding to concerns about drinking water scarcity in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah assured that he has instructed for uninterrupted water supply. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar echoed this sentiment, affirming that efforts are being made to provide water through tankers to address the shortage issue. He criticized the BJP for politicizing the water shortage matter and urged them to approach the central government for solutions regarding Mahadayi and Mekedaatu projects.

Shivakumar also addressed the issue of borewell shortages in the city, revealing that 7,000 borewells out of 16,000 were non-functional. Efforts are underway to rectify the situation, with BWSSB and BBMP officials working diligently. The government has cracked down on the water tanker mafia and implemented measures to distinguish legal and illegal water providers. Additionally, free water supply is being provided to slums, while 1,500 tankers have been registered to ensure transparency in water distribution. Shivakumar emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the water crisis, dismissing BJP's political maneuvers as irrelevant to their efforts.

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