"Our good work is our response to critics": Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar

Mandya (Karnataka) [India], October 16 (ANI): Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar inaugurated the Cauvery Stage 5 drinking water project for resolving Karnataka's water crisis on Wednesday and asserted that his good work was his response to the critics.
After inaugurating the project, which provides drinking water to 110 villages around Bengaluru, he said, "The Cauvery Stage 5 is not limited to 110 villages around Bengaluru but is applicable to 1/4th of Karnataka's population. It is delightful that the project which was kickstarted by CM Siddaramaiah is being inaugurated during his second term."
"Many MPs criticised that Yettinahole project will not see the light of the day. Many criticised us for the damaged crest gate in Tungabhadra dam. Criticisms die and good work lives on. Their criticisms are not dead and our work has come to life. This project is a standing example for this," he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the state government have inaugurated the gas turbine power plant in Yelahanka to provide electricity every day.
"We took out a rally for Mekedatu. Our government took responsibility for Bengaluru's water security and we have delivered that with this project. Dr Ambedkar used to say that you will become a leader if you survive a fight or else you will become history. I have come to politics to bring change," he said.
"In order to provide electricity to the people 365 days a year, we have inaugurated the gas turbine power plant in Yelahanka. We are also focussing on water and drainage needs for Bengaluru. We will fix the traffic issues too soon," Shivakumar added.
He further thanked that the Japan International Cooperation Agency for financing Rs 4500 crores to the Cauvery stage 5.
"Japan's ICA has financed Rs 4,500 crores to the Cauvery Stage 5. I would like to thank them on behalf of the people of Karnataka. We would like to work with them for many projects in the future. We are preparing for the Mekedatu project by handing over forest land to the project. I pray to Goddess Chamundeshwari to give CM Siddaramaiah strength to lay the foundation stone for the Mekedatu project," he said.
Shivakumar further informed that Ambedkar Bhavan will be built for Rs 5 crore.
"Ambedkar Bhavan will be built at a cost of Rs 5 crore as per the request of Malavalli MLA Narendraswamy. We will also get water to the last village along the canal," he said.
"A lot of officials have worked hard for the project. Many farmers from Malavalli, Kanakapura and Bengaluru South taluk have sacrificed lands for the pipeline to pass, I would like to thank them for their sacrifice," he added.
The Cauvery Phase 5 Water Supply Project is among the largest of its kind in India, designed to supply water to approximately 5 million people in Bengaluru. This monumental project includes the construction of India's largest water treatment plant, with a capacity of 775 MLD. The project is further supported by a cutting-edge flood control system to ensure uninterrupted operations. (ANI)