Boost For Bengaluru: MNCs To Invest Rs 700 Crore To Develop Lakes As Part Of CSR Initiatives

Minor Irrigation Minister for Karnataka, CS Puttaraju, has said that multinational companies have offered to spend an estimated Rs 700 crore under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to develop lakes in the city, reports The Deccan Herald.

“Many IT firms have come forward to develop lakes in the city. We’re approving detailed project reports being prepared by the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority. We’ve been calling heads of these companies and holding meetings with them,” said Puttaraju.

The Minister directed attention to the fact that Infosys Foundation had already taken up work to develop 100 Kalyanis in Melkote and the Hebbal lake in Mysuru.

“Since DPRs are being prepared, we will know by the end of this week exactly how many lakes in Bengaluru will be covered under CSR,” he added.

Putturaju added that the Minor irrigation department had sought an outlay of an estimated Rs 3,000 crore in the 2019-20 budget.

“Our budget proposals are mainly focussed on filling up lakes with river sources. Also, we have 89 lift irrigation projects that have stalled and they need Rs 300 crore to be restarted,” he said.