Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced that the state government will establish a Kempe Gowda College of Design with an allocation of Rs 100 crore, as part of ongoing efforts to honour the founder of Bengaluru.

Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, he said the college will initially accommodate 300 students, with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) developing the academic syllabus. Graduates from the institution will be given preference for placements in the Greater Bengaluru Authority, he added.

Shivakumar also revealed that Rs 103 crore has been earmarked for the development and restoration of monuments from Kempe Gowda’s era, including the Magadi Fort, where half of the rejuvenation work is already complete. Land acquisition around Kempe Gowda’s tomb, spread over 10 acres, is nearly done, and a coordination committee is being formed to oversee the projects.

Strict action on debris dumping
Shivakumar also noted that the city’s garbage problem has worsened after the Dasara festival, prompting the government to launch an immediate cleanup campaign. He directed officials to take strict action against those dumping construction debris on roadsides and announced a meeting with Power Minister KJ George to resolve the issue of unregulated overhead cables marring Bengaluru’s skyline.