Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 7: Karnataka has been declared naxal-free, with six underground Maoists surrendering during the current government's tenure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced while presenting the Budget for 2025-26. As a result, the anti-naxal force will be disbanded, and a Rs 10 cr special package will be introduced to improve basic facilities in former Maoist-affected areas.

Focusing on Bengaluru's security, the CM revealed plans to increase police divisions from 8 to 11 and set up four new bomb detection and disposal squads in Bellary, Davanagere, Mysuru, and Bengaluru Central Zones. The ex-gratia for home guards and civil defence volunteers will also be doubled from Rs 5 lac to Rs 10 lac.

In a major fire safety initiative, an aerial ladder platform vehicle with a reach of 52-54 meters will be procured to tackle high-rise building fires. Additionally, the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department will undergo expansion and modernization with a Rs 330 cr allocation under the 15th Finance Commission grants.

Emphasizing green mobility, CM Siddaramaiah announced the induction of 14,750 new electric buses under PM e-DRIVE, PM-eBus Sewa, and externally aided projects. Out of these, 9,000 e-buses will be allocated to BMTC, boosting eco-friendly transport in the state.