CM lays out plan to fix Bengaluru

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: When Bengaluru was battered by heavy rain that left the city waterlogged, damaged property and resulted in the loss of life, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai came under criticism for not being proactive enough, despite holding the Bengaluru portfolio. The Chief Minister has stepped up to the plate, however and has in the pipeline a comprehensive plan to fix Bengaluru city. “Work will not be allowed to happen haphazardly anymore,” the CM told officials. The extensive plan includes filling potholes, completing white topping work, improving streetlights across the city and also the installation of new CCTVs, under the Nirbhaya Programme.

Chairing a meeting of top officials and people’s representatives, the CM said that quality work should be ensured in storm water drains. For this, a Detailed Project Report will be prepared and Rs 1,500 crore provided for the purpose.

The plan is to constitute a Zonal Level Coordination Committee, comprising officials from civic agencies like the BBMP, Bescom, BWSSB and various departments would be constituted to improve the synergy in executing civic works. A Monitoring Committee will be formed at the state level. “A government order in this regard will be issued in the next two or three days,” Mr Bommai said.

In his address, Bommai said he wished to see an improvement in street lighting and that the necessary finances would be provided. “The work should be taken up immediately and completed without any delay. Take measures to install new bulbs,” he said. Around 7000 CCTVs will also be installed across the city under the Nirbhaya Programme, he said.

The Chief Minister has instructed officials to complete filling potholes on 751.41 km’ of roads in the city over the next 15 days. Tender Sure road work is to be finished by March 31. Work on high density roads will be completed through short term tenders and pending white topping work will be completed without inconveniencing the public.