In his first ever round of the city on Saturday, Chief Minister Siddaramiah witnessed ‘pothole-free’ roads in a ‘garbage-free’ Bangalore. This was due in large measure to the authorities who ‘managed’ to give a rosy picture to the CM.
However, the CM took officials and contractors to task for not executing quality work. Most of the roads the CM inspected were free from potholes. It was evident that the potholes were filled overnight. Moreover, officials managed the route which had better roads, and if there were any bad roads, they were temporarily repaired. Garbage and debris were cleared from the roadside. The JC road footpath, which normally has a heap of debris, wore a clean look.
Briefing about his rounds, Siddaramaiah told reporters that Bangalore was an internationally known and there was a need to provide basic amenities to the public, which was the responsibility of the state government as well as the BBMP.
“Traffic problem has increased. In order to solve this, we need to construct more flyovers and underpasses. This year, we have allocated funds for some of these works. Apart from this, the BBMP budget has also been approved,” he said. The CM inspected construction work at the CNR Rao Circle underpass, and instructed the concerned authorities to complete the work by December. The CM later inspected roads near Shivananda Circle and also at Park House Road. He said that roads with more vehicular movement were vulnerable to potholes and such roads can have white topping and concrete pavements.
On the garbage clearance issue, the CM said it is shameful that the High Court had to caution civic agency. “It is the responsibility of the executives and elected representatives. Officials have to take it seriously,” he said. At Nayandahalli junction, the CM said the BDA flyover will be ready in the next three months. There is debris on the roadside due to Metro work. It is the responsibility of BMRCL to clear the debris. Siddaramiah informed that construction work of grade separators at Kittur Rani Chennamma junction in Banashankari will begin soon. “The Cabinet has approved the construction work at Rs 35 crore,” he said. He instructed authorities to complete the work within one-and-a-half years.
At Anepalya Road, which needs widening, the CM said they might need land from private properties as well as defence land. He directed the Mayor to bring up this issue at the coming BBMP Council meeting. At Pantarayapalya near Nayandalli, houses are constructed by Karnataka Slum Development Board for slum dwellers. “Residents here complained about water supply. I have directed BWSSB officials to sort the problem.
On lakes
Siddaramaiah, who visited Dorekere in Padmanabhanagar constituency, told BBMP to remove weeds from the lake and also take up planting of saplings. While at Agara lake in HSR Layout, which is in a bad condition, the CM said the Lake Development Authority (LDA) had taken up development work in 2004.
“But LDA is in a passive mode. I will conduct meetings with BBMP, LDA, BWSSB, BDA and Forest Department officials and take up development of Agara lake,” he said. On lake encroachment, the CM instructed officials to take up fencing work on lakes, which will prevent encroachments.
CM: Do not leave pothole filling mark
Siddaramaih told BBMP to maintain quality while filling potholes. “After monsoon, take up a pothole-filling drive. Potholes should be filled in such a way that no mark of filling should be seen.
City rounds once in 2 months
Siddaramaiah said that he wanted to go for rounds of the city more often, which he regretted that he was unable to do earlier. “However, from here onwards, I shall do rounds of the city once in two months,” he said.
Reach 3 ready by November
Metro rail commercial operation will be ready on the Malleswaram and Peenya route by November. The CM who visited Metro station in Rajajinagar said, that the Reach-3 will be ready by November. He also insisted that Metro officials allot space for vehicle parking in the Metro station. BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola said that they will make provisions in the basement.
Highlights
Though the CM travelled in an air-conditioned BMTC bus, at least 25 vehicles were following, including his official convoy
Traffic jams were witnessed across the city
District Minister Ramalinga Reddy was missing as he is out of the country
There were no BJP MLAs
CM’s home does not have RWH
Rain Water harvesting, which is made compulsory by BWSSB, is not implemented in the CM’s own residence in Vijayanagar. This was revealed by the CM. “What action are you taking against those who did not implement RWH, my house does not have RWH and nothing has been done,” he said.
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