BANGALORE: The committee set up on September 22 to study the pros and cons of dividing Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is yet to begin working officially. The committee is to submit its report within three months. One of the main reasons for the delay is that the state government is yet to provide office space for the committee.
The committee is headed by former chief secretary and retired IAS officer B S Patil. The other members are former BBMP commissioner Siddaiah and urban expert V Ravichander. Recently, senior IAS officer P Manivannan was appointed as the committee secretary.
Speaking to Express, District In-charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy said Vidhana Soudha is full and there are three rooms vacant in Vikasa Soudha. “As the Cabinet is likely to be expanded, we need rooms for newly-inducted ministers. The rooms have therefore been reserved for them,” he said.
Reddy, however, added that the committee will soon be accommodated at the Secretariat building.
Sources in the Urban Development Department said the committee members will be given a three-month deadline to submit their report only after they assume office.
Besides, the delay with regard to the functioning of the committee could be attributed to the series of public holidays after September 22, they said. So far, the committee members have not had a formal meeting. Patil told Express that the members are meeting informally.
In its order, the government was clear on its requirements for the report, said Patil. “We are working on this,” he said.
Patil added that since Bangalore has grown manifold, the committee needs to communicate with many agencies and planning authorities such as Bangalore Water Supply And Sewerage Board, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, Bangalore Development Authority and Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority. “We need to interact with various stakeholders like councillors, MLAs, resident welfare associations and the public. Our purpose is to make the public happy and the authorities concerned capable of good administration,” he added.
Regarding allotment of office space, he said the members are hopeful of getting it soon and starting work by Monday.