BENGALURU: The proposed steel flyover has now earned the ire of former ISRO chief Prof U R Rao. The scientist is concerned about the flyover coming up in close proximity of the planetarium. On Wednesday, Prof Rao met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Bangalore Development Authority commissioner Rajkumar Khatri and put forth his objections.
Rao said, “I have an issue with the way the construction is planned. The flyover is too close to the planetarium, which should not be allowed. I have requested the government to make the necessary changes so that aesthetics of the planetarium and visitors’ safety can be ensured. We have, in fact, given sketches of two alternatives that the BDA can opt for. The first option is to push the flyover far from the planetarium and take it through. The second option is take it over the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain.”
Interestingly, BDA officials visited the planetarium on Monday. “Besides the aesthetics of the place, teachers and children who visit might be get hurt if vehicles are running so close to our premises. Every year, we receive two lakh visitors and we have to take care of them. The CM and the BDA chief have promised me that they will come up with certain modifications. I will be waiting for their reply,” Rao said.
The 6.7km steel flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal was approved by the government three weeks ago, raising questions about the lack of transparency. Besides, the project will cut 812 trees, which has attracted the ire of environmental groups.