BENGALURU: The state administration came under fire after three people lost their lives in accidents while trying to avoid potholes on Mysore Road. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah along with Bengaluru Development Minister K J George visited Nayandahalli junction where a pothole claimed a woman’s life on Sunday. Following the visit, the meeting to review the situation in the city was attended by officials from BBMP, BDA, Bescom, BWSSB, BMRCL along with Mayor Sampath Raj, Ministers Ramalinga Reddy, George and other MLAs.
Siddaramaiah said, “Over the past 55 days, heavy rain poured for 42 days. This was thrice the normal rains. As it was raining continuously, more potholes surfaced. Even if they tried to fill them, they would resurface in one week’s time. That’s why potholes weren’t filled when it was raining. Now, I have instructed BBMP engineers to fix these within 15 days. They’ve been told to use cold mix to fill potholes. These will last for a few weeks. Cold mix is not like hot mix tar, but as a temporary measure, we have to do this,’’ he said.
He added that if a councillor or MLA brings pothole details to the chief engineer concerned, it is his responsibility to fill it on time. “Mayor should tell councillors to check if there are any potholes in their wards and this has to be brought to the concerned engineer’s notice. Similarly, George will convene a meeting with city MLAs who should inform the Chief Engineer about problems,’’ he said.
Siddaramaiah also said state government can’t be blamed for everything. “We are also taking responsibility. But BBMP is an elected body, it has elected councillors and MLAs too. It is also their responsibility. Mayor should do routine inspection,’’ he said.
Also if the road surface is damaged, one layer of asphalting has to be done once rain stops,’’ he said, adding that government has already allotted `700 crore for asphalting of ward roads. Tenders will be called and work will be taken at the earliest, he assured.On the roads that were damaged in warranty period, he said, “BBMP engineers have to fix responsibility on contractors as per the agreement. If needed, such contractors must be blacklisted.” He, however, admitted that till now no contractor has been blacklisted.
On taking up white topping on roads, the CM said they have allotted `1,000 crore under which major roads will be developed.
“We are starting it this year. In the coming days, all major roads will have white topping. It comes with 10-year warranty and contractors will maintain these roads. They will last for 30 years and will also be free from potholes,” he said. “I have asked the BBMP to prepare an action plan in this regard,” he added.
He said that `117 crore was sanctioned on Monday to take up Storm Water Drain works in the flood-prone areas including HSR Layout, KR Puram, Koramanagala and Yeshwantpur.