BENGALURU: Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) officials to prepare an inventory of all Bescom-related obstructions on footpaths across the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) area and commence their removal as part of the ‘Freedom from Waste’ campaign, which begins on August 1.
Addressing a virtual meeting on Monday, the minister said “All Bescom related obstructions must be removed during the course of this campaign.” Old and damaged electricity poles, hanging wires and rods attached to transformers are found across the city at heights that pose a risk to pedestrians.
“Such hazardous obstructions must be removed immediately. The transformers obstructing footpaths should be relocated to suitable locations. Prepare both short-term and long-term plans to provide a permanent solution to Bescom-related issues,” he instructed.
The minister said footpath encroachment clearance drive is underway on arterial and sub-arterial roads across the city. He said some private apartment complexes have installed transformers on footpaths and other public spaces. He directed officials to instruct the respective property owners to relocate the transformers within their own premises. Bescom was instructed to launch a special drive to eliminate all such obstructions and take the necessary action.
He also directed that all unused electricity poles be removed immediately and waste that has accumulated around such poles should also be cleared. Officials were instructed to remove all identified obstructions within the stipulated time based on the inventory prepared.
Transformers located on footpaths should be designed and positioned in a manner that does not inconvenience pedestrians. Rods attached to transformers should be installed at a minimum height of seven feet to ensure they do not pose a hazard to the public. Officials were instructed to treat footpaths as safe pedestrian zones and implement a uniform design standard across the city.
BescomManaging Director Shivashankar informed the meeting that nearly 7,000 old transformers located on footpaths across the city are already replaced. A uniform design standard will be developed, and the remaining issues will be resolved in a phased manner through a special campaign.