A day after stating that it would take at least three to six months for the BBMP to solve the garbage crisis, Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy on Friday said the road widening work on Mysore Road would be completed by the end of October. The work was expected to be over at a least month earlier.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting many places in and around the Mysore Road, Murthy said reasons like felling of trees and land acquisition have delayed the road widening work.
“Following a strict warning, the contractor has promised to complete the work by next month. If not, we will not hesitate to cancel the contract,” he stated.
The Mayor said the acquisition of around 25 private properties through transfer of development rights (TDR) is pending. This includes a part of Muslim and Christian graveyards on Mysore Road.
“Owners of these private properties have agreed to part with the land provided they are given compensation according to the market price as schedule of rates is very low. We will bring this issue before the next Council meeting and take a final call on the issue,” he noted.
He said though 216 roads have been identified for widening, the acquisition of land through TDR is difficult at some places. In other places, widening is not at all required.
“A committee has been formed which will communicate with officials, elected representatives, including MLAs and Councillors, public and draw a conclusion.
Once we get the report, we will finalise the number of roads that require widening. This issue is yet to come before Standing Committee on Major Roads and also before the Council,” he stated.
During the inspection, the Mayor noticed that garbage was not cleared at Hampinagar. He alighted from his car and interacted with the residents. He said he will recommend the BBMP Commissioner to suspend Assistant Executive Engineer Rame Gowda for dereliction of duty and also impose a heavy penalty on the contractor. However, ruling party leader N Nagaraj said the contractors would be fined for it for the first time.
“If they repeat the mistake again, their licences can be cancelled,” he added.
Gali Anjaneya temple flyover by one month
The Mayor said that the flyover being constructed from Chord Road to Gali Anjaneya Swamy temple on Mysore Road will be completed in a month.
“Once the work is over, people coming from Vijayanagar via Chord Road can take this route instead of touching the Mysore Road near Kimco. We will also appeal traffic police to make one-way between Gali Anjaneya temple and Deepanjalinagar Signal,” he added.