Senior IAS officer M Lakshminarayana, who took charge as the new commissioner of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) here on Friday, said there is enormous scope to improve the city.
Speaking to reporters after assuming office, he said, “It is a challenging assignment. Working in an Urban Local Body, that too the size of BBMP (800 sqkm), is a challenging task. If the system has to be taken forward, there is a need for co-operation from all, including the public.”
Applauding outgoing commissioner Siddaiah, Lakshminarayana said: “He (Siddaiah) has done a good job. He has set up better systems in terms of solid waste management and instilled discipline at office. I need to see that these system continue and further improve the administration. I feel proud to succeed officers like him.”
On government’s support, the new commissioner said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured him of extending full support. “The CM told me to do a good job for Bangalore in terms of infrastructure, which the government will support. That gives me confidence to do something better,” he said.
Ready to Face Monsoon
On monsoon challenges, Lakshminarayana said that teams have been constituted in different areas to meet rain-related challenges. These teams will go to the flooded areas and pump out water. “This system already exists and we need to see to that it functions in a much more better way”, the new BBMP commissioner added.
He said: “Sometimes we need to work day and night and ensure people will not face any problems. However, in spite of working long, Bangalore’s size is mind-boggling. It will always have problems and it is our responsibility to attend to them. We will do justice to the responsibility that has been entrusted on us.” As a long-term goal, the commissioner said BBMP needs to look at system improvement as well as financial stability. “We cannot undertake any development work if we do not have sufficient funds. We should see that we can generate more revenue. There are tax defaulters and we need to look at them and collect money,” he said.