BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminarayana has directed Zonal Commissioners and Chief Engineers not to lay tiles over storm water drains adjacent to footpaths.
In places where the tiles have already been laid, the cost of works will be recovered from the officials, the Commissioner stated in a circular issued on April 10.
If footpaths are covered with concrete and good quality tiles are laid, it is not a waste but engineers in Basavanagudi have even laid tiles on the slabs over storm water drains. The drains along footpaths have also been covered. If it rains heavily, the roads will be flooded and slabs on drains have to be removed to ensure flow of water,” he said.
Lakshminarayana added that most number of violations have been recorded at South zone.
“I have asked the officials to furnish all files related to such works as tiles on footpaths and storm water drains will be damaged when we take up desiltation works.” This will result in a lot of money going down the drain, the Commissioner told Express.
Technical officer to the Commissioner, Umashanker, said this action sets a precedent. “All the zonal commissioners and concerned engineers have to bring in work files for evaluation. If any violation is found, action will be initiated against them,” he said.