BENGALURU: After a series of reports of gross neglect of road infrastructure and protest by residents in the past at Varthur, Panathur, Balagere and surrounding areas, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Wednesday directed officials to fast-track ongoing road and infrastructure works in East Bengaluru. He also told officials to ensure that immediate problems faced by citizens are addressed without waiting for long-term projects to be completed.
During an inspection on the Sarjapur Road-Dommasandra-Gunjur-Varthur-Balagere corridor and surrounding areas, the minister reviewed the status of road works, drainage, traffic management, land acquisition, electricity infrastructure and other civic works. He directed officials to provide immediate relief wherever possible while simultaneously planning permanent solutions for recurring problems.
“Identify and address potholes, waterlogging, traffic bottlenecks and other problems affecting residents and motorists on priority. Where temporary measures can provide immediate relief, these should be undertaken without delay,” he said.
Reviewing land requirements for road widening and infrastructure projects, the minister sought clarity on land availability and the status of acquisition. He directed officials to coordinate with property owners and departments concerned and initiate acquisition and other statutory measures wherever required.
“Identify locations prone to waterlogging and examine the drainage network to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater. Explore feasible routes for connecting local drainage networks to main drains and, wherever necessary, develop solutions involving pipelines and chambers to ensure that water is effectively discharged,” he said.
Officials were directed to identify BESCOM transformers and electricity poles obstructing roads and traffic and relocate them wherever necessary, immediately repair potholes, damaged stretches and roadside pits and make the roads motorable.
Gowda also reviewed action taken by officials on previously identified unauthorised buildings and directed them to proceed with further action in pending cases in accordance with the rules.
The minister stressed that road, drainage, electricity, water supply, Metro and other infrastructure works must be planned and executed in coordination with each department.
Min begs KRDCL to fix bad stretch on Varthur Road
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda expressed strong displeasure with KRDCL officials over the condition of the road between Dommasandra Circle and Varthur. He questioned why work could not begin with the land already available. “Forget land acquisition for the moment.
I am folding my hands and asking you first clear the debris from the available space and at least put gravel and make the road motorable,” he told officials. He also questioned the need for land acquisition for the road over the Varthur Lake bund when, according to officials, considerable space was already available there for road development.
Gowda pointed out that several establishments between Gunjur and Dommasandra had allegedly encroached upon more than eight feet of roadside space. “What were the officials doing while these encroachments were taking place? How much longer should ordinary citizens suffer because of these delays?” he said.
