Bengaluru: 10 zones non-negotiable

Bengaluru: The number of BBMP zones in the city will be increased from eight to 10 for better administration and rational distribution of population, said Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George on Wednesday.

At a review meeting with BBMP officials at Mayo Hall, he said the standing committee on Administrative Reforms should approve the proposal and the council should pass a resolution before sending it to the government.

He said there has been poor response for the new garbage tender floated by the BBMP, as the contractors are not willing to take the responsibility of segregating garbage at source and other mandates in the new tender.

Of the 95 wards, contractors have bid for only 35 wards. Officials have been told to float fresh tenders for the remaining 60 wards and preparations have begun. The new tender stipulates that bills cannot be cleared until the work is complete, he said.

On protests by villagers at Kannahalli and Seegehalli waste processing units, he said that the waste is being processed scientifically, and these newer plants cannot be compared to Mandur and Mavallipura dump yards. "I am aware that villagers are complaining about bad odour. I have directed officials to take necessary steps to curb the stench. I will pay a surprise visit to check the condition of the processing plants,'' he said.

BBMP budget in March
Mayor B.N. Manjunath Reddy said that the BBMP budget will be presented by March-end. After the state budget and state government's fund allocation to the BBMP, the civic body will place the budget, he said.

Invest Karnataka: roads get makeover
Ahead of Invest Karnataka 2016 scheduled from Feb. 3-5 at the Palace Grounds, the BBMP has taken up development works worth Rs 3.47 crore on all roads leading to the venue.

Mayor B.N. Manjunath Reddy, BBMP Commissioner Kumar Naik and others inspected the progress of works in and around Palace Grounds on Wednesday. Mr Reddy said that roads and footpaths are being spruced up from the government grants.

Minister: I’m not a receptionist
“I am not receptionist or phone operator to take all the calls. I will reply or send a message when I get time," retorted an angry Mr George when asked why he was not reachable for comments and on issues on city development.

“Carrying my phone and answering calls hamper my work. When you (reporters) call, but I may not be free. I suggest you to send messages and it helps me reply," he said. When reporters said they do not get replies to their messages, he alleged that they do not know how to send messages!

Asked why there were no visible changes in the city, he said, "Will you give money from your pocket? Projects worth '1,500 crore are in the pipeline and they would be taken up shortly."