Major BBMP works stalled across Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Residents across the city are angry that major infrastructure works have stalled after the announcement of state elections and the BBMP, which does not have to stop the works because of the model code of conduct, has been dragging its feet as it is not accountable to the chief minister and the in-charge minister.

Some of the major works are incomplete and have turned into an eyesore in the city. Authorities had announced that white-topping, drain, road and underpass works would be completed before the announcement of polls, but there has been no progress. 

Narendra Kumar, a resident of Frazer Town, said that the work on the underpass in his area, which cuts short the distance to other localities, is incomplete and the BBMP is not serious about finishing the project. He also complained that the surroundings of the underpass have not been kept clean by the Palike.

“The BBMP has failed to react to a number of complaints filed by the residents. The area legislator had promised the residents that the work would be completed, but it is still half-done. Since the elections have been announced and the model code of conduct is in place, the residents cannot even approach any elected representatives to put pressure on them,” he said. 

D.S. Rajshekar, president, Citizens' Action Forum (CAF), however, pointed out that the state election should not affect the works in the city as they have been taken up by the BBMP and not the state government. "The works should progress smoothly. But the delay only exposes how ineffective and dependent the local body is on the state government. It is a shame for our democracy," he said. 

“Many major works have been stalled since the elections were announced. For instance, the white topping on Mysuru Road and in Koramangala and Ejipura have seen no progress at. The works should not be affected as only the revenue department officials from the BBMP are deputed on poll duty, while officials from engineering and planning section, who oversee such projects, are not. But during elections, officials follow politicians like a shadow as they want to be in their good books," he alleged.

“The officials are not scared of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or the in-charge minister as they are aware that politicians would be busy with election campaigning and would have no time to monitor the works," he said.

Vivek Raj, a resident of Azadnagar near Mysuru Road, said that the stretch was a pleasure to commute after the Metro completed its works and traffic reduced. But white topping, which was unnecessary, has created havoc. Half-done works have put motorists in great danger, he said.