Karnataka govt-citizen partnership can save Bengaluru: N A Haris

Nalapad Ahmed Haris, Congress MLA from Shanthi Nagar constituency in Bengaluru, is in the news. Heading the House committee on clubs, his team submitted a report  which became a subject of discussion in all clubs. Besides, his stand on banning commercial establishments in residential zones and preserving the green belt area, have caught the fancy of city residents.

When Deccan Chronicle caught up with him, Mr Haris explained the gravity of the situation while trying to drive home the point that it’s high time citizens and authorities came forward and became partners to save the city instead of getting involved in a blame game. “We have to leave the city in good shape for future generations. No matter who is in power or not, we should at least do this,” said Mr Haris. Here are excerpts from his interview

Just before the Union budget, the economic survey was released and it has a mention about the performance of BBMP- poor property tax collection and other such issues. In this context, if we look at the promises made to Bengalureans by the Congress before the 2013 assembly elections, it seems the party has failed to deliver the goods. What went wrong?

Firstly, after our party came to power, we achieved a lot in the city. Compared to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s rule, our performance is very good. I can confidently say this. During the Bharatiya Janata Party’s tenure, so many scams happened. Now, nothing is left unattended. The problem is Bengaluru is the fastest growing city, not only in India but in the world too. Recently, we got the Dynamic City award. Compared to many other cities, we are far ahead in property tax collection. Yes, I agree that it has to be the best. But the BBMP is on the path of recovery. To achieve good results, I suggest the system should change. The mayor should have a five-year term and should be elected directly. Coming to the  present status, we can see a lot of development happening across the city. You can see and make an assessment. Some people complain about a particular road. Yes, there might be issues here and there. But, a lot of work is happening in road development, construction of UGDs, etc.

But, people are suffering due to pollution and poor garbage collection. Frankly, the situation has not changed on the ground..

Last time (when the BJP was in power), the Garden City became garbage city, you know that. Now it has changed. The old city has changed. Now, we have truly become  a metropolitan city. Accordingly, people have to change their attitude towards civic issues. I cannot just dump garbage in my neighbour's compound and complain that there is garbage outside. We have to be responsible citizens. There are several Residents Welfare Associations which are doing a wonderful job on this front. I am one who encourages the work of RWAs. Without their cooperation, we can’t achieve objectives. If they get involved, automatically things will improve. We citizens have a moral responsibility.

You see, the government constituted a vision group ahead of the elections to formulate a vision for the city development. But, it failed...

Yes, the chief minister had constituted the vision group ahead of the 2014 Parliament elections. He has other work to do. I feel the vision group should have taken the responsibility on itself to regularly meet and give suggestions. If it failed to do its job, we can’t blame the chief minister.

Now, you have one year and two months left for the next elections. Do you think, the Congress government can fulfil the remaining promises made in the last eight months considering that the last four months will be spent on poll preparations.

We have completed ninety percent. Only ten percent promises are left. We are adding new projects to the list like the Elevated Corridor project. In the first budget, the Chief Minister spoke about a master plan for the city. It should have happened long ago. The Chief Minister and the Bengaluru Development minister are doing a good job. But these works should have happened 25 years ago. In that sense, we are behind schedule but not in fulfilling promises.

You raised your voice about zoning and not allowing commercial establishments in residential areas..

Let us be frank. When citizens turn greedy, these things happen. They want to make a quick buck by violating zoning rules. You want to have peace, don't give (houses) for commercial purposes. In Indira Nagar, HSR Layout or BTM Layout, main roads that are 100 ft wide are given for commercial purpose. Not small 30 feet or 40 feet wide roads. I strongly recommend that commercial activities should not be allowed on small roads. I spoke on this issue on the floor of the House, the minister agreed. I suggested that the BBMP should launch a drive in this regard.

You know what happens. In the demolition drive too, the 30x40 ft houses were demolished but they did not touch the big fish

We should involve residents welfare associations in this. They will take care of the area’s interests. The government should involve these associations and they can easily prevent the possibility of pardoning the big fish.

You have expressed reservations about the steel flyover project. What is your point of view?

Whenever a big project comes up, opposition is bound to come from one quarter or the other. We are facing a tricky situation here in the Steel Flyover project. We have to ease traffic congestion and give good connectivity to the airport. At the same time, we have to think of conserving trees. If the government comes out with an alternative, it will be good for us, perhaps by changing the alignment. Some of us have suggested that trees be transplanted. The dilemma is whether human life is important or trees? I would say both are. In our space, both have to be accommodated. If we can change the alignment, it will be good for all. My point is somehow, we have to avoid cutting of trees.

Moving on, what is your take on the exit of S.M. Krishna (former Chief Minister) and the outburst of veteran Congmen C.K. Jaffer Sharief and A.H. Vishwanath against the leadership. Doesn't it show that seniors have been sidelined and ignored in the party?

(Pauses) See, whatever may be the issue, we can’t hurt our mother. I am a small man compared to these leaders. I am not in a position to judge their action. I respect all three leaders. Mr Krishna in particular, groomed me in public life. Mr Sharief is also a big leader. They grew in the party and the party gave them many posts. Just because, your mother could not accommodate you or give the things you wanted, you can’t raise your hand against your mother. I personally feel, they should have avoided this. I can only say this much.