Dharam for central metro body

Dharam for central metro body
Authority To Coordinate Work Of Various Civic Agencies
The Times of India

Bangalore: Chief minister N. Dharam Singh on Friday said he had asked the Centre to establish a metropolitan authority for Bangalore to coordinate the activities of the various local bodies.

Speaking to reporters here after a three-day visit to Delhi, Singh said, “There are many local bodies like BCC, BDA, BWSSB, Bescom, housing board, slum clearance board and others. However, it has been felt that an overall body to coordinate these bodies is required. If the BDA announces sites, other facilities like power and water should be ensured, or else it will lead to chaos and problems.’’

Singh said he had made out a strong case for such an authority. “Almost all other metros have such a body, it is time Bangalore had one. We do have an advisory body, but what we need is more active coordination and regulation,’’ he stated.

Singh said he had also emphasised the necessity of more central grants for Bangalore. “It is the fastest-growing city in the country and the two sectors driving this growth — IT and BT — have also been growing rapidly. For infrastructure to keep pace with the growth, we need funds. We have asked the Centre to give extra funds to Bangalore on the same basis that Mumbai has been promised,’’ he said.