‘Backward’ areas may take a leap forward

‘Backward’ areas may take a leap forward
Deccan Herald

A 15-crore BMP project was in the cold storage till now because of reluctant contractors but the BMP has finally managed to convince them to take it up

The much-cherished dream of residents in the congested and “backward” areas along Tannery Road to have amenities on par with other decent localities in the city, may soon be a reality.

Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BMP) is set to finalise tenders for commencing work on the overall development of six “most backward” wards — D J Halli, K G Halli, Kavalbyrasandra, Lingarajpuram, Kacharakana Halli and Hebbal.

A Rs 15 crore project, which envisages to upgrade all civic amenities in these areas in the city’s eastern part, had been kept in the cold storage, due to “poor response” from contractors to undertake the work. All efforts by BMP to woo them in the past one year had been in vain as contractors not only found it tough to implement it but were also apprehensive about any cost escalation, BMP sources told Deccan Herald.

Official sources said there was no takers for BMP’s tender documents with respect to the project, while the concept plan was ready well in advance. Worried BMP officials had even contemplated to take it up as departmental work, after getting a special permission from the Government.

“It is only after BMP’s assurance to contractors on revision of the estimated cost, if at all necessary, the latter made up their mind. Around 30 contractors have participated now in the bidding and the work orders will be issued soon after finalising the tender,” sources said.

Of the 27 news wards that were merged with BMP in 1996, six wards were considered as “most backward” and no developmental projects were undertaken since then. The areas here lack motorable roads, decent footpaths, public urinals and toilets. In fact, some of these wards do not have primary health centres and ward offices too.

Project

Under the project, nearly 120 km of concrete road and around 130 km of asphalt road will be laid, covering all six wards. Secondary drains (small storm water drains and shoulder drains) in these wards will be desilted and remodelled. Sidewalks will be upgraded and 10 public toilets (two in each ward) will be constructed. It is also planned to construct PHCs and upgrade amenities at graveyards.

As per the tender conditions, contractors have to complete their work in nine months from the date of commencement of work. This also includes the monsoon months of June, July and August. “Rains will not hinder the project as major portion of it is civil work. Road asphalting is planned for only selected main roads and it can be done easily either before or after rains,” BMP Chief Engineer Rame Gowda said.

DETAILS

120 km of concrete roads.

130 km of asphalt roads.

Remodelling of secondary drains.

10 public toilets.

Two primary health centres.

Rs 15 crore total estimated cost.