Minister pulls up BMP for unplanned projects

Minister pulls up BMP for unplanned projects
Asks If Political Pressure Is The Reason
The Times of India

Bangalore: Taking a dig at the slew of flyovers/underpasses planned in south Bangalore, Bangalore in-charge minister R Ashok chided authorities that projects were planned without a thought given to their feasibility.
Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of developmental work at Ganesh Mandira ward, Banashankari, Ashok lambasted civic authorities for repeating flyovers a dozen a dime, in successive budgets.

“How did they take up work without having a vision for the future, and without even conducting a technical survey? Are they succumbing to political pressure from those who want to show that so many projects were done during their tenure?’’ he asked.

Illustrating how some projects were a waste of tax-payers’ money, he pointed out that the National College flyover at Basavanagudi was constructed amid much opposition, but now it is not serving the purpose at all. “We need a blueprint for Bangalore just like a CDP (comprehensive development plan). This blueprint should outline the vision of the city and map its growth for the next decade,’’ he suggested.

“North Bangalore needs so many projects and funds, but that has been neglected and Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for a single park elsewhere. What kind of thinking is this,’’ the minister questioned.
Minister for science and technology Ramachandra Gowda responded to Ashok’s blueprint suggestion by saying that he was overseeing a project by the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications where even a drain and puddle can be mapped. This comprehensive map will be submitted to the government soon, he said.

Bonanza for residents: Banashankari will soon have some respite from the summer heat. Within a deadline of 12 months, some open space near the BMP ward office at Ganesh Mandira, 2nd phase, will have a swimming pool. The foundation stone for the same was unveiled by R Ashok on Wednesday.

Ramachandra Gowda said as a former swimming champion himself, if the pool has dimensions of 50 mts X 25 mts, it can host international events.

The day also saw a plethora of developmental works being inaugurated. An indoor stadium at Banashankari III Phase, near Balaji Kalyana Mantap, is slated to come up in six months at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.

Under a scheme funded by the welfare department of BMP, five taxis will be given to unemployed youth and free computer training to those from backward classes. Corporator A H Basavaraju, also BJP floor leader in BMP, said because of heavy rain and flooding last year, a bridge has been constructed across a major storm water drain at Banagirinagar in Banashankari III phase.