Poor response to BMP move

‘ADOPT THE FOOTPATH SCHEME
Poor response to BMP move
Deccan Herald

The Prestige Group has promised to renovate the sidewalk, but the formal contract is yet to be finalised with the Mahanagara Palike.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) may ha-ve become a default entry in Bangalore’s infrastructure terminology, but the ‘Adopt the Footpath’ sch-eme, that the BMP introduced on the lines of a PPP model in October last year, still remains nearly orphaned.

The BMP had offered seven footpaths in the busy business districts for upgradation, but six months later, only one stretch — from Anil Kumble Circle to Brigade Road Junction on M G Road — has been adopted.

The Prestige Group has promised to renovate the sidewalk, but the formal contract is yet to be finalised with the Mahanagara Palike.

“We have identified a footpath stretch on M G Road for upgradation. We will be laying high-quality tiles on the pavement, constructing and covering shoulder drains and taking responsibility for its maintenance”, revealed Zafar of Prestige Group.

“We will also provide for optic cable ducts in the footpath to ensure that future repair works do not undo the upgradation work we have taken up. The final details of the agreement are still being worked out. We may begin work in a month’s time if the deal comes through,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, the two other private agencies - Purvankara Group and Vaswani Builders - that had come forward to take up improvement works, have backed out.

Incidentally, even the Prestige Group’s offer has come three months after what should have been the completion deadline.

The Mahanagara Palike had set the deadline for upgradation work on adopted roads as December 15.

“Private companies are reluctant to come forward to take up infrastructure projects because the BMP and the government do not have a permanent policy in place,” said Zafar, explaining the lukewarm response of private companies.

“If we adopt a footpath, we want the civic utilities to obtain permission from us before cutting the footpath. It is a reasonable demand, as we have made the investment in the project,” he said.

Meanwhile, the BMP accused private companies of ‘I want’ syndrome. A M Ranganath, Chief Engineer (Projects) said, “The complaining private companies only want to receive benefits, nobody comes forward to improve infrastructure as part of their social welfare activities.”

According to him, the rest of the earmarked footpaths are being done by Karnataka Land Army Corporation at the expense of the BMP. “We gave them an offer, they did not take it. Why should we ask private agencies for permission, if it is public property? Why do they consider public works as commercial activity? The problem is that private companies do not have a will to invest,” he added.