‘Avoid namesake approaches, invite people’s participation’

‘Avoid namesake approaches, invite people’s participation’
Decccan Herald

Exploring what the citizens of Bangalore expect from the NURM gave ‘Deccan Herald’ an insight into people’s apprehensions over the loopholes in administrative structure, fear about misuse of funds or poor planning of development works, uneven distribution of funds to the question of what price we pay for the sake of NURM...


Exploring what the citizens of Bangalore expect from the NURM gave ‘Deccan Herald’ an insight into people’s apprehensions over the loopholes in administrative structure, fear about misuse of funds or poor planning of development works, uneven distribution of funds to the question of what price we pay for the sake of NURM...

The concerned parties involved in the creation of the NURM action plan should seriously consider the suggestions of residents. The NURM programme will be sustainable only if there is complete participation by the citizens. I recently attended the NURM awareness meet organised by the BMP at Mayo Hall, and I found, much to my shock, that the authorities were not really interested in our inputs. One of them openly told us, “do not give us suggestions, just tell us your problems. A week later, we will call for a meeting again where we will will look at the future course of action”. The authorities should move away from such namesake approaches, and seriously look at joint consultation.

Shraddha

Resident of Richmond

Town

I believe NURM could solve some of Bangalore’s problems if the funds are used wisely. The money which would be allocated should be rightly spent and public records should exist for each paisa spent.

The solid waste management is crucial, while restoration and rejuvenation of Bangalore lakes, widening of footpaths and planting of trees on roads, modernisation of garbage collection system and restoration of historical monuments and heritage buildings should be top priority.

Sunil P

Technology

Consultant

I am pleased with Bangalore being selected as one of the cities for NURM. I suggest these funds be channelised towards the betterment of infrastructure, transportation, health and economic conditions of people living here. The present condition of roads is pathetic. Detailed report on roads must be submitted by elected representatives of each ward, in partnership with resident associations, and action plans should be drawn based on these reports. Private-public partnership models can be utilised for upgradation of roads, if there is a staff shortage or financial crunch.

Poor public transportation is another problem facing the City. Private mini bus service can ply between short distances during peak hour. This increases competition and also minimises BMTC expenditure towards purchase of new buses. Health camps for the middle class and those living under the poverty line, subsidised education and study scholarships, government sponsored self-employment schemes should be given importance.

Vinod Kumar

Seppings Road

The key to development is people’s participation. But what is plaguing most areas is the absence of active ward committees who can monitor the development works. Though NURM plan gives hope, the administrative structure being deficient, we cannot expect miracles. Transparency and planning need to be scrutinised before the funds are disbursed. Even the funds being spent has to be accounted for at every level and the citizens should be in the know of things. The KR Puram City Municipal Council limits is succumbing to unplanned development, which is eating into resources. While tax collection has reached an all time low which gives no scope for any good services or development in the area. If you ask me, every citizen is craving to have basic facilities like roads, transportation, sanitation, water, health centre and schools. Is it asking for too much? The success of NURM does not depend on either the BMP or the CMC, but in the way it is implemented.

TD Ramakrishna

Member, Residents’

Welfare Association,

Ramamurthynagar