BMP seeks Rs. 100 crore for road, stormwater drain works

BMP seeks Rs. 100 crore for road, stormwater drain works
The Hindu

Officials highlight recommendations of High Court-appointed committee

# BMP directed to plan flyovers wherever found necessary
# BMP Commissioner asked to sort out technical problems regarding grade separator project
# Suvarna Bangalore project not approved by the State Government

Bangalore: The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) on Sunday asked the State Government for Rs. 100 crore as assistance for its road widening and stormwater drains remodelling works.

To bolster their appeal, BMP officials have highlighted the recommendations made by the High court-appointed Captain Raja Rao Committee. The expert committee had said that the BMP needed to allocate at least Rs. 50,000 for the maintenance and operation of every kilometre of ward-wise road. The committee had suggested that the BMP seek financial assistance from the State Government for this aspect.

The BMP made its appeal at a review meeting convened by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. A review of work undertaken by the BMP over the last three months was held.

The BMP sought the Government's help in facilitating road-widening and stormwater drain remodelling works in areas where the land belonged to the Railways and Defence establishments. Mr. Kumaraswamy reportedly said he would take up the matter with the respective authorities in Delhi during his next visit. The Chief Minister directed the BMP to plan flyovers wherever found necessary. On the Malleswaram grade separator, Mr. Kumaraswamy reportedly asked BMP Commissioner K. Jairaj to sort out the technical problems and implement the project.

Suvarna Bangalore off

BMP's plans to refresh the city by taking care of roads, footpaths and parks among other things with the Suvarna Bangalore project has apparently not been approved by the State Government. The reason reportedly stated was that it would help only corporators make money and gain popularity as BMP elections are in November.

It has been said that the programme to be taken up under the "Suvarna Bangalore" was regular work that the BMP was meant to do.