Early completion of all projects promised

Early completion of all projects promised

The Hindu

Don't yield to political pressure, Chief Minister tells officials

# Second phase of Complete Blacktop Asphalting programme launched
# `Underpasses have proved to be better than flyovers'

BANGALORE: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday said that all infrastructure projects taken up by the Janata Dal (S)-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition Government would be completed by the end of this year.

Speaking after launching the second phase of Complete Blacktop Asphalting programme at a cost of Rs. 52.43 crore at Padmanabhanagar, the Chief Minister said the second phase, awarded in 32 packages, would cover 43 roads along 240 km in South Zone.

He advised officials not to yield to "political pressure" while chalking out projects and taking major decisions with regard to projects.

"People's welfare, their views and convenience are more important than political pressure. The city's development should be focussed towards people's convenience and I have given a free hand to officials to take decisions on development works. I have been clearing all files relating to infrastructure projects as soon as I get them," he said.

Expressing displeasure over the fact that projects taken up in the past had not been planned for the long term, the Chief Minister said: "If the officials had a vision for the next fifty years, our roads would not be so congested now."

Pointing out that underpasses had proved to be better than flyovers all over the world, the Chief Minister said that an underpass was more feasible and cost-effective at congested traffic junctions

"We plan to construct underpasses at various traffic junctions including J.P. Nagar Circle and Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle (near Deve Gowda petrol bunk in Padmanabhanagar). Work on them will start by March and will be completed in six months," he added.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries Katta Subramanya Naidu said the Government would allot 500 acres of land to the BMP for setting up dumping yards on the outskirts of the city.

This land would be identified in association with the Revenue and Industries departments and handed over to the BMP soon, he said.

Reiterating that the State Government was keen on forming the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Mr. Naidu said that around 10,000 acres of land would be required to set up hospitals, schools, colleges and other civic facilities in the BBMP.

Health and Family Welfare Minister R. Ashok said the notification on BBMP would be issued in the next 15 days. He said he had directed the BMP officials to intensify the dog catching drive and ensure that the stray dog menace was brought under control.

BMP Commissioner K. Jairaj said work on the second package would be completed by June.

Work on several roads under the World Bank funded Karnataka Municipal Reforms Project (KMRP) was on. "Tenders for various works under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) will be called by February 15," he added.

Top BMP officials and several former corporators were present.