Now, suggest what CM should do on Saturday

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION...
Now, suggest what CM should do on Saturday


In what could be seen as an earnestly responsive gesture, and in quick time too, the government has heeded to the Bangalorean’s cry for action. That chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has taken note of The Times of India’s 16-point Citizen Agenda and convened an interactive meeting with the public and
officials on Saturday is, indeed, heartening. Christened Bangalore’s Development Public Consultation, the meeting will be attended by NGOs, resident welfare associations, trade bodies and experts on urban infrastructure.
The first step has surely been taken. Now it is time to press for action, for decisions. You, the citizen, are very much part of this consultation process. Before the thinktank meets on Saturday, it would be worthwhile to propose some immediate measures to implement, some urgent repairs to make in the system, even some band-aid solutions to offer.
To jog your memory, we reproduce the 16-point agenda for your reference. From this list, pick a couple of topics and suggest urgent, nearat-hand remedies which the government can prioritise. Most likely at Saturday’s meeting.
It’s your chance to set the ball rolling. Your suggestions could be one the lines of: 1) Announce the constitution of a nodal agency which will meet every fortnight to plan and review development works; 2) Ensure a mechanism for better coordination between civic agencies so that just as soon as a road is laid, it isn’t dug up for some other work.
Your suggestions will be presented to the CM. Send these by Friday, June 27, to toiblr.reporter@timesgroup.com with ‘Citizen Agenda — Set the ball rolling’ in the subject line.
THE CITIZEN AGENDA
1. We should have a minister for Bangalore 2. We should have a nodal agency like the BATF 3. Clear debris from drains on a regular basis 4. Improve mass transport systems 5. ‘Healthcare for all’ should be the objective 6. Empower Lok Ayukta with prosecution powers 7. Crack down on land encroachment 8. Industrially develop Tier II and Tier III cities 9. Modernize the police force 10. Restore the green cover of the city 11. Ensure road contractors follow standards 12. Clear industry proposals in a single window 13. Promote rainwater harvesting aggressively 14. Develop satellite townships with infrastructure 15. Involve civic groups in urban planning 16. Develop Bangalore as a tourist destination