Massive scheme for drains soon

Massive scheme for drains soon

Special Correspondent
Minister says a detailed project report on the Rs. 4,000-crore project being prepared
‘Storm water drains overflowed because of dumping of debris’

Minister admits to negligence of officials for Lingarajapuram incident

BANGALORE: The State Government proposes to take up a Rs. 4,000-crore project to upgrade 850 km of storm water drains in Bangalore. A detailed project report is being prepared and the State Government and the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike will fund the scheme, which will be completed in two years.

The ambitious project has been chalked out to prevent people from falling into drains during heavy rains. The Government’s announcement comes in the wake of a six-year-old boy who fell into a drain on Sunday and his body is yet to be traced.

Under the scheme, retaining walls and parapet will be built all along the drains apart from cleaning the drains which has been suspended for two years following investigation into an alleged scam in clearing them by the Lokayukta. In places where the drains pass through open areas, chain link fences will be installed. The earlier scheme to clear the drains was taken up in 2006 after a sanction of Rs. 643 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission of the Centre. Minister for Information Technology and Bio-Technology, Katta Subramanya Naidu, who is the district in-charge minister for Bangalore, after a review meeting with the officials of the BBMP, told presspersons here on Thursday that it was unfortunate that people, particularly children, fell into open drains and sewage manholes. “I accept the negligence on the part of the local authorities. It will be appreciated if the people cooperate with the authorities. Storm water drains and manholes overflowed during heavy rains largely due to debris being dumped into them ”

MEG to be roped in
He said to trace the body of Abhishek, the services of the Madras Engineer Group and Centre has been sought after all efforts by the Fire Services, Police and the BBMP ended up in vain. The Government which has paid a compensation to the family of the deceased child has conveyed that it would provide all support for the education of Abhishek’s sister. “We share the grief of the people. It is most unfortunate and should not have happened. All preventive steps will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.”

The Government has ordered an inquiry by the Additional Commissioner of Police, Bangalore city, into the death of the child. On receipt of the report, action will be taken against persons responsible for the tragedy. A stern warning has been issued to the staff of the BBMP against whom people had complained of inhuman behaviour during such tragedies. It was stated that the local officials did not respond to the pleas of the local people to help trace the child soon after it fell into the drain.

Cauvery water
With reference to the work undertaken by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Mr. Naidu said the BWSSB would be sinking 1,141 borewells in the newly added areas of the BBMP (the seven CMCs and a TMC) to supply drinking water to the residents in these areas. It has been conveyed to the residents of these areas that the supply of the Cauvery drinking water to them would take more time. The authorities will shortly commence work on Stage II of the Cauvery IV phase drinking water supply and it was only on completion of this scheme will Cauvery water be available in all parts of Bangalore. The present Cauvery water supply was around 800 million litres a day although the demand was much more.