BBMP stops work for want of funds

BBMP stops work for want of funds

Staff Reporter
Bangalore: Several important infrastructure projects citizens were counting on may not take off just yet. For, just a few days before the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) ambitious Rs. 8,488-crore budget, Commissioner Siddaiah issued an order directing officials to immediately stop infrastructure works in the city.

The works likely to be hit are relaying of pavements, construction of grade separators and improvement of junctions. According to sources, the works estimated at Rs. 1,900 crore are in various stages.

While for some the work order had been issued, some are at the approval stage while the rest have been approved but not yet taken up.

Financial discipline

Sources justified the August 25 order saying it was issued to bring in financial discipline.

“We will take up only essential works. Emergency works such as clearing and remodelling of storm-water drains can be taken up.” The civic authority has to clear Rs. 1,763 crore in pending bills.

Leader of Opposition in the BBMP Council M. Nagaraj said such an order should not have been issued without discussion in the Council first.

Padmanabha Reddy, Janata Dal (S) floor leader, said it was ironical that the BBMP, which presented such an ambitious budget, was stopping works for want of funds. Spill-over works worth several crores were reflected in the 2010-11 budget, he said.