Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, inspected flood-prevention works carried out by the BBMP in various parts of Bengaluru on Wednesday.
The two leaders started off with the inspection of raja kaluve near Gali Anjaneya temple on Mysore Road. The DCM questioned the officials as to why no steps were taken to stop dumping of garbage in the raja kaulve and instructed the Chief Engineer to clear the garbage immediately.
“Our government is committed to bring back the glory of Bengaluru with Brand Bengaluru initiative. There should not be any flooding at any cost in any part of the city,” he told the officials.
The two paid a visit to the double decker flyover near BTM metro station. The DCM instructed officials to expedite the construction to ease the traffic situation in the area.
The duo also later visited Anugraha layout in Bilekahalli and inspected flood prevention measures. A pump has been installed recently in the area to pump out rain waters from the area. Bommanahalli MLA and residents of Anugraha layout drew the attention of the DCM towards flooding in some parts of the area. The DCM instructed BBMP Commissioner Thushar Girinath to look into the issue. When the locals brought up the issue of narrow sewerage constructed near Silk Board metro, the DCM instructed the officials to take necessary action immediately.
Speaking to reporters at a joint press conference organised at the residence of the Chief Minister, the DCM said, “Our State including Bengaluru experienced severe drought last year. We are expecting good rains this year. As a preparation for the monsoon, we have instructed officials to identify flood prone areas and desilt the storm water drains for smooth flow of rain water.”
“We have decided to issue notices to private developers who have developed layouts without adequate planning and infrastructure. We have also instructed developers of private layouts to complete incomplete infrastructure works in their layouts,” he said.
Asked if the Rs 1800 crore set aside for Raja kaluve was meant for providing compensation, he said, “The government will not give any compensation to those who have encroached upon the raja kaluve. The funds will be used for clearing the encroachment, desilting and construction of new kaluve.”
Asked about potholes in the city, the DCM said, “We have set up a new online mechanism where citizens can share photos of potholes with BBMP officials. Traffic police can also report potholes in the city. We are taking all necessary steps to fill up all potholes in the city quickly.”
