In 2024, Bengaluru saw a blend of important infrastructure advancements, fiscal achievements, and regrettable accidents. Notable events included the completion of the Cauvery Stage-V water supply scheme, a successful One-Time Settlement (OTS) initiative, the white-topping of crucial roads, and fatalities caused by illegal construction.
The Cauvery Stage-V water supply scheme was finished in October, ensuring a consistent water supply and sewage system for 110 newly incorporated villages in the BBMP area. However, this achievement was followed by an announcement of an unavoidable hike in water tariffs due to financial challenges faced by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
The One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, launched in April, incentivized long-term tax defaulters to pay their dues with reduced penalties, resulting in a record Rs 4,284 crore in property tax collections by November 30. Additionally, BBMP introduced the ‘e-khata’ system, a digital platform allowing property owners to access documents online, thus eliminating the need for brokers.
The BBMP also undertook the white-topping of roads, spending Rs 1,800 crore on resurfacing 157 km of key roads. Despite the improvements, environmentalists raised concerns about the potential negative impact on groundwater recharge.
In an unfortunate turn of events, on October 22, an illegally constructed building in KR Puram collapsed, killing nine workers. Following this, a series of suspensions of BBMP officials took place, and the Lokayukta launched an investigation.
To address public grievances, the BBMP Chief Commissioner introduced the ‘Walk Towards The Zone’ program, engaging with various city zones every Tuesday and Friday.
Read also