Palike bypasses town planning panel, BWSSB

Moreover, the BWSSB is yet to be informed through official channels about the plan, though its two major water supply lines pass through the stretch proposed to be widened - at Bhashyam Circle and the road leading to Vyalikaval.

The Palike authorities did not bother to discuss the road widening plan with members of the standing committee.

The project is being executed based on a decision taken by during the administrator’s rule from 2006 to 2009.

No discussion

Also, a detailed discussion on widening Sankey Road never took place in the Council meeting.

“The previous standing committee on town planning was also not informed about the road widening project,” said Jayamahal ward corporator M K Gunashekar.

It was he who raised the matter in the Palike Council on June 29 and staged a walkout demanding that a detailed discussion be held on widening 217 roads, including Sankey Road.

BWSSB’s fears

According to BWSSB sources, there are two water pipelines of 700 mm diameter and 300 mm diameter respectively in the area.  They supply water to 6,000-odd families.

“If the work is done in haste without taking the Board into consideration, it will lead to a
situation similar to Millers Road, where BBMP damaged our pipelines and it was with great difficulty we managed to control the water flow,” said a BWSSB engineer.

MP condemns BBMP action

BJP MP Ananth Kumar on Saturday condemned the felling of 19 trees for the proposed Sankey Road widening project and use of police force against the residents protesting the Palike’s move.

Ananth Kumar said the Palike should discuss the issue with them before taking such a drastic decision.   

Speaking at a World Environment Day function organised by the Institute of Town Planners, India, the MP said he wasn’t against development work, but advised the BBMP to take people into confidence and consider their opinion before going ahead with an infrastructure project.