BBMP got 9,978 cr in 3 yrs, 30% works still pending

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has completed 70% of the projects it launched with funds received from the state government since 2016-17, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has said.

In the three years, the government sanctioned Rs 9,978 crore to the BBMP under the chief minister's Nagarothana scheme, including Rs 2,500 crore in the latest budget (2018-19). The BBMP utilised the funds to launch roadworks (TenderSURE and white-topping), solid waste management, improvement of stormwater drains, etc.

Chairing a review meeting on Friday, Parameshwara said 70% of the projects had been completed and that the rest were delayed owing to land acquisition and other problems.

Parameshwara, who is also the Bengaluru development minister, has instructed BBMP officials to finish the white-topping of roads and the tendering for new projects by May. He said 19.71 lakh Bengalureans had paid property tax this year while 59,861 others had been issued notices for not paying it. The BBMP has collected Rs 36 crore from 113 of these tax defaulters, according to the minister.

Steel flyover

Parameshwara promised that the steel flyover would be built only after consulting the public. The estimated cost of the previous plan and the DPR would be put up in the public domain for discussions. In an effort to mollify environmentalists, the minister said some of the 812 trees identified to be axed for the project would be translocated. Besides, 60,000 saplings will be planted elsewhere to compensate for the loss of the green cover.