Lokayukta, the anti-corruption watchdog, has opened a suo motu complaint about the closure of a BangaloreOne centre in the Vijinapura ward in eastern Bengaluru. 

Taking note of a media report, Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty ordered BBMP officials to submit a report on why the centre is dysfunctional and why is the place being used for waste segregation.  The centre, established on BBMP property in 2009, offered services until 2013 when it was locked down. Local residents have to visit BangaloreOne centres in Kasturinagar, Kacharakanahalli and Horamavu wards to avail themselves of various services. 

“The building is meant for providing service to the public. The investment of public funds cannot be allowed to go waste. Section 58 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act provided obligatory functions of the corporation. Section 59 provides for the discretionary functions of the corporation. These two provisions cast an obligation on the BBMP to extend its services to the public,” Justice Shetty said in the order. 

The BBMP commissioner and other officials from the Vijinapura ward have to file a status report by September 18. “In the meanwhile, it is open to the concerned to immediately take remedial measures to redress the grievance of the public,” the order added.