It is dead end for road through GKVK

Since the project took off two years ago, it has been drawing severe criticism for its potential to ruin the beautiful and lush-green campus of the GKVK. Vice-chancellors, former vice-chancellors, members of the faculty, students, environmentalists and some government officials have been opposing it.

Now, a few ministers, City MLAs, top government officials and a good number of BBMP corporators also want the project scrapped. An MLA said, “We will not be able to protect our educational institutions if infrastructure projects cutting through the universities take precedence.”

Basavanagudi corporator Satyanarayana said the Palike would review the whole project. “The project was planned and executed without the people’s consent. Already, the Palike has spent a huge amount on the project,” he said.

A top government official told Deccan Herald that the project should be stopped. “Some people from our fraternity colluded with builders and built the road cutting through the GKVK to link Bellary Road with M S Palya. We have no right to spoil the serenity of the premier agricultural institute. Come what may, we will scrap it,” said the official.

He said there was a consensus in the government over scrapping the project and to register cases against the erring officers and builders who “conspired to see the road through.”

Sources in the BBMP said Urban Development Minister S Suresh Kumar was also unhappy with the project and had even spoken to Palike Commissioner Siddaiah about it. “He (Suresh Kumar) has asked Siddaiah to simply scrap the project, which is antagonising the intelligentsia as well as the students of GKVK,” sources said.

Palike sources said a decision on whether or not to continue with the road work would be taken shortly. The controversial road is the brainchild of former BBMP commissioner Dr S Subramanya who went ahead with linking Bellary Road with M S Palya, despite opposition. Earlier, it was declared that the Palike would require around 20 acres, but now it is learnt, it needs around 100 acres.