JOIN USIt has been two years since the launch of Rajamarga works. Only two per cent work progress has been recorded so far.
This was disclosed by none other than the executive engineer of Mysore City Corporation (MCC) Krishna Bhovi to Deputy Commissioner C Shikha at the meeting on Wednesday.
When the subject was taken up for discussion, the engineer explained to the deputy commissioner that the work was taken up under Rs 100 crore special grant set aside by then Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa. A Hyderabad based agency is executing the work, but this was in contrast to the detailed project report (DPR). This had forced the civic body to go for revised plans.
Vexed at the explanation, Deputy Commissioner C Shikha asked the officials to concentrate on expediting the works. “Don’t try to protect him (contractor),” the deputy commissioner warned the officials.
Rajamarga work was the brain child of then MCC commissioner K S Raykar. He wanted to recreate the royal ambience on Jamboo Savari route, the final leg of Dasara. According to the project, the jamboo savari route starting from Albert Victor Road (Statue Circle opposite to the North gate of the palace) to Bannimantap had to be decorated with stone carved railings on the heritage lines on either side, besides installing ornamental lamps among other attractions.
While the work on railings has begun on both the sides (from Hardinge circle towards Albert Victor road and Bannimantap), a large patch remains to be covered, indeed a challenge for the local body ahead of Dasara that is three months away.
For now, poll code comes in the way
It seems Dasara preparations every year has a hurdle either man made or nature fuelled, or the usual official apathy. This year, for the time being, election code of conduct restrains the officials on poll duty including the deputy commissioner from attending Dasara High-power Committee meeting at Bangalore.
This was disclosed by Deputy Commissioner C Shikha on Wednesday at the preliminary meeting. Referring to a law, the deputy commissioner is understood to have told the officials attending the meeting about the same.
Dasara High-power Committee meeting presided by the chief minister is the final and the only body that sets the tone for preparations for the annual event.
Following the declaration of by-polls to Mandya and Bangalore rural Lok Sabha seats on August 21, the election code of conduct is in Mysore district. K R Nagar Assembly constituency in Mysore, comes under Mandya Lok Sabha seat.