Parks and lakes are my priority: Bharat Lal Meena

Though a native of Savai Madhopur district in Rajasthan, a Hindi heartland, Meena was quick to learn Kannada. However, now the challenge is to learn the dynamics of the Palike, especially when the elections are on the offing. Obviously, the ruling party has high expectations from him.

G Manjusainath spoke to Bharat Lal Meena on his preparedness to take his new assignment.

What are your plans for the Bangalore city, as the new BBMP Commissioner?

Improving Bangalore is a collective responsibility. The entire BBMP staff will have to work in an efficient manner to realise this goal. I have been entrusted with a lot of responsibility, so my efforts will be directed towards its fulfilment. This leaves little room for grievances.

The Abhishek missing case has drawn criticism for the BBMP. What measures will you take to avoid such incidents in the future?

It is an unfortunate incident which should not have happened. Punitive action has to be taken to prevent such incidents. Citizens should also remain alert to avoid any mishap in their surroundings.

When you were in-charge commissioner for 21 days, you introduced local governance involving the residen-ts’ welfare association. How will you be implementing it?

The idea is basically to involve the citizens in the developmental works. Local officials in association with the resident welfare associations will be entrusted with financial powers.
Money can be chipped in for this purpose from various resources.

Generating resources is a major task to carry out developmental works in the City. How will you generate revenues to execute your plans?

Whatever dues are there, will be collected systematically and at the earliest possible. Tax collection mechanism would be made effective and stronger  to avoid revenue losses.

The garbage disposal system has failed grossly, leading to heaps of garbage in every corner of Bangalore. What measures would you take for the effective garbage disposal mechanism?

It is major issue of Bangalore, which needs to be addressed in a planned way. We will have to develop a frequent monitoring system.

There is a regular complaint that the civic agencies in Bangalore never coordinate properly.

In this regard we intend to hold meetings with other civic agencies for better services in Bangalore. Parks and lakes are the lungs of Bangalore which too will be my priority.