Govt to frame new law to empower BBMP: Parameshwara

The Karnataka government will frame a new law to empower Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and enhance its powers for effective governance of the city.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara who held a meeting of legislators representing the Bengaluru constituencies, said the suggestion for a new law has been welcomed by the government.

Asked about the delay in BBMP restructuring, he said the government was still studying the B S Patil committee report and a decision would be taken soon.

"The new law will help BBMP to overcome the limitations in the Municipality Act, under which it operates at present. The rules framed under the new law will apply to the restructured corporation. The government will also take a call on splitting the BBMP," he said.

Plastic, flex menace

He said instructions have been given to officials to shut down factories that make plastic covers and materials that have contributed to the garbage menace.

"We have banned plastic. But in reality, it is still sold in shops. There is a demand for a total ban and I have instructed officials to enforce the rule strictly," he said.

He said flexes and banners that have cropped up across the city will be removed and those who violate the rule will be punished.

When pointed out that flexes have come up across the city after MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao was made chief of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Parameshwara said: "The suggestion has come from a legislator now and the issue will be taken up immediately".

He said from next week, he will tour all the 28 constituencies and interact with legislators and people to understand area-specific issues.