Experts, citizens slam Karnataka government for halting projects in Bengaluru
The Hindu
Experts, citizens slam Karnataka govt for halting projects in Bengaluru
Bengaluru
Karnataka government’s reluctance to grant permission to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to float new tenders and clear bills of contractors has drawn flak from citizens and urban experts who say that the city will suffer.
They argued that having halted every project in Bengaluru, except those run by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). the government should stop collecting taxes from residents for its inability to deliver. “Will BBMP stop collecting taxes for not carrying out any developmental works,” asked R K Mishra, a noted urban expert.
The government has ordered four special investigation teams (SIT), headed by IAS officials, to probe projects executed in the last three years and has sought a report in 30 days.
“This step by the government appears to be strategy to armtwist contractors. There are other agencies, like Lokayukta and CID, which are fully capable of carrying out a probe. While State can form an SIT to investigate and unearth corruption, it is also duty-bound to execute development works pivotal to the everyday life of citizens,” said Mr. Mishra.
Referring to Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Mr. Mishra said, “Although he is a seasoned politician, with regard to the city’s development, he appears to be not acting fast. The new government has not started work on a high-density corridor though a tender was called about nine months ago. All new projects have been stopped, bringing development work to a standstill.”
Another expert, who did not wished to be named, said halting of proejcts and pending payments will have a bearing on the civic elections. “The people of Bengaluru want to see development activities on the ground, and not mere talk about Brand Bengaluru. Over ₹2,500 crore is due to contractors. If the government directs BBMP to pay, it has to empty its coffers, further pushing BBMP into a corner. Mr. Shivakumar has to work towards resuming work instead of halting them, while he can take corrupt officials to task,” said the expert.
“We are judges and therefore, cannot act like Mughals of a bygone era ... the writ courts in the guise of doing justice cannot transcend the barriers of law,” the High Court of Karnataka observed while setting aside an order of a single judge, who in 2016 had extended the lease of a public premises allotted to a physically challenged person to 20 years contrary to 12-year period stipulated in the law.
The High Court of Karnataka on Monday declined to interfere, at present, in the investigation against a Bharatiya Janata Party worker, who is among the accused persons facing charges of circulating obscene clips, related to “morphed” images and videos clips related to Prajwal Revanna, former Hassan MP, in public domain through pen drives and other modes.
The 16th edition of Bhoomi Habba was held on June 8, at the Visthar campus. The festival drew a vibrant crowd who came together to celebrate eco-consciousness through a variety of engaging activities, creative workshops, panel discussions, interactive exhibits and performances, all centered around this year’s theme: “Save Water, Save Lives.”