The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced a five-point programme on Thursday to address the infrastructural challenges faced by Bengaluru. The plan aims to improve drinking water supply, fill potholes, widen the property tax net, enhance property tax collection, and clear encroachments from Rajakaluve (water resources including canals, lakes, and other water bodies).
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar explained, “The Chief Minister and I visited various parts of Bengaluru to inspect infrastructure and flood prevention works. A meeting was held with officials to discuss solutions for the city’s civic issues. The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) has been instructed to repair all dysfunctional drinking water units in the city and conduct quality tests, with reports to be submitted to the BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board).”
The Deputy CM emphasized the court’s directive to clear Rajakaluve encroachments, stating that the government had identified 2,626 encroachments, with 556 cleared by 2022-23. Additionally, 1,136 new encroachments have been identified, and the BMTF (Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force) has been tasked with clearing them.
Shivakumar also noted that an encroachment survey needs to be conducted for 116 of the 182 lakes in Bengaluru. “BBMP will need to map the encroaching properties and take necessary steps to clear them. The responsibility of filling lakes with treated water has been given to the BWSSB, which will help recharge groundwater and improve the water situation in Bengaluru,” he added.
Addressing the issue of potholes, Shivakumar mentioned that there are over 5,000 potholes in Bengaluru. “The BBMP has been instructed to fill all potholes within the next 15 days. An app will soon be released, allowing citizens to report potholes by uploading a photo and the location,” he informed.