Bengaluru: In a mounting clash between the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Contractors’ Association and the Karnataka Government, tensions have reached a boiling point as the contractors issue another ultimatum.
Frustrated by unpaid pending bills, the Association has firmly warned that they will bring ongoing projects to a standstill if the arrears are not settled by June 29. This escalation comes at a time when the state Government is striving to fulfill its freebie promises after instituting a temporary suspension of ongoing BBMP projects.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, upon assuming office, implemented a directive to halt projects initiated by the previous BJP Government, temporarily freezing bill clearances pending a comprehensive review. However, this decision has caused significant discontent among BBMP contractors, who have borne the brunt of delayed payments.
Following a crucial meeting held on June 14, the BBMP Contractors’ Association has taken decisive action by formally notifying the BBMP Commissioner and Joint Commissioners across all zones of their intent to suspend ongoing work starting June 29. The Association’s demand centres around the prompt settlement of pending bills which were sanctioned under the Amrit Nagarothana projects, amounting to about Rs. 650 Crore.
With mounting frustration, BBMP contractors express their discontent, highlighting that outstanding bills totalling Rs. 2,500 Crore have remained unaddressed, leaving them unpaid since May 2021.
The repercussions of a potential work stoppage by the contractors are far-reaching and could severely impact vital services such as garbage clearance and road repairs throughout Bengaluru. The city’s infrastructure and development initiatives hang in the balance, as these essential projects face an uncertain future.
Notably, the BBMP Contractors’ Association had previously set a deadline of June 5 for the Government to address their concerns and settle the pending bills. Unfortunately for the Association, the Government has remained unresponsive, further exacerbating the tensions.
As the June 29 deadline draws closer, the BBMP Contractors’ Association awaits a decisive response from the Government. Bengaluru residents anxiously watch the outcome of this standoff and prepare themselves for potential disruptions to critical infrastructure projects in the days ahead.