Bengaluru: As the Monsoon is over, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has begun the process of closing the potholes. Rs 15 lakh each has been released to 225 wards. The pothole closing work will start from November. The ward committee will supervise the works. Compared to the previous year, Rs 5 lakh less has been allocated this time.
BBMP had given Rs 20 lakh to each ward last year and did not explain why the allocation was reduced this time. Sources in BBMP said that the government has asked the corporation to spend the money judiciously as there is a shortage of funds in the exchequer. Rs 15 lakhs can cover potholes. Sources said that it costs Rs 1,200 to cover a 1 square meter pothole. An official said that this time the ward committees will strictly monitor the work.
On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister, Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar has directed the BBMP to appoint boards to keep an eye on the name of the contractor, cost of the project and other details. Strict action to be taken if any mistake is found during the work.
BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath said that zone and ward engineers have been informed to fill the potholes from November. Rs 15 lakhs has been given to each ward and work has already started on some of them. This tender agreement will be for a period of 12 months.
If the engineers use the money wisely, they can fill more than 1,250 potholes in the ward. Rs 1200 is enough to fill a square meter pothole. An official said the BBMP has fixed many ward roads before the elections as each MLA received Rs 80 to Rs 200 crore from the government.