Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given officials a deadline to close all potholes in Bengaluru by October 31. He warned that engineers will be held responsible for failure to do so. He said that Bengaluru’s 14 million people should not be inconvenienced.
Siddaramaiah, addressing a press conference on Saturday after a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to improve Bengaluru’s roads and traffic system, said, “I have given strict instructions today. They have said they will fix it within a month. When the rains increase, the potholes also increase. I have said that the road should be repaired before the rainy season begins. It doesn’t matter what the ITBT businessmen say. Bengaluru has 14 million people; they should not be inconvenienced.” Chief Minister’s Strict Instructions
At the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction with the officials and said, “I will give them one month to fill the potholes.” I will hold a meeting in 15 days and review the progress. Coordination between the Metro, GBA, Water Board, BESCOM, and BDA is essential. The Chief Commissioner of GBA must hold a meeting once a week. People are suffering from the potholes on the city’s dilapidated roads. Can’t you see the daily hardships they face? Why aren’t you taking immediate action? What are the engineers and chief engineers doing?
He suggested, “We will give them another month. Strict action should be taken to fill the potholes and make the roads passable. Strict action will be taken against officials who fail to take proper action to maintain the roads. Take action to complete high-quality work with the funds provided, in a scientific manner, without compromising with contractors.”
‘Senior officials will be suspended’
The CM reprimanded the officials, saying, “What’s your problem with closing the potholes? The government is being discredited because of you. Aren’t you ashamed? Even the potholes that have been dug are not being filled.” Don’t you understand the suffering of the people? You should be suspended and sent home. Why did you study engineering? Should I ask you to close the potholes? If the potholes aren’t closed, all the chief engineers will be suspended. I won’t look anyone in the face. Senior officers will be suspended.”
