In a decisive move to tackle city-wide road issues, Bengaluru’s Central City Corporation Commissioner, Rajendra Cholan, announced a complete ban on all new road excavation permits and an immediate halt to ongoing digging projects. This stringent order impacts all civic agencies, including the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL).
Commissioner Cholan highlighted a critical problem: many departments, despite finishing their underground works, consistently failed to properly restore the roads, leading to widespread damage and significant traffic disruptions for residents. He firmly stated that no further permissions would be issued, and current projects would remain on hold until every previously dug-up road is brought back to its original condition.
To enforce accountability, the corporation plans to meticulously compile a ward-by-ward inventory of all excavated roads, complete with photographic evidence. Only once these repairs are thoroughly inspected and verified will new or pending project approvals be considered. Additionally, nodal officers will be assigned to rigorously oversee these restoration efforts.
New Control Room Set Up for Resident Assistance
To better serve its citizens, the Central Corporation has launched a dedicated control room. This facility will provide assistance to residents across several Assembly constituencies, including Shantinagar, C.V. Raman Nagar, Gandhinagar, Chamarajapet, Chickpet, and Shivajinagar. Residents can easily contact the control room using the landline numbers 080-22975803 or 9480685702.
Upcoming Cleanliness Drive on NH7 Corridor
Separately, North Corporation Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar unveiled plans for a major cleanliness drive. This special initiative will take place along the NH7 corridor, stretching from Mekhri Circle to Yelahanka Air Base, on Sunday, September 21, beginning at 5:30 a.m. Mr. Kumar also issued a stern warning to officials and employees regarding negligence in property tax collection, stating that ‘those who fail to demonstrate improved performance within a week will face show-cause notices and disciplinary action.’
During his activities, Commissioner Kumar also conducted inspections of the Stray Dog Neuter Surgery Centre and the Aggressive Stray Dog Observation Centre, highlighting a focus on animal welfare within the North Corporation’s mandate.