Karnataka: Basavaraj Bommai, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, accused the previous state governments of having “neglected” Bengaluru on Thursday, September 1, days after various residential areas in the city experienced flooding and waterlogging as a result of excessive rains. The officials were criticized by the chief minister for doing nothing about the rampant infiltration of stormwater drains by real estate developers.
“For the past eight to 10 years, Bengaluru was completely neglected. There was not any major problem before the previous governments, but they did not do it. The works executed were of substandard quality. Because of their poor work, we are suffering today,” Bommai said.
CM Bommai addressed ministers and authorities, following an inspection of the rain-damaged regions of the city, where many vehicles were submerged, water had seeped into many homes, and many residential floor plans resembled a lake or river.
“The negligence of previous governments, substandard work, and corruption has resulted in so much of problem. I can give with documentary evidence how badly the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike functioned, Bommai said.
According to Bommai, Rs 800 crore was spent on remodeling sewers, but that money was not used effectively, as seen by the fact that the encroachment was left in place. The CM claimed that during the past 15 years, all significant builders have encroached over the major drains.
It should be noted that the BJP has ruled Karnataka since 2019. Under Siddaramaiah, Congress led the state government from 2013 to 2018. The state had three BJP Chief Ministers between 2008 and 2013.
The BBMP is controlled by existing MLAs as no election was held for corporators to be elected. The BJP had a majority of council members in 2015’s BBMP elections, however, the Mayor came from the JD(S)-Congress because of their alliance.
Source: The News Minute
