Latest news with #BBMP-owned
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Resolve issues in flood-prone areas: Maheshwar Rao
Bengaluru, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao on Monday directed officials to resolve issues in flood-prone areas within BBMP limits. Of the 210 flood-prone areas identified across the city, issues at 166 locations have already been resolved, Rao added. Speaking at a meeting held at the BBMP head office, he instructed officials from every zone to actively engage in operations during the monsoon season. He emphasised the need to ensure smooth water flow in stormwater drains during the rainy season. The stormwater drain department must regularly carry out desilting and ensure the cleanliness of the drains. In areas where stormwater drains lack Reinforced Cement Concrete retaining walls, he directed officials to take necessary precautions to prevent waterlogging. Zonal commissioners have been tasked with verifying and confirming the resolution of flood-prone areas. He further instructed them to implement immediate interim measures for the remaining 44 locations and work towards permanent solutions. Noting that the traffic police department has provided a list of locations where stagnant water on roads causes heavy traffic during rains, Rao suggested that appropriate measures be taken to prevent water accumulation at these spots. 'Continuous desilting and cleaning of shoulder drains should also be carried out,' he added. As part of flood mitigation efforts, sluice gates have already been installed in 13 of the 183 lakes within BBMP limits, said the chief commissioner. 'In lakes with sluice gates, water levels should be reduced in advance to accommodate rainwater. Plans must be prepared to gradually install sluice gates in the remaining lakes and to desilt those that have not yet been cleaned,' he said. During heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, teams must remain ready to clear fallen trees and branches immediately, he instructed. Officials have also been directed to identify and remove dry or hazardous trees and branches to prevent accidents. Currently, waste is being transferred from auto tippers to compactors at roadside transfer points. These transfer points must be relocated to more suitable areas, he added. Officials have been asked to identify BBMP-owned or alternative land to shift these operations away from roadsides. Observing that even addressing minor footpath issues can greatly enhance pedestrian mobility, Rao instructed zonal officials to take up the task. Regarding the comprehensive survey of Scheduled Castes, zonal commissioners from all eight BBMP zones have been tasked with overseeing the process. They have been directed to ensure that the survey is completed promptly and effectively. Special Commissioners Muneesh Moudgil, K. Harish Kumar, Suralkar Vikas Kishor, Avinash Menon Rajendran, and Preeti Gehlot also attended the meeting. Zonal Commissioners Satish, Ramya, Digvijay Bodke, Karigowda, Snehal, and Ramesh, along with all Joint Commissioners, the Engineer-in-Chief, all Chief Engineers, and other officials concerned, were present.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- The Hindu
BBMP commissioner directs strict action against illegal OFCs
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao directed officials to remove unauthorised Optical Fiber Cables (OFC). During an inspection of a 2.5 km stretch of road from Guttahalli flyover to Cantonment Railway Station, Mr. Rao observed OFC hanging loosely over pedestrian pathways and instructed immediate removal. He said that despite providing ducts to lay cables underground in TenderSure and white-topped roads, certain service providers have laid cables along roadsides, footpaths, electric poles, and even on trees, causing inconvenience to the public. He directed officials that strict action should be taken against any unauthorised OFC laid where ducts are already available. Use vacant BBMP-owned lands Mr. Rao also directed officials to use BBMP-owned vacant plots for public use. He said that BBMP is currently identifying designated zones for street vendors and directed that suitable BBMP-owned land be earmarked for this purpose. Cleanliness Mr. Rao also directed officials to ensure cleanliness around transformers and said fencing should be installed around transformers. He also directed officials to remove wall posters that were unauthorised. He also visited Indira Canteen on Miller's Road, where he had breakfast.
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Business Standard
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Court dismisses graft plea against CM Siddaramaiah, minister on ads
A Special Court in Bengaluru has dismissed a complaint alleging a conspiracy involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister K J George, and three senior officials to cause significant advertisement revenue losses to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) between 2015 and 2017. The court ruled that the accusations lacked substance and were based on conjecture rather than concrete evidence. The complaint, filed by N R Ramesh, a former corporator and BJP leader, claimed that the BBMP suffered losses of Rs 68.14 crore during Siddaramaiah's earlier tenure as Chief Minister (20132018). Ramesh alleged that the state government used BBMP-owned bus shelters to advertise its achievements without paying the mandatory advertisement fee. He further claimed that Congress leaders may have bribed BBMP and Information Department officials to avoid raising dues. However, in its April 28 order, the Special Court, presided over by Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, found the allegations insufficient to warrant even a preliminary inquiry. The judge remarked that the complaint was rooted in "assumptions and presumptions" rather than material evidence, and emphasised that criminal proceedings cannot be initiated based on speculative claims. The court acknowledged that while the use of bus shelters for government publicity without formal payments may indicate procedural lapses, such irregularities do not necessarily constitute corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The Karnataka Lokayukta had earlier closed the complaint, stating that the BBMP, being the potentially aggrieved party, had not filed any grievance against the state government. It also noted that the complaint failed to establish the direct involvement of Siddaramaiah or George and appeared to challenge an administrative decision rather than allege a specific act of corruption. Although Ramesh contended that the Lokayukta issued a one-sided report and failed to investigate thoroughly, the Special Court upheld the Lokayukta's findings. It also pointed out that since the BBMP receives financial aid from the state government, claiming misuse of public funds based solely on the absence of invoices was speculative. Concluding its verdict, the court stated that reopening the case would not serve the cause of justice. "The complaint is devoid of merit and deserves to be rejected," it ruled, affirming that no prima facie case had been made under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Deccan Herald
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Court dismisses corruption complaint against CM Siddaramaiah, minister over ad revenue losses
Ramesh alleged that the state government used BBMP-owned bus shelters to advertise its achievements without paying the mandatory advertisement fee.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Court dismisses corruption complaint against CM Siddaramaiah, minister over ad revenue losses
A Special Court in Bengaluru has dismissed a complaint alleging a conspiracy involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister K J George, and three senior officials to cause significant advertisement revenue losses to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) between 2015 and 2017. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. (PTI) The court ruled that the accusations lacked substance and were based on conjecture rather than concrete evidence. Also Read - 'Catcalled and hooted at just for wearing a CSK jersey': Bengaluru woman recalls harassment outside Chinnaswamy The complaint, filed by N R Ramesh, a former corporator and BJP leader, claimed that the BBMP suffered losses of ₹ 68.14 crore during Siddaramaiah's earlier tenure as Chief Minister (2013–2018). Ramesh alleged that the state government used BBMP-owned bus shelters to advertise its achievements without paying the mandatory advertisement fee. He further claimed that Congress leaders may have bribed BBMP and Information Department officials to avoid raising dues. However, in its April 28 order, the Special Court, presided over by Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, found the allegations insufficient to warrant even a preliminary inquiry. The judge remarked that the complaint was rooted in "assumptions and presumptions" rather than material evidence, and emphasised that criminal proceedings cannot be initiated based on speculative claims. The court acknowledged that while the use of bus shelters for government publicity without formal payments may indicate procedural lapses, such irregularities do not necessarily constitute corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Also Read - 'Don't sacrifice public transport for private vehicles': Tejasvi Surya writes to BBMP Chief on prime Bengaluru land The Karnataka Lokayukta had earlier closed the complaint, stating that the BBMP, being the potentially aggrieved party, had not filed any grievance against the state government. It also noted that the complaint failed to establish the direct involvement of Siddaramaiah or George and appeared to challenge an administrative decision rather than allege a specific act of corruption. Although Ramesh contended that the Lokayukta issued a 'one-sided report' and failed to investigate thoroughly, the Special Court upheld the Lokayukta's findings. It also pointed out that since the BBMP receives financial aid from the state government, claiming misuse of public funds based solely on the absence of invoices was speculative. Concluding its verdict, the court stated that reopening the case would not serve the cause of justice. "The complaint is devoid of merit and deserves to be rejected," it ruled, affirming that no prima facie case had been made under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
