The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has earned the notoriety of wasting public money. This has been proven once again by the Technical Vigilance Cell under Commissioner (TVCC), which has reviewed 695 of the frozen works and has found only two are necessary, while others were unnecessary.
The TVCC found several unrealistic elements in the files pertaining to these works. Some of the works proposed asphalting of good roads, development of drains and footpaths that were not required and needless construction of concrete drains. That apart, the estimates were also escalated unrealistically. These, sources said, are only compounding the losses to the BBMP, which is already functioning with almost empty coffers.
It may be recalled that 2,756 projects worth Rs. 762 crore were proposed in 2012-13 with Mayor’s grants, Deputy Mayor’s grants, MLA development funds, standing committee grants, Bangalore Development funds and special grants. However, the projects could not be taken up since the model code of conduct was in place ahead of the Assembly elections. Following this, the TVCC reviewed the projects and concluded that 1,970 works worth Rs. 522 crore were unnecessary and these projects were subsequently frozen. A circular was also issued by the then Commissioner that none of these works should be taken up until further directions.
Even the Commissioner’s directions were not followed. The TVCC found that 45 projects worth Rs. 7.27 crore had already been completed, in violation of the Commissioner’s circular. The 45 works had been taken up in five wards — Kushalnagar (26 works worth Rs. 2.6 crore), Gayathrinagar (one worth Rs. 20 lakh), Mathikere (four works worth Rs. 38 lakh), Atturu (five works worth Rs. 2.37 lakh), Herohalli (nine works worth Rs. 1.72 lakh).The TVCC has also found that if reviewed, the estimate of 559 works could come down by half. As per the proposals, these works are worth Rs. 157.54 crore. That apart, 74 projects have to be dropped entirely, TVCC has recommended.
City in-charge and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had directed the officials to review the remaining 1,275 projects by December 6. He had admitted recently that there was pressure from MLAs and councillors to unfreeze these projects, though the TVCC had found that most were unnecessary.
Mr. Reddy told The Hindu that the TVCC had been given more time to review the remaining works and submit its report. Asked about the 45 projects already executed, he claimed he did not have information about it. He said that if the report stated that works were unnecessary, they would not be taken up. “Only works that are necessary will be taken up. We will wait for the TVCC report.”
