The pay-and-park scheme may not be implemented in the city at least for another three months. This candid admission came from Mayor B.S. Sathyanarayana himself.
Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, the Mayor pointed out that there was a lot of opposition to the proposal approved by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) council recently. “Many councillors have sought discussion on the proposed pay-and-park system under Rule 51 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976. The issue will be discussed in the council in another three months,” he said. The discussion would focus on classification of parking zones, infrastructure required to implement the proposed system and parking fees for the different zones.
“The council will also discuss the pros and cons of offering daily and monthly parking passes,” he said.
He added that the BBMP would seek public opinion and consult experts as well as civil society organisations.
Public toilets
Mr. Sathyanarayana said Rs. 50 crore would be sanctioned from mayoral grants towards construction of public toilets with borewells.
On the poorly maintained toilets, he said: “I have suggested that pourakarmikas be employed to man the toilets in two shifts.”
He again defended his K.R. Market cleaning programme. “After three cleaning drives, there is a tangible change.”
He added that one lakh sqft of space was vacant on the first floor of the market, as poor design had meant there was no proper approach there. This was being addressed.
In the pipeline
The Mayor said effective solid waste management was his priority.
“The other project that I hope to complete before the end of my tenure is construction of welcome arches in eight different entry points to the city. The design, similar to the Kempe Gowda Tower in N.R. Square, is ready. The issue will hopefully be approved by the BBMP council soon,” he added.
