BRTS: officials directed to invoke LA Act

Expressing unhappiness over the sluggish progress of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and the Asilmetta flyover, Municipal Commissioner B. Ramanjaneyulu has asked officials to send proposals to un-co-operative land owners under the Land Acquisition Act.

At an emergency meeting, he also directed the Chief Engineer to put the engineers in charge of a certain part of the road in the BRTS corridors so that he could tackle the problems involved.

To help expedite BRTS works and iron out the hurdles, powers of the Town Planning wing have been delegated to the Engineering officials. Executive Engineers and Deputy Executive Engineers concerned will conduct survey, identify encroachments, their removal and estimate transfer development rights (TDRs).

The Commissioner reviewed the progress of various projects taken up under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) with the Engineering officials concerned and contractors. He wanted a report submitted on the progress of water supply projects.

Payment of bills

Mr. Ramanjaneyulu assured contractors that pending bills for completed works would be paid. For the works in progress, payment would be prioritised. For works completed by June 30 first priority would be given and for those going on till September 30 second priority. Under both the categories a grace period of 10 days would be allowed. However, for those stretching till December-end there would be no grace period.

The payment of bills would follow the certification by a committee comprising the Additional Commissioner (Projects), the Chief Engineer and the Superintendent Engineer concerned.

SHGs' role

Addressing self-help group (SHG) federations of Zone II and III separately, Mr. Ramanjaneyulu wanted the federations to meet every month and inform the corporation about the problems in their areas.

Soon contractors maintaining streetlights, water supply, sanitation etc. would be made accountable to the federations. He hoped such an arrangement would reduce wasteful expenditure and improve the quality of services.