The Greater Bengaluru Development Authority has warned civic officials of action for negligence after Minister Krishna Byre Gowda conducted an early-morning inspection of civic services and infrastructure in eastern Bengaluru on Saturday.
The inspection covered Horamavu, Banjara Layout, Agara Lake, Jayanthinagar, Ramamurthynagar and Kasturinagar under the Bengaluru East City Corporation. According to a statement issued by the Greater Bengaluru Authority, Gowda reviewed door-to-door garbage collection, waste disposal, the functioning of pourakarmikas and marshals, road and footpath maintenance, storm-water drains, lake upkeep and ongoing infrastructure works.
The minister directed officials to ensure that basic civic services function effectively on the ground and that lapses do not inconvenience residents or create safety risks. At Gandhi Circle in Horamavu, he sought details on the collection and disposal of household waste and instructed officials to ensure that pourakarmikas collect waste from every household every day and dispose of it properly.
Gowda also directed marshals to maintain continuous vigilance against the dumping of garbage in public places. Construction debris found along roads, footpaths and slabs was to be removed immediately to ensure the movement of pedestrians and motorists. He warned that officials responsible for cleanliness in the ward would face action if negligence was established.
At Agara Lake, the minister inspected the cleanliness and maintenance of the surrounding area and directed officials to remove accumulated waste and ensure regular upkeep. He also inspected BESCOM electrical panels located outside the lake premises and ordered steps to relocate them to a suitable and safe location to reduce risks to the public.
Officials briefed Gowda about possible encroachments around the lake. He directed them to take action in accordance with the law wherever encroachments were found. He also ordered the removal of footpath encroachments and instructed officials to keep pavements clear for safe and unobstructed pedestrian movement.
The minister directed civic departments to restore road cuts made for utility works immediately after the work was completed. He also called for prompt pothole repairs to support safer and smoother traffic movement. At Ramamurthynagar Main Road, he reviewed railway station works and the cleanliness of nearby areas, directing the Bengaluru East City Corporation to coordinate with railway authorities to remove construction debris, soil and other material obstructing pedestrians and motorists.
With the monsoon continuing, Gowda instructed the concerned departments to regularly desilt and clean storm-water drains. He also called for coordination between departments and prompt responses to civic complaints.
During the inspection, several pourakarmikas raised the issue of regularising their services. Gowda said regularisation could not replace accountability and proper discharge of duties. “Around 30 per cent of pourakarmikas are not even reporting for their daily duties. Door-to-door garbage collection is not being carried out,” he said, according to the Greater Bengaluru Authority statement.
He added that residents were being forced to throw garbage on roads in some areas as a result of inadequate collection and said those who did not report for work or failed to perform their duties properly could not be made permanent as a substitute for accountability. Officials were directed to carry out corrective measures across the inspected locations.
