The Greater Bengaluru Development Authority has directed civic officials to improve Bengaluru civic services after Minister Krishna Byre Gowda conducted an early-morning surprise inspection of areas in the Bengaluru East City Corporation on Saturday, warning that officials could face action for negligence.
The inspection covered Horamavu, Banjara Layout, Agara Lake, Jayanthinagar, Ramamurthynagar and Kasturinagar. 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, ongoing infrastructure works and civic complaints affecting residents.
At Gandhi Circle in Horamavu, the minister sought details from officials on household waste collection and disposal. He directed teams to ensure that pourakarmikas collect waste from every household every day and that it is disposed of properly. He also instructed marshals to maintain continuous vigilance against dumping in public places.
Gowda directed officials to remove construction debris from roads, footpaths and slabs to keep routes clear for pedestrians and motorists. He warned that officials responsible for ward-level cleanliness would face action if negligence was established. The minister also instructed authorities to remove footpath encroachments, repair potholes promptly and restore road cuts made for utility works after the completion of such projects.
At Agara Lake, Gowda reviewed the cleanliness and maintenance of the surrounding area and ordered the removal of accumulated waste and regular upkeep. After inspecting BESCOM electrical panels outside the lake premises, he directed officials to take steps to relocate them to a suitable and safe location. He also asked officials to act according to law if encroachments were found around the lake.
The minister was briefed on possible encroachments and directed officials to keep pavements unobstructed for pedestrians. At Ramamurthynagar Main Road, he reviewed railway station works and the condition of nearby areas, instructing the Bengaluru East City Corporation to coordinate with railway authorities to remove construction debris, soil and other material obstructing movement.
With the monsoon under way, Gowda ordered departments to regularly desilt and clean storm-water drains and coordinate their responses to civic complaints. During the inspection, several pourakarmikas requested regularisation of their services. Gowda said regularisation could not replace accountability, stating that around 30% of pourakarmikas were not reporting for daily duties and that door-to-door collection was therefore not taking place in some areas. The Greater Bengaluru Authority said he questioned why workers who did not attend or perform their duties properly should be made permanent.
