The Greater Bengaluru Development Authority has directed civic officials in eastern Bengaluru to improve waste collection, road and footpath maintenance, lake upkeep and storm-water drain cleaning, warning that negligence will invite action. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda issued the directions during an early-morning surprise inspection on Saturday, September 5, across Horamavu, Banjara Layout, Agara Lake, Jayanthinagar, Ramamurthynagar and Kasturinagar.
According to a statement from the Greater Bengaluru Authority, Gowda reviewed door-to-door garbage collection and disposal, the work of pourakarmikas and marshals, road and footpath maintenance, rajakaluves, lake maintenance, ongoing infrastructure projects and civic complaints affecting residents.
At Gandhi Circle in Horamavu, the minister sought details from officials on household waste collection and disposal. He directed officials to ensure that pourakarmikas collect waste from every household each day and that it is disposed of properly. Marshals were instructed to maintain continuous vigilance against garbage dumping in public places.
Gowda also ordered the immediate removal of construction debris from roads, footpaths and slabs to prevent obstruction to pedestrians and motorists. He warned that officials responsible for ward-level cleanliness would face action if negligence was found.
At Agara Lake, the minister inspected the cleanliness and maintenance of the area surrounding the lake and directed officials to clear accumulated waste and ensure regular upkeep. He also inspected BESCOM electrical panels outside the lake premises and instructed officials to relocate them to a suitable and safe location to reduce risks to the public.
After officials briefed him about possible encroachments around the lake, Gowda 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 agencies to restore road cuts made for utility works immediately after the completion of such work and to minimise inconvenience to residents and motorists. Officials were also instructed to repair potholes promptly to support safer and smoother traffic movement.
At Ramamurthynagar Main Road, Gowda reviewed railway station works and the cleanliness of surrounding areas. He directed officials to clear construction debris, soil and other material that could obstruct pedestrians and motorists, and asked the Bengaluru East City Corporation to coordinate with railway authorities on corrective measures.
With the monsoon continuing, Gowda directed departments to regularly desilt and clean storm-water drains. He called for coordination between the concerned agencies and prompt responses to civic complaints.
During the inspection, several pourakarmikas sought regularisation of 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 statement. He added that action was needed where workers did not report for duty or failed to perform their responsibilities. The Greater Bengaluru Authority said officials would be expected to implement the corrective measures across the inspected areas.
