BBMP builds castles in air
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Promises made by state government and BBMP of providing multi-level parking, underpasses, metal flyovers, concrete roads, easing traffic congestion, and similar infrastructural improvements, have remained mere promises. The paralysis in implementation can be attributed to the delay in holding the election for mayor, which delayed formulation of the BBMP budget.
The BBMP budget must be tabled in March or early April. Ever since the elected body took shape, the budget is being delayed having a negative impact on the infrastructure of the city, according to sources. The size of the BBMP budget for the year 2011-12 was a whopping Rs 9,316 crore. But little of it could be used. Had the budget been presented on time, the allocation could have been put to better use, said sources. The state too has not released promised funds to the BBMP, thus causing several infra projects to proceed at snail’s pace.
In the last two years, the BBMP has got only Rs 575 crore of the promised Rs 2,800 crore from state government grants. For the year, 2010-11, the state budget promised Rs 1,300 for infrastructure development of the city, but released only Rs 300 crore or 23 per cent of the promised sum.
For 2011-12 the state budget promised Rs 1,500 crore to BBMP for development activities, but the BBMP received only Rs 375 in two instalments—just a quarter of the sum promised. This put the lid on many major development works. For example, the proposed extension of Sirsi Circle flyover till Kengeri is in limbo for want of funds. And BBMP is heavily in debt, according to sources.
This year, the state government has promised a whopping Rs 2,026 crore for the holistic development of the city, a good sum considering the rapid growth of Bengaluru, but how much of it will materialise remains to be seen. It would be beneficial if the government releases Rs 1,000 crore for the capital investment plan under which major and visible projects like flyovers have been planned, said sources.
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