Urban News

The Deccan Herald  03.12.2010

Brakes on road work through GKVK

Bangalore, December 2, DHNS :

The City Corporation has put a halt to the construction of a road through the Gandhi Krishi Vijnana Kendra (GKVK) campus.

Chairman of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Standing Committee for Major Works, H Ravindra, on Thursday said road work at GKVK will resume only after inquiries are made into the acquisition of 24 acres of land belonging to the agricultural research institute.

Nagapura corporator N Harish had questioned the necessity of a link road from Yeshwantpur-Yelahanka Main Road to Bellary Road through the campus. It would only benefit a few who have colluded with the officials, he had said.

The road is also seen as a violation of the Comprehensive Development Plan.

After an inspection of the campus on Thursday, Ravindra said: “Construction of a road for developing areas in the vincity is an absolute necessity, provided a provision is made to construct a link road towards the other side of GKVK.”

The Palike has also decided to have a short route for the road by acquiring 80 metres of the Larsen and Tubro (L&T) property on Bellary Road to help connect the route.

The BBMP will constitute a committee to look into the validity of acquisition of 24 acres of the GKVK property, which has been disputed by the institute’s officials, he said.

However, differences of opinion over the road cropped up on Thursday. While some opposed the plan, others welcomed it.

Associate Director for Research at GKVK, D Noothan, said the BBMP had taken up the project despite stiff opposition from public, and it was in violation of the Forest Act and the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act.

But local residents said the road would help them travel to both ends of the City from within the campus.

The Deccan Herald  02.12.2010

RS 2.5 crore for widening Magadi Road

Bangalore, December 1, DHNS :

Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Siddaiah on Wednesday inspected the Magadi Road widening project, based on the observations made by the Standing Committee on Major Works.

He said the BBMP has released Rs 2.5 crore to the contractor as a first instalment,  following a spot inspection.

An independent lab had also checked the quality of bitumen and other materials used for the project, he said.

Expressing concern over a possible delay of the project, Siddaiah directed the contractor to complete the work on time without compromising on quality.

The stretch between the Outer Ring Road junction and the NICE Road, which is 5.5-km long, is scheduled to be completed within the next six months. Heavy traffic movement is a daily feature on the stretch and it continues on Magadi Road as well, he said.

The BBMP Commissioner, who also visited the Herohalli lake, listened to the residents who demanded that the depth of the lake be increased by four feet from the present 15 feet. He sanctioned Rs 1.6 crore on the spot towards deepening the lake, which is being revived now.

He also asked the contractor to hasten the progress of work on the pathway around the lake.

In addition to these, the inspection team led by Siddaiah visited Mudalapalya to resolve the stalemate over land acquisition.

The Palike chief summoned the BDA officials to solve the problem and ensure that land was available to the Palike for its projects.