The Hindu                31.05.2013

Lakshminarayana is BBMP’s new Commissioner

He has an understanding of the city’s issues, says outgoing Commissioner Siddaiah.

The city’s civic infrastructure management will now be in new hands. On Thursday, the State government issued a notification appointing M. Lakshminarayana as the next Commissioner of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The incumbent commissioner Siddaiah retires on Friday.

Mr. Lakshminarayana, who will be the 59th Commissioner, is likely to assume office on Friday. He was earlier Principal Secretary of Housing Department and in-charge of the Urban Development Department.

Outgoing Commissioner Siddaiah told The Hindu he was happy to retire and to hand over charge to Mr. Lakshminarayana. “He has an understanding of the city’s issues and is an able official to streamline administration.”

Quiet last day

With a quiet last day planned, he was satisfied with both terms as BBMP Commissioner and complimented his team. While his streamlining of pressing issues in the BBMP may have rubbed some the wrong way, both officials and elected representatives had supported him and treated him with “honour, respect and affection”.

Road map

Mr. Siddaiah said he had accorded priority to solid waste management, resource mobilisation, roads and infrastructure and rain water harvesting. “I have created a road map. If the next Commissioner just follows it and streamlines administration, Bangalore will be a much better city.” Denying he had sought an extension of service, he said he was looking forward to spending quality time with his family, especially his grandson.