The Hindu 14.12.2013
Mayor completes 100 days
‘Initiatives taken will bear fruit in two months’
: “The past 100 days as Mayor have been satisfying… the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials have been cooperative,” said Mayor B.S. Sathyanarayana.
Mr. Sathyanarayana and his deputy Indira were chosen unanimously for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor on September 4.
He told The Hindu that several initiatives have been taken, which would “bear fruit in another two months.” Elaborating, he said segregation units at the various landfills have already been set up and would start functioning soon.
“The other initiatives that are in the pipeline include renovation of Town Hall and parts of City Market, and the construction of a steel bridge between Minerva Circle and Hudson Circle.”
Infrastructure projects that were progressing at a snail’s pace are being pushed on the fast track. Citing the example of C.N.R. Rao underpass, he said that though several deadlines were issued, the work had not progressed.
“We conducted weekly inspections and pushed the contractor to complete the work soon. The work will be completed this month end in all likelihood,” he said.
With impetus given to mobilising revenue, Mr. Sathyanarayana said the property tax that has been collected by the civic body has seen an increase. He added that more properties have been brought under the tax net.
“We have already reviewed tax collections in four zones. The collections can be increased if officials put in a bit more effort. Though I have directed revenue officials to review the tax paid by at least 25 properties a day, they are not following it up, which is disappointing,” he said.
Social media
Asked about the pluses of being the First Citizen of the city, he said that it had given him the opportunity to interact with people from all sections of society, especially with netizens on social media.
“It is through social media that I have been able to reach across to many people. I have received many good suggestions about improving the BBMP’s administration as well as received brickbats,” he added.
The Mayor may have completed 100 days in office, but it remains to be seen if his assurances to the public will actually materialise.
