BBMP draws flak for digging up newly-laid roads

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: It seems that digging never stops in our smart city. Despite being warned of strict action, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) engineers continue to dig newly-laid roads in the city only to re-asphalt them, citing their restoration.

Citizens and activists residing in Mavalli ward of Chickpet constituency in Bengaluru expressed disappointment when they witnessed civic workers digging up tar and concrete roads Nanjegowda Street, Rangappa Road and Masjid Road in Mavalli.

"The roads were laid in 2020 after many requests by the people here. So far, the road had no issue and officials had said that it would last for at least 10 years. However, they have dug up the entire road and when we questioned them, they said that it is for restoration of the road," said Manjunatha Swamy, a resident of Nanjegowda Street. The residents stated that a large number of streets and roads in the city are still lying in very bad condition.

"What is then the need to destroy a good road that had been recently laid? This is nothing but a waste of hard-earned public money on unnecessary projects," Saroja, an environmental activist, complained. The people in Chamarajpet pointed out that it is all due to the upcoming Assembly elections. "After warning the civic agencies and engineers to refrain from digging newlyasphalted roads, the BBMP itself is doing it. Who is to be held responsible now?" a retired schoolteacher questioned.

A local asked whether the road that had been laid earlier was unscientific. When informed about it, BBMP Special Commissioner Ravindra immediately instructed the engineer concerned to submit a report to find out whether the Defect Liability Period (DLP) of dug-up roads had expired. Residents have also expressed outrage that the roads have been dug up without proper inspection by BBMP officials.