Pothole-free road: Three engineers suspended for not meeting deadline

Despite the deadline set by Chief Minister, the engineers failed to fill up the pothole. So, they faced suspension The BBMP is launching a pothole reporting android app to facilitate public to take pictures and post on the app and it will be repaired within 48 hours The High Court has issued a notice to the BBMP Commissioner with regard to potholes filling

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has suspended three engineers for failing to fill-up the potholes within the deadline set by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reports Kannada Prabha. The suspended engineers were CV Raman Nagar executive engineer Amruth Salunki, Shivajinagar sub-division assistant engineer Saifuddeen and Banaswadi ward assistant engineer Mallinatha Malkapura, as per the orders issued by BBMP deputy Commissioner (Administration). 

It may be recalled here that following a series of deaths due to potholes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had set November 6 as deadline to fill up over 30,000 potholes. On Tuesday, BBMP commissioner N Manjunth Prasad inspected the Eastern Region of the City and found that the work was unsatisfactory. Hence, he instructed the suspension of three engineers in charge of the region.

The continuous downpour for over a month had reduced the roads to potholes leading to series of accidents on Mysuru road flyover, Nayanda Hill Road and other stretches. Chief Minister had first given a deadline of Oct 24 but Mayor had requested for more time as the rains continued. Hence, the deadline was extended to Nov 6. He had also instructed that an inspection should be conducted on Nov 7 and officials who had failed to fill-up potholes be suspended. 

Meanwhile, the High Court has issued a notice to the BBMP Commissioner with regard to potholes filling. Dove Drive Without Borders Foundation has filed a Public Interest Litigation appealing for proper filling of potholes as many have died due to pothole accidents. Following the petition, the divisional bench has issued notice to the BBMP Commissioner. 

Besides, the BBMP will launch an app through which the public can report unfulfilled potholes through pictures and the officials will swing into action within 48 hours. Disciplinary action will be taken against any officer who does not respond, he said.