Needed, a dedicated minister to address Bengaluru’s woes: Citizens

BENGALURU: Citizens and urban experts have raised their objection to CM B.S. Yediyurappa keeping the key portfolio of Bangalore Development without allocating it to a dedicated minister. Representatives feel that a dedicated minister can fix the crumbling infrastructure as the chief minister is saddled with enough responsibilities. Brand Guru Harish Bijoor argues that a dedicated minister with no other portfolio is needed. “Bengaluru hosts 19% of the population of Karnataka. This makes it the single largest urban agglomeration of Karnataka. Add to it the fact that this city is a global brand. Garnish it with the fact that the city's GDP contribution is around $71 billion. The argument is complete. The city needs focus and attention to manage its myriad issues and problems” Mr Harish Bijoor said.

While the BJP has finally allocated portfolios in the Karnataka cabinet, one key post- that of the Bangalore Development Minister did not receive an allotment. As of now, it has been retained by CM Yediyurappa himself.  Citizens and urban experts have raised objections to this, saying a dedicated minister is an absolute must, to fix the city’s crumbling infrastructure.

Brand Guru Mr Harish Bijoor argues that a dedicated Bengaluru Development Minister with no other portfolio in hand is needed. “Bengaluru hosts 19 per cent of the population of Karnataka. This makes it the single largest urban agglomeration of Karnataka. Add to it the fact that this city is a global brand. Garnish it with the fact that the city's metro GDP contribution is around 71 Billion USD. The argument is complete. The city needs focus and attention to manage its myriad issues and problems” Mr Harish Bijoor said. There is a need for a dedicated Bengaluru Development Minister. Ideally a Minister with no other portfolio in hand, he added.

The city is ridden with potholes. Where ever you go, you can find garbage black spots. When it rains city roads turn in rivers. Traffic is out of gear. At many places, white-topped roads are not completed. Day by day the garden city is deteriorating. With the Bengaluru Development Ministry not assigned to any, it as per the notification remains with the chief minister, said Mr Muralidhar, a Bangalorean. He argues that with the chief minister having enough on his plate, he will not be able to take care of the city and fix the issues anytime soon.

Mr Srinivas Alavilli, co-founder of Citizens for Bengaluru demanded that instead of a dedicated Minister, the city needed an empowered Mayor.

“Our state government interferes too much in our city government and that is a big reason we are in bad shape. The city cannot be developed by sitting in Vidhana Soudha or even Hudson Circle” Mr Srinivas said and explained that  “It can be done from 198 ward offices with the participation of local residents.  First, they made BBMP weak by separating water and sewerage and different agencies and now they want to coordinate with a Minister. I request the CM to fix governance of the city and it would make a remarkable difference.”