Government assures inquiry into 'Drainage scam'

Bangalore, July 26 (UNI) The Karnataka government will hold an inquiry into the alleged misuse of funds in the works taken up to desilt storm-water drains in the city, Transport Minister Chaluvaraya Swamy informed the Karnataka Legislative Council today.

Replying to Janata Dal (Secular) member M Srinivas, the Minister informed that the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had started desilting work of the drains in the city with an estimated Rs 49.63 crore and spent over Rs 22 crore so far.

He said the desilting work also included remodelling of primary and secondary drains under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNRUM) and so far over 14 lakh tone of silt had been removed from drains and transported it to outside the city.

The Minister also informed that the work of the desilting of city drains was still incomplete and hindered due to various reasons including delay in relocating Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) lines and Electricity supply cables. Dumping of solid wastes into the drains in some areas also contributed for the delay in completing the works.

Not satisfied with the minister's reply M P Nadagouda (JD-U), Mukyamantri Chandru (BJP) and others charged large scale fund misappropriation was reported in executing the works. Despite spending over Rs 22 crore the drains were clogged during rains in many areas in the city, they alleged.

UNI