Exclusive: Inspired by Modi, Jayanagar MLA to begin Swachh Bengaluru project

Bengaluru, Nov 23: BN Vijayakumar, the BJP legislator representing Jayanagar Assembly constituency has called up on citizens to take up the role 'Road Ambassadors' to keep their respective roads and the vicinity spic and span. Speaking about his plans, Vijayakumar told, "I am looking at those like minded citizens and shortly will convene an open house to address a team of Ambassadors to work out a plan of action to give a facelift to the constituency."

The MLA's plan for taking part in Swachh Bharat campaign:

"The Swachh Bharat is just not about cleaning litter on the roads but together we all need to give a larger meaning to the movement," said Vijayakumar while speaking about the nationwide campaign launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Storm water crisis, solid waste management, tree falling, leaking water pipes, bottlenecks in traffic and striking harmony between various communities should be a continues agenda to improve the quality of life in the area.

The MLA has so far received nearly 400 requests from individuals and groups to take part in Swachh Bharat activities across Jayanagar. He has sent a piece of advise to the volunteers to fix a particular date in a month and do it promptly.

The citizens in his area, are willing to segregate garbage but collection, transportation and disposal has become a hazardous task for BBMP.

Vijayakumar's exclusive interview to Oneindia:

In an exclusive interview to Oneindia, Vijayakumar lashed out at Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP's) failure at every stage. "The maintenance works, development projects have gone in vain," said the MLA while pointing at BBMP's lethargic, most unscientific and haphazard style of administration.

Supporting his statement, the MLA also discussed about several issues. The MLA pointed out at the L&T which is entrusted with the job of replacing old and dilapidated water pipe lines. The job involves removing PVC pipes and replacing it with DI Pipes (Ductile iron pipe is made of ductile iron commonly used for portable water transmission and distribution).

The ongoing project aims to arrest wasting water and increase the pressure. But the execution of project is very shabby, slow, claimed the MLA. The citizens, particularly in JP Nagar are complaining about it. In turn, Vijayakumar said, "I have alerted both the chairman of L&T and the Chairman of BWSSB by sending letters. I have expressed my deep displeasure over the state of affairs."

BBMP is all but a huge mess, says MLA:

"Jayanagar is 50-year-old constituency. It has 7 BBMP wards, 5 Under BJP, 2 under Congress. We all together work to improve civic amenities but BBPM refuses to listen. BBMP is all but a huge mess," said the MLA.

Replying to question on whether there is an end to this misrule, MLA said, "Bengaluru is growing but not developing. Most of the staffers are on deputation to BBMP from various other departments of Government of Karnataka. PWD, KPTCL, Revenue etc."

"BBMP is not administered by 'Right kind' of people. Bureaucrats won't feel that the city belongs to them. There is no policy in place which lays down standards, be it building solid roads or sanitary lines. One commissioner can't alone deliver goods. He should be supported by two officers in the rank of Under Sectaries," he added.

Continuing his statement, the MLA also added, "There is no 'Engineer' in the Engineering wing which is the root cause for the great mess. Bureaucrats get 'Instructions' from MPs, MLAs, NGOs, and lobbies to add more pain to the wounds. We have too many agencies and NGOs offering suggestions. That is another issue."

"Dividing BBMP in to 4 parts like East, West, North and South is a welcome idea. Let's hope the BBMP's DNA will change next year! Elections are due in April 2015," he added.

BBMP has loans over Rs 3,500 crore:

BBMP is a perpetually debt-ridden body with loans over Rs 3,500 crore, paying an annual interest close to 525 Crores. Recently, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah released rs 1,000 crore as emergency assistance. According to Vijayakumar, the CM's contribution to the cause is not sufficient.

Vijayakumar, who won from the Jayanagar constituency for the two consecutive times, defeated Congress leader HC Venu Gopal by over 12,000 Votes during the assembly elections which were held in May 2013.

The MLA claims that he has been trying to complete several dream projects since last 18 months. However, he also complained that he does not get enough funds to complete those dream projects.

Vijayakumar's main dream projects:

Speaking to Oneindia, the MLA disclosed that his one of the main big projects is to complete Kitturu Rani Chennamma Stadium in Jayanagar 3rd Block. However, it requires over Rs 3 crore.

The MLA also informed that renovation project for BDA complex in 4th Block is under progress. The first phase is completed and the second is in progress, he stated. The new BDA complex will have an auditorium, 2 cinema halls and basic amenities, in good condition, at the Mall.

Model roads in Jayanagar underway?

Vijayakumar's dream is to build 10 model roads in the area spanning over different localities of 7 wards - Pattabhirama Nagar, Byrasandra, Jayanagar East, Gurappana Palya, J P Nagar, Sarakki, Shakambari Nagar.

"Model roads means laying asphalted roads as per standards, building shoulders, pavements, traffic sign boards etc. Come what may, I will complete my model road plan," asserted the MLA.

Jayanagar likely to become a 'No Slum Assembly':

Jayanagar Constituency has 1.8 lakh voters, population roughly it's double. If all goes according to the plan, Jayanagar will become the first Constituency in the state with 'No slum Assembly Segment'.

The MLA informed that his team has been waiting to be clear 11 slums which are existed in Ragi Gudda area, Gurappana Palya, Yarab Nagar among other areas.

However, clarifying about the accommodation of the slum dwellers, the MLA said, "It (the slums) shall be cleaned up but then allotting houses to the displaced people is the whole and sole responsibility of Slum Clearance Board."

Jayanagar, which once was a residential area, has become business district. Traffic snarls are on the increase. Currently, there are 40 traffic signals in the area and demand for another 30 signals have come-up for which the legislator is making a co-ordinated effort with Traffic Police.

Vijayakumar, a 24X7 MLA, and his connection with RSS:

Coming from an RSS school, Vijayakumar won elections in the constituency for the two consecutive times. The MLA, a bachelor, devoted his life for the society.

Speaking about his life, the MLA said, "I am 24x7 MLA." His passion is Jayanagara Shaikshanika Samiti (JSS), a not-for-profit community organisation.

The activity of JSS includes free reading-room, e-library, free coaching for SSLC students, crash courses in Spoken-English, Saturday evening classes for primary school teachers for teaching skill enhancement and recently they launched 'Learn Kannada Classes for mass!'

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