BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that more powers would be given to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) to prevent accidents caused by unauthorized constructions .

Addressing a joint press conference with the CM, Bengaluru Deputy Chief Minister and Development Minister DK Shivakumar said the drive to demolish unauthorized and substandard buildings was continuing in Bengaluru. “The previous government had reduced the powers of officials to take action against unauthorized constructions, but our government has decided to give powers to BBMP, BDA and BMRDA. Besides, registration of unauthorized properties will also be stopped,” he said.

Further, the CM directed officials to clear encroachments on storm drains in Bengaluru on priority. Speaking to the reporter, he said that during his last term as CM, he had ordered the officials to clear the encroachments, which was not carried out, leading to incidents whenever he raining heavily in the city. He pointed out that Bangalore received 275 mm of rainfall in October, the third highest for this month in a century.

The World Bank has committed Rs 2,000 crore to construct retaining walls for 173 km of storm drains and strengthen 80 km of drains. “We had discussions with World Bank officials who visited Bangalore. They have agreed to give Rs 5,000 crore, of which Rs 3,500 crore will be spent on Bengaluru,” he said.

Furthermore, he assured that the estimate of the project would be approved by the cabinet and the tender process for the same would begin soon. Besides, a proposal of Rs 669 crore for improvement of city roads is under consideration, he added.

People affected by floods housed in hotels

Asked about opposition leaders’ criticism of flood relief works, the DCM said even though two children drowned in a city lake and the constructions did not meet standards, he did not There have been no rain-related deaths in the city. “Residents affected by the floods are being accommodated in hotels with necessary support,” he added.