Bengaluru, Aug 10: Transport Minister and BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy has pulled up officials over prolonged delays in BBMP’s drainage works, warning that negligence during civic projects must not put lives at risk.
The minister’s intervention came after residents of N.S. Palya, Ward No. 181, flagged a dangerous situation—large open ditches left unattended for months on the 7th Main Road footpath. Locals alleged that the work, halted for four to five months, had already caused injuries to pedestrians who fell into the open drains.
Despite repeated complaints to BBMP, residents said no action was taken. On Saturday, a resident sent Reddy a photo of the site via WhatsApp. Within 10 minutes, the minister dispatched local ward president Nagaraj to inspect the spot and arrange immediate relief. A JCB was brought in to carry out temporary repairs the same day.
Reddy has also directed officials and party workers to visit affected households and check on their well-being. “Development work cannot come at the cost of public safety,” he said, adding that contractors and civic officials would be held accountable for such lapses.