Create masterplan to maintain cleanliness in K.R. Market: GBA Chief

Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), M. Maheshwar Rao, inspected K.R. Market on Saturday and directed officials to prepare a comprehensive master plan to maintain cleanliness and recover outstanding rent from defaulters. 

Mr. Rao noted that the market generates around 70 tonnes of waste daily and stated that there is hence a need for scientific and effective waste disposal. He instructed that cleanliness be maintained round-the-clock, with every shop keeping bins for waste. Marshals were ordered to fine violators and raise awareness to ensure proper disposal in designated locations. 

The Chief Commissioner directed action against encroachments, stating that shopkeepers must operate only within allotted spaces and that repeat offenders would face legal action. He instructed officials to repair damaged roof sheets, causing water leakage, and to prevent water stagnation within the premises. Public toilets were another concern. The toilets, previously locked, were directed to be cleaned and made accessible on the same day, while another poorly maintained toilet within the market premises will either be renovated or replaced with a new facility in a nearby vacant space, he added. Unauthorised storage of materials on the second floor of the market was also ordered to be removed immediately, with officials asked to efficiently utilise vacant areas near waste disposal sites.

Mr. Rao directed officials to identify all 1,288 shops in the market and recover pending rent from defaulters, noting that an ongoing court case should be resolved promptly to recover dues owed to the corporation. 

Roads to be widened

Bengaluru East Corporation Commissioner D.S. Ramesh on Saturday instructed officials to expedite the widening of the road from Bhoganahalli turn to Panathur railway track, citing increasing traffic congestion in the area. The road connecting Balagere, Outer Ring Road (ORR) to Kadubeesanahalli and the Varthur-Gunjur Main road is currently narrow, leading to daily traffic snarls. Plans are underway to widen it to 12m, Mr. Ramesh said. 

Out of 55 properties identified for acquisition along the route, five are government-owned and 45 private properties have already been acquired. Eight private properties had delayed the project due to compensation issues. Following a meeting with property owners, Mr. Ramesh said the remaining land will be acquired immediately, with compensation provided through direct purchase. 

Eco-Fix bags

Bengaluru North Corporation Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar, along with Pulakeshinagar MLA A.C. Srinivasa, conducted a joint inspection across various parts of the constituency. 

During the inspection, residents highlighted a shortage of auto tippers in densely populated areas. The Commissioner instructed officials to monitor the situation and take corrective action. Instructions were also issued to expand the Shampura Railway Track Road and expedite the completion of hospitals under construction in various parts within the corporation limits.

Mr. Kumar inspected pothole repairs along Amruthanagar Main Road and near Kogilu Circle, Yelahanka. Officials were directed to procure 500 Eco-Fix bags per assembly constituency to repair small potholes during the rainy season.