Bengaluru: The state government is committed to take all measures for the protection of ecology in Bengaluru while going ahead with the construction of the proposed steel flyover between Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal, according Minister for Bengaluru Development and Town Planning K J George.
Interacting with media persons here on the construction of steel flyover, Minister George said the state government would take measures to plant 81,000 saplings instead of 812 trees that are identified for cutting to facilitate the construction of the steel flyover. “There is a plan of extending the proposed steel flyover from Hebbal to Columbia Asia Hospital to connect it with the elevated road that leads to Kempe Gowda International Airport. The detailed project report (DPR) is expected to be ready within three days,” Minister George said.
The minister said the project was proposed in 2010 when B S Yeddyurappa was Chief Minister. “The project report was submitted by STUP Consultants Private Limited to the BBMP on April 17, 2010. The state government transfers the project to the Benglauru Development Authority (BDA) from the BBMP on August 6, 2010. The BDA assigns the STUP Consultants Private Limited to prepare the project report on December 4, 2012. The agency submits the final report on the project on May 27, 2013. The technical team of the BDA accepts the report on May 31, 2014. So, the project was not taken up in a hurry as alleged by some organizations,” the minister said.
He said the project was part of the east-west and north-south elevated corridor and the chief minister had announced it in the state budget. “The political leaders, who are opposing the project, were silent when the chief minister announced it in the state budget,” he said.
Protestors not represent entire city
Coming down heavily on some organizations for stating protest against the construction of the steel flyover, the minister said that only a few thousands of people oppose the project while majority of people, especially those from Hebbal, Kempapura, Kodigehalli and other areas, want the construction of the steel flyover. “One non-governmental organization has even approached the High Court seeking direction to the government to cancel the project but the High Court has directed the state government to go ahead with the project. Do you want me to follow the opinion of a few hundred people or respect the High Court’s order?” the minister asked.
Baseless allegations
Terming the statements of BJP leaders, especially BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, on the kickback worth crores of rupees, the minister said that he came to know about Shobha Karandlaje’s allegation of Rs 500 crore kickback. “I will be happy if the Central Government comes forward to construct the steel flyover with Rs 1300 crore. BJP leaders allege that contractor will give us Rs 500 crore for giving him the construction of this steel flyover. I want the BJP leaders to convince Prime Minister Narendra Modi to complete this project with Rs 1300 crore,” the minister said.
When asked whether the minister decided to write a letter to BJP leaders in this regard, the minister said: “Why should I write a letter. They did not tell me about the kickback issue. They are issuing statements. If they come to me, I am ready to clear their doubts on this project.”
