Bengaluru, 30 August

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said that 142 out of the 222 street lights were not functioning on the road from Hudson Circle to Mysore Bank Circle to Chalukya Circle, and came down heavily on officials. 

“It is not the shortage of projects, posts, officers or funds that affect Bengaluru. But, basic responsibility and accountability,” he said in a statement on Sunday.  “Unfortunately, some people seem to be immune from accountability and consider themselves above authority.”

He noted that the road connects the Majestic Bus Stand to Vidhana Soudha and the court, he asked why some officials were showing “little concern” to their basic responsibilities. He said he had directed Chief Commissioner and the Commissioner of the Central Corporation to take action against the erring officers. 

“Fancy projects are conceived. Funds are allocated. Posts are created. Officers are appointed. Projects are implemented. Taxpayers’ money is spent,” Gowda stated. “Operation successful. Yet, basic service remains dysfunctional.”

“Street lighting is a basic municipal service, directly connected to public safety and the functioning of the City,” he added.