Deputy CM pulls up Mayor over garbage crisis

Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok on Tuesday pulled up Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy and his team for their “failure” to effectively  handle the garbage crisis. He expressed displeasure over infighting in the corporation, “which is reflecting badly on the BBMP administration and the party, during the election year.”

According to sources, during a meeting, Ashok told the mayor and heads of various standing committees that the BJP’s image had taken a beating due to their inept handling of the garbage crisis. He also asked them not to make statements contradicting one another’s views.

BBMP to blacklist contractors?

The BBMP may “blacklist” new garbage contractors, ho have failed to start work, as per the tender norms.

According to Venkatesh Babu, Chairman, BBMP Standing Committee (Health), the zonal commissioners have been asked to give the status reports on new garbage tenders.

“Once we get the report, we will bring it to the notice of our committee. We will check if they have violated the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act and Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act. Those found violating the Act will be  blacklisted. We will decide it in two days,” he said.

The Mayor said,  “I do not know. The Standing Committee has powers to make a recommendation to blacklist contractors. The issue has to come up before the BBMP council,” he said.