HC panel report suggests BBMP engineers to get trained

Bengaluru: A damning report on the work culture and competence of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) engineers has been submitted by the two-member commission appointed by the High Court (HC) to look into the pothole issue.

The report also points out the lack of monitoring and accountability at all levels of work and also the lack of coordination between the BBMP and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

Court Commissioners Dinesh Agarwal, superintending engineer, CWE (Army), Military Engineer Service and MG Uma, member secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, stated that BBMP engineers who are supposed to be technically strong are unaware of the technical procedures to be followed and therefore require training.

“None of the executive engineers was aware if cement is to be mixed with asphalt concrete. They were also unaware about the quantity of bitumen emulsion per square metre to be used in prime coat and tack coat,” pointed out the report.

BWSSB pulled up

In relation to BWSSB, the reported stated that whenever pipeline laying works are completed, the dug-up portion is repaired with wet mix macadam and stone aggregates remain lying loose on the surface. The panel pointed out that two-wheelers may skid on the loose aggregates. The panel also observed that the top level of manhole covers are placed two or three inches below the road surface, which can lead to accidents.