BAN of Conocarpus: Recommendation to Govt

 BAN of Conocarpus: Recommendation to Govt

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, who is the head of the Forest Force, has recommended to the government that the cultivation of Conocarpus saplings, which cause problems such as allergy, respiratory problems, cough, cold, asthma etc. to humans, should be banned.

 Forest Minister Ishwara Khandre had written a letter to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on July 2, referring to the special report on 'Dubai Plant', which was published in Prajavani on June 5.  Conocarpus plants which spoil the 'rain environment' and adversely affect the health of citizens should be checked. The minister had suggested that the social forestry department should be given a clear instruction not to plant conocarpus saplings in all parts of the state if there is a scientific adverse effect.

 The Chief of the Forest Force, who has reviewed this, said, 'The Gujarat State Forest Department issued an order on June 26, 2023 and banned the cultivation of Conocarpus saplings. Telangana State has banned the cultivation of Conocarpus in nurseries and gardens. Several research studies have reported negative effects of Conocarpus (Dubai Tree). Conocarpus tree pollen mixes with environmental air and has adverse effects on human health. As the roots of the tree grow deep, there is a possibility of damaging the cable wire and drainage system as well.

ALSO read.. Minister asks forest department to BAN CONOCARPUS tree

Also Read.... CONOCARPUS - 'Dubai plant' dangerous to health

 As per Karnataka Tree Protection Act- 27AA of 1976, cultivation of Conocarpus saplings can be prohibited. On July 19, the Chief of Forest Force has informed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Biology Department along with a copy of the research studies that the government may issue an order prohibiting the cultivation of conocarpus saplings in forest plantations, roadsides, forest plantations, other forest areas and elsewhere.

BBMP: New advertising policy announced

 Advertising every 100 meters of road; Fixation of fee as per guideline rate

 BBMP: New advertising policy announced

 Bengaluru: The government on Saturday published a draft notification of a new advertisement policy to allow display of advertisements in public places and roads under BBMP. 30 days have been given to file objection.

 How many, size ads can be displayed per 100 meters depending on the width of the road. The length of these advertisements cannot exceed 40 feet. Advertisement charges are fixed as per guideline rate in respective region

 If the width of the road is 60 feet to 80 feet then every 100 meters length of the road is 800 square feet, if the road is 80 feet to 100 feet then both sides are 1000 square feet, if the road is 100 feet to 200 feet then 1,100 square feet, if the road width is more than 200 feet then 1,200 square feet can be displayed. .

 In circles, 300 square meters of advertisement can be displayed for every one lakh circle area. Length cannot exceed 60 feet.

 In commercial or industrial areas where the road is less than 60 feet, 300 square feet of advertisement can be displayed for every one lakh square feet of circular area. Length cannot exceed 30 feet.

 Auction by tender: 

Open auction of roads, roundabouts and areas or tendering in separate or aggregated lots is taken by Chief Commissioner of BBMP.

 Allowed in private area: Apart from government roads, roundabouts, buildings and plots, advertisements are also allowed on private roads, commercial plots and buildings. Anyone who has to display advertisement on metro pillars, stations, infrastructure sites should get contract from BBMP itself.

 If advertisement is displayed in places where property tax is being paid like residential area, building, 10% of property tax amount will be fined. Also BBMP can remove it in any case. Property owner will have to pay 100% penalty of property tax if advertisement is displayed on B-registered property. If the property does not have any kind of account, the owner has to pay a penalty of twice the amount of property tax.

The license granted by BBMP is only for advertisement display. A separate agreement must be obtained from the owner of the area where the advertisement will be displayed. No license shall be granted without such agreement.

 License Required: 

Only licensed advertisers registered with BBMP are eligible to participate in auction or tender to display advertisement. The advertiser shall pay such license fee, registration fee and security deposit as may be determined by the Chief Commissioner from time to time.

 A fee of ₹5 lakh has to be paid while applying for registration as a licensed advertiser. Eligible persons will be granted a license for three years.

 If the advertiser violates the rules, the Chief Commissioner will order the removal of such advertisement within seven days. In case of delay in fee payment, 18% interest per annum will be levied. In case of failure to pay interest and fines, show-cause notice is issued and if no reply is received within seven days, the Zonal Commissioner shall issue an order within 20 days. They have to be cleared, the cost of which can be recovered from the advertiser or the owner of the land.

 Advertising Regulatory Commission

 In order to remove unauthorized advertisement which is injurious to public safety, an advertisement control committee is formed. Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department will be the Chairman, City Police Commissioner, BESCOM Managing Director, BBMP Taxation and Finance Committee Chairman, Joint/Deputy Commissioner of Advertising, Special Commissioner of Estates, Industry representative from Advertising Association, BBMP Road Infrastructure Chief Engineer will be the members. The Special Commissioner of Advertisements is the Member Secretary.

Where is advertising not allowed?

 Kumarakrupa Road, Windsor Manor Junction to Sivananda Circle, Raj Bhavan Road, Highgrounds to Minsk Square, Sankey Road, Highgrounds to Windsor Hill Signal, Ambedkar Veedhi, K.R. Circle to Infantry Junction, Post Office Road, K.R. Circle to SBI Circle (KG Road), Chalukya Circle, Maharani College Road, Seshadri Road, K.R. Circle, Cubban Park and Lalbagh Precinct, Nripatunga Road, K.R. No advertisement of any kind is allowed on the roads from Circle to Police Corner Junction, Palace Road, SBI Circle to Chalukya Circle.

 There is an exemption for advertisement display at pedestrian flyovers, bus stands, e-toilets under existing Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes. The Chief Commissioner, BBMP, if deemed necessary, may order additional areas not allowed to display advertisements.

 The prior written permission of the Chief Commissioner shall be obtained for putting up personal advertisements in any part of the city. Advertising display is prohibited on flyovers, elevated corridors, communication towers, world heritage sites, national parks, forests, water bodies, regional ecosystem remnants areas, monuments, electric poles within one hundred meters of temples, mosques, gurdwaras, churches and other religious places.

 Advertising which disturbs the concentration of motorists, color of traffic signal lights, poster, graffiti, affixed on wood, nailed, tied, attached, affixed which may cause disfigurement of the city is prohibited. Neon signs are prohibited. LED display or digital video advertisements are not permitted. Only image change is allowed for 10 seconds.

Metro Ad Equal Share

 BBMP and BMRCL shall share equally the advertising revenue from 'Namma Metro' (BMRCL) assets on BBMP roads.

 Advertising placement, auctions within assets of KSRTC, BMTC and other government owned public entities may be decided by respective agencies as per their own rules and procedures. The revenue can be fully retained by those agencies. However, if the properties are visible on public streets or roads with advertisements approved by these agencies, the tender/auction shall be conducted by the BBMP itself. Advertisement fee should be paid to BBMP. Agencies may collect ground rent from advertising companies.

Fees for advertising vehicles

 Prior permission should be obtained from BBMP to display 'traveling advertisements' on any vehicle including BMTC buses, government and private institutions. An objection letter should be obtained from the corporation giving the duration, purpose, vehicle number, list of vehicles. BBMP will calculate the tax as per advertisement and inform the agency about the amount.

 How much does it cost to advertise?

 As per the guideline rate fixed by the Registration and Stamps Department under Section 45B of the Karnataka Registration Act 1957, a monthly fee has been fixed for the display of advertisements for the respective roads, areas and circles.  

 Guideline rate (per square meter); Advertisement Fee (Per Sq./ Per Month)

 Less than ₹3,000; ₹40

 ₹3,000 to ₹5,000; ₹50

 ₹5,000 to ₹10,000; ₹60

 ₹10,000 to ₹20,000; ₹70

 ₹20,000 to ₹50,000; ₹80

 ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh; ₹90

 ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh; ₹100

 Above ₹2 lakh; ₹110

₹3163 crore instead of ₹510 crore

 BBMP prepares to spend five times more on solid waste management

 ₹3163 crore instead of ₹510 crore

 Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: The BBMP, which intends to implement a comprehensive integrated solid waste management system for waste disposal, has prepared to award a contract worth ₹94 thousand crore for the next 30 years.

 3,500 tonnes of waste is generated in Bangalore every day. Currently, ₹450 crore is being spent on its maintenance. As per the new package called for in 2022, this amount is proposed to be ₹510 crore in the tender documents. Prepared to adopt new system of BBMP. Estimated to produce 6571 tonnes per day, preparations are underway to call for tenders for the bulk amount. If the new system is implemented, it will cost ₹3,163 crore every year.

 It is intended to implement a 'Comprehensive Solid Waste Management' system for waste disposal under the purview of BBMP, and it is planned to spend ₹3,163 crore every year for disposal of 6,500 tonnes of waste daily. It will be five times the current cost.

 Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), the company responsible for solid waste disposal and management in Bangalore, intends to implement the new system in four packages and has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) from the rights organization.

 Every day 6571 tonnes of waste will be generated in the city, collection of waste from households, disposal to second level transfer stations, disposal of waste from those centers to treatment centers, a system of 'Integrated Solid Waste Management' has been devised in Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The BBMP will be responsible for the land required for the second stage transfer stations and processing station and the infrastructure there.

In the new system, upon execution of the contract, an 'escrow account' should be opened as an agreement between the BBMP, the contractor and the bankers. BBMP should always keep three months bill amount in advance in this account. In a 30-year lease, the amount should be increased by 10% every year. After 30 years the lease can be renewed for another 30 years. If the new system is implemented, the DPR has also stipulated that the contractor should collect the waste collection fee from each household.

 Expenditure of ₹450 crore: At present, ₹450 crore is being spent on waste disposal in BBMP, apart from the salary of the second level transfer station, civic workers.

 89 Package: The BBMP has invited tenders in 2022 at a cost of ₹450 crore for 198 wards, divided into 89 packages, for solid waste management of around 3,500 tonnes. The High Court has opened technical bids and financial bids of the tender process by submitting affidavits at each stage. The process of selecting new contractors for the packages is pending. BSWML has proposed to implement a new system in the meantime.

 ₹15 thousand crore commission: HDK

 I don't know who will be around for 30 years. However, the state government has proposed to give a contract to a single organization in four packages to reap a commission of around ₹15 thousand crore at once, said Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy alleged.

How much does the package cost?

 Package – 1; Dasarahalli, Yalahanka Zone; ₹704 crore

 Package – 2; West, Rajarajeshwarinagar Zone; ₹847 crore

 Package – 3; East, Mahadevpur Zone; ₹768 crore

 Package-4; South, Bommanahalli Zone; ₹844 crore

 'Lease to blacklisted firm'

 In the name of comprehensive solid waste management system, the state government has proposed to spend around ₹45 thousand crore on waste disposal and management. Ramesh N.R., the former leader of the BBMP ruling party, has made all the rules so that the contract for 30 years can be awarded to the blacklisted Ramkey Infrastructure Company. Complained.

 He has written a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said, 'The rights organization has already submitted a DPR for the new system. BBMP will purchase more than 100 acres of land each in Mandur, Doddaballapur, Gollahalli and Bidadi areas, along with infrastructure, to contractors. Although 3,500 tonnes of waste is generated in the city, 6,500 tonnes are planned to be managed. The current tipping fee of ₹260 per tonne is proposed to be increased to ₹650 per tonne,” 

Work is slow due to delay in bill payment

 Integrated elevated corridor at Yalahanka; Extension of deadline for another year

 Work is slow due to delay in bill payment

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: Delay in bill payment is the main reason for non-progress of work. The rule that the bill should be paid within 60 days has not been followed. We have written many letters about this and requested payment of the bill but to no avail...''

 NCC, which has been awarded the contract for the Integrated Elevated Corridor at Yalahanka, has clearly stated this in its letter to BBMP. In addition to this, it has requested that time be given to complete the work till February 24, 2025, as the expected assistance has been received in 'Utility Shifting'.

 There is a delay of 60 days in 2022 mobilization advance payment, 129 days in May 2022 bill payment, 52 days in August bill payment, four days in September bill payment, 225 days in December 2023 bill and 163 days in February bill. Only 75% of the last two bills have been paid. This is a violation of the terms of the lease agreement,” wrote the DGM of NCC to the Executive Engineer of the Road Infrastructure Department on November 15, 2023.

 The work on the flyover from Police Station Junction in Yalahanka to BWSSB Junction in Yalahanka NewTown was started in 2021 and was supposed to be completed by January 2024. However, due to the delay in payment of bills by BBMP, the progress of the work is almost one year behind. This has been clarified by the contractor and the extension of deadline is due to the failure of BBMP.

 As this is a 'turn key' project, there is no financial burden on BBMP. However, it is difficult for common people to travel here daily. Without any other way, one has to travel here with time wasting and annoyance.

Whenever asked, the people who are doing the work say that they have not received the money, how can they do the work. How can BBMP understand our plight? It is better to finish the work soon after starting it. Vishwanath of Yalahanka said that if there is no money, don't take up such a project.

 Some people say that the work is getting delayed due to the change of routes by Bescom and Jalmandali. Shouldn't these engineers who work overnight when the CM and PM come, give equal importance to the work of common people?'' asked Suresh from Yelahanka New Town.

 Just have to work: B.S. Prahlad

 Even before the contractors have to step into BBMP, they are well aware of the system here. There are delays in bill payment in the corporation. This is today, not yesterday. It has been like this for a long time. Those who come to work are aware of this. Delay in bill payment should be tolerated. Three months, six months delay in bill payment. After coming to work in BBMP, you should just work. Delay should not be said. BBMP Engineer in Chief B.S. Prahlad said.

•  ₹175 crore; Cost of Yalahanka Integrated Elevated Corridor
•  15 December 2021; Order to restart the half-stopped work
•  24 months; Deadline given for completion of work
•  ₹60.4 crore; Release of funds to contractors
•  Contractors; Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC) Limited, Kumarakrupa Road

44% Fund Released for 20% Work

 HMT Road – Pipeline Road Junction Grade Separator:  BBMP keen to release money

44% Fund Released for 20% Work

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: The HMT Road-Pipeline Road Junction Grade Separator has contradicted the allegation that 'BBMP is not paying the bill to the contractors'. Although the work is 20%, the contractor has been paid 44% of the bill.

 BBMP has started the work of grade separator four years ago at the junction where HMT Road meets Pipeline Road to provide smooth connectivity to Jalahalli, T.Dasarahalli, MES Ring Road and Tumkur Road.

 The grade separate work which was approved under the 'Chief Minister's Nava Bangalore' project has been changed to the 'Chief Minister's Nava Nagarothana' project. Besides, an additional amount of ₹5 crore has also been approved. All these processes were completed within a couple of months. However, even though the work has been going on for four years, not even 20% has been completed.

 PJB Engineers, which has been awarded the contract for both grade separator works on Kengeri Ring Road, has been given a tender premium of 10 percent and has been awarded the contract on a 'turn key' basis. The 'turn key' scheme means that no amount of money has to be paid for the completion of the work. But, in this case, rather than work, BBMP engineers have been paid generously. The road has been dug up on both sides and it is a daily problem for people only.

 The middle of the road has been dug up and allowed for vehicular traffic. However, traffic here has become dangerous. Soil and asphalt are collapsing and often two-wheelers are falling. Asphalt is collapsing when large vehicles move and falling on the work site.

 Grade separator work has to be done in some area of Defense Department. But BBMP engineers are not interested in discussing this. The gas pipe line has not told them to quickly reroute. Thus, everything is getting delayed,' complained Rajesh, a local.

"Giving many reasons, BBMP engineers keep postponing the work. It has been difficult to travel here for almost four years. How much land is required for a project, is it available with us? BBMP engineers don't even think about which department should do the work and how beneficial it would be if it is done first. Therefore, the road is dug and the work done half-heartedly, leaving it fallow for years. Their quality also deteriorates. Srikantha Rao, a resident of Dasarahalli, expressed his indignation that it is a daily problem for the people.

 The contractors here are not saying that they have not been paid. He didn't work, he didn't. So they are saying that we are not able to continue the work. More money should be released to these contractors. Suresh of Jalahalli remarked that they are pious.

 Work will be slow: Arif

 The HMT Road-Pipeline Road Junction Grade Separator work has been delayed due to 'Utility Shifting'. The gas pipeline has to be re-routed so the pace is slow. The acquisition of land by the Defense Department is delayed. Contractors have been given more time. It's been four years, it's still getting delayed,' said Arif, Road Infrastructure Engineer, Rajarajeshwarinagar Zone, BBMP.

•  ₹20 crore; Cost of HMT Road – Pipeline Road Junction Grade Separator
•  27 November 2020; Order to restart the half-stopped work
•  20 months; Deadline given for completion of work
•  ₹8.82 crore; Release of funds to contractors
•  Contractors; PJB Engineers, Richmond Road

Ejipura: Work of 7 years ago which gained speed

 Ejipur Elevated Corridor: Work expedited by CM instructions

Ejipura: Work of 7 years ago which gained speed

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: The work of Ejipura Elevated Corridor, which started seven years ago, was at a slow pace and was stopped for two years. The work, which did not see any progress even after the arrival of new contractors, has been speeded up by the instructions of the Chief Minister.

 People who have been experiencing traffic jams in the area around Koramangala, Ejipur and St. John's Hospital since 2017 have been demanding that the flyover work should be done soon. However, change of contractors and local problems hampered the pace of work. As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave the order during his city tour, BBMP engineers started working.

 We have consulted many times with the Minister and the local MLA, Ramalingareddy, to complete the pending work on the Ejipur flyover. The work was stopped when there was a BJP government. Ramalingareddy also joined us in the protest. Even so, the work has picked up speed now,' said the members of the local residents' associations.

 The vehicular traffic that has been going on for seven years is excessive. Going to hospital, school-college, offices becomes a problem. Ejipura Ramaraju demanded that the BBMP engineers should finish the work before the scheduled time.

 Elevated Corridor on Koramangala Outer Ring Road (Ejipur) 2.5 km. It is a long flyover. It is the longest flyover in the city after the flyover from Townhall to Sirsi Circle. Easypur Elevated Corridor Project was formulated in 2014. In 2017, the contract was awarded to Simplex Infrastructure for ₹157.66 crore. The project was to be completed by 2019. However, the contractor delayed.

A writ was filed by Adinarayan Shetty in the High Court. Even after four years and seven months, only 42% of the work was completed. ₹75.11 crore was also paid to him. The High Court canceled the contract in 2022. A fresh tender has been invited in three months.

 BBMP's delay policy delayed the tender invitation. Not many contractors were interested in continuing the half-finished work. The tender invited for the fourth time was accepted in March 2023. After negotiations with contractors, it was submitted for cabinet approval in August. Although approved on September 7, the 'turn key lumpsum' contract with BSCPL Infrastructure for ₹176.11 crore was awarded on November 17.

 Due to the delay of the BBMP officials in the process of contract cancellation, new tender, assignment to new contractor, the work of Easypur flyover is slow. The demand of the locals is that the work should be carried out quickly.

 Problems solved: Ramalingareddy

 There were many problems including release of money and land acquisition to the contractors for the Ejipur flyover work. A meeting was held with the Chief Commissioner of BBMP and the issues were resolved. Transport Minister Ramalingareddy said that the work is going on fast and it has been suggested to complete it soon.

•  ₹250 crore; Total Cost of Easypur Elevated Corridor
•  17 November 2023; The day the task was given to start the half-finished work
•  20 months; Deadline given for completion of work
•  ₹6 crore; Release of funds to contractors
•  Contractors; BSCPL Infrastructure

Kengeri: No work will be done without land acquisition

 Kengeri OR Road Annapurneshwari Nagar Main Road Junction Grade Separator Work Many Vigna

Kengeri: No work will be done without land acquisition

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: Although two years have passed since the start of the grade separator work, the process of land acquisition has not taken place. Due to this, the work has not continued and the traffic has increased on Annapurneshwari Nagar main road.

 Grade separator work has started in July 2022 at Annapurneshwari Nagar Main Road Junction near BDA Complex on Kengeri Outer Ring Road. Drainage and barrier work has been done along with the complex. Although a road has to be constructed in the area between this barrier and the drain, the fact that it is a parking spot is a mirror of the progress of the work.

 If the work of this grade separator, which was supposed to allow free traffic towards Magadi Road, had been carried out as per the deadline, it should have been three months already free for vehicular traffic. However, this too remains in a state of preliminary work. Although the purpose of this grade separator is to provide free traffic to Annapurneshwari Nagar and Sumanahalli Ring Road, it is now responsible for vehicular traffic there.

 The contract of Grade Separator was awarded on turn key basis at a premium rate of 10% over the tender amount. Even though BBMP cannot pay more than the fixed amount, if the work goes on for years, it causes annoyance to the locals, motorists, businessmen and also causes financial loss.

 Although ₹16.50 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition, the BBMP authorities have not yet completed the process. Therefore, there has been a lot of setback in the progress of the work,' said the workers.

 The BBMP engineers who say that there is no land acquisition after the commencement of the work, the process should be done, can't they confirm whether the land is available for the work before giving the contract? Locals Nandakumar, Rajesh, Rangegowda alleged that by allowing the works to increase in their schedule, they are making people suffer.

Problem to business

 The road has been extensively excavated for grade separator work at the Annapurneshwarinagar main road junction. There is no work going on here and there is no road. It is a commercial area all around, which is causing a lot of problems for customers. So all of us have a problem with our business,' said Rajat, the owner of the shop, crying.

 There is no road, no work

 BDA complex, college and deputy registrar's office are also located at this junction. The vehicular traffic is heavy due to the work of grade separator. They have been eating our lives for two years without keeping the road as a road and without doing any work. Ramakrishna, a resident of Annapurneshwari Nagar, complained that it is very difficult for all of us to walk here everyday.

Complete in six months: Prahlad

 Along with land acquisition, BESCOM, BWSSB works, 'utility shifting' works have delayed the work. Now everything has been fixed and the work of grade separator at Annapurneshwari Nagar main road junction will be completed in six months," said BBMP Engineer in Chief B.S. Prahlad said.

•  ₹44.78 crore; Total Cost of Annapurneswarinagar Main Road Junction Grade Separator
•  18 July 2022; The day the work was commissioned
•  20 months; The deadline given to complete the work
•  ₹1.85 crore; Release of funds to contractors

•  Contractors; PJB Engineers, Richmond Road
•