BANGALORE: Health and Family Welfare Minister R. Ashok, who is in-charge of the Bangalore Urban district, on Wednesday cautioned Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) not to plan flyovers and grade separators haphazardly.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for development work estimated at Rs. 4 crores in Ganesh Mandir ward, the Minister said it is unfortunate that the BMP has been planning several infrastructure projects without considering the technical aspects or the feasibility of the project.

"The National College flyover in Basavanagudi is one such example. Was there a need for it? We need flyovers for free flow of vehicles without any interruption. But improper planning has led to installing of traffic signals on the Richmond Circle flyover," the Minister said.

Directing officials to prepare a blueprint for the comprehensive development of the city, Mr. Ashok said it is not enough if one area or one part of the city is developed.

"We need to prepare a blueprint for the development and execution of infrastructure projects. Locations of flyovers and grade separators should be planned only after considering the technical and feasibility reports," he said.

He said based on the blueprint, the BMP can plan the development of all the 100 wards equally. "The blueprint will help us in planning equal development without giving preference to some areas," he said.

Pointing out that the metro rail is essential for a growing city such as Bangalore, the Minister said the Janata Dal (Secular)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition Government is committed to providing basic infrastructure to citizens.

Title deeds

Title deeds will be distributed to the poor and needy, who had built houses on government land, he added.

Science and Technology Minister Ramchandra Gowda, who inaugurated a free computer centre for candidates from backward communities, said that remote sensing technology can be used to prepare the "blueprint" for city development.

Deputy Mayor M. Lakshminarayana said 60 per cent of roadworks will be completed by May end. He inaugurated a bridge in Banagirinagar in Banashankari 3rd Stage.

The area corporator A.H. Basavaraju said foundation stone had been laid for the construction of a swimming pool behind the ward office in Banshankari II Stage and an indoor stadium near Balaji Kalyana Mantapa in Banashankari 3rd Stage.

On the occasion, five beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were given taxis and 94 people were given asbestos sheets, he added.

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