Date:05/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/05/stories/2007010525340400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

BMP restructures its Engineering Department

Staff Reporter

It is part of the measures to implement recommendations on improving quality of road works

BANGALORE: To ensure effective functioning of the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) and expedite work on infrastructure projects, Commissioner K. Jairaj has restructured the Engineering Department and assigned senior officials with additional tasks.

According to sources in the BMP, the restructuring is part of the civic body's measures to implement the recommendations on improving the quality of road works by the expert panel set up by the Karnataka High Court.

The BMP has to submit an action taken report (ATR) to the High Court on January 10.

The restructuring also comes in the wake of the Government's proposal to form the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike. The civic body has already set up contract and project management groups to create a professional working environment and facilitate quick project-oriented decisions.

The emphasis has been on providing specific areas of work to each of the senior officials.

"These officials have been directed to understand the requirements of their areas of work, devise proper plans and execute them, interact with other subordinate units and agencies, ensure adherence to proper procedures and deadlines and create proper documentation," the sources said. According to the new set-up, Chief Engineer (West) L. Sathyanarayana has been given the additional charge of Engineer-in-Chief. Chief Engineer (East)

A.K. Gopalswamy has been assigned the additional responsibility of Chief Engineer (Project Management Secretariat - arterial and concrete roads and footpaths and JNNURM projects). Chief Engineer (Projects) A.M. Ranganath will monitor work on flyovers, underpasses, grade separators, railway overbridges, Inner Ring Road, and other roads being executed by the Karnataka Land Army Corporation.