Citizens oppose Sankey road widening

BENGALURU: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) plan to widen Sankey Road and construct a flyover is being met with stiff opposition from Citizens for Sankey, a citizen’s group.

With traffic density increasing every day, the BBMP has prepared a blueprint on construction of a flyover from Bhashyam Circle at a cost of Rs 60 crore, but local residents say it will affect Sankey tank.

BBMP officials, members of the Bus Prayanikara Vedike, senior advocates, thinkers and locals participated in an interaction.

An interaction programme was organised on Tuesday evening to clear misconceptions about the project at Canara Union in Malleswaram. It was attended by members of Citizens for Sankey, Bus Prayanikara Vedike, BBMP officials, senior advocates, thinkers and local residents.

Prof Ashish Verma from IISc, environmentalist Prakash Belawadi, and Shahin Sasha from the Bus Prayanikara Vedike were among those present. Palike engineer-in-chief B S Prahalad tried answering all the queries of those who had gathered.

Prahalad said construction of flyovers is necessary to handle the growing traffic. “A study has been conducted about the traffic condition at 113 junctions and we are trying to manage traffic by bringing about some changes. When the number of vehicles increases, additional space is required. Construction of flyover will help in solving traffic congestion allow free flow of traffic”, he reasoned.

The BBMP chief engineer also said a lot of opinions on traffic management were shared by concerned citizens at the meeting and added that their suggestions will be brought to the attention of the government.

Later, environmentalist Prakash Belavadi said, “There is no opposition to construction of the flyover, but, at the same time, they should give priority to opinions of locals. A scientific and comprehensive study is important before implementing any project. The government should consider the opinion of people. If people do not want a project, then what is the meaning in its implementation?” he questioned.

Environmentalist Prakash Belavadi said a comprehensive study is important before executing any projects.

He also stressed about upcoming flyover projects and they should be build scientifically.

BBMP chief engineer Prahlad said, Public private participation is important in completing any project.

BBMP chief engineer Prahlad said, “We will successfully execute the plan as promised earlier. People voiced their concerns, and it was not opposition. We advised them to give their suggestions in writing. Public participation is important in completing any project”.