Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has written to the Bangalore Sustainable Mobility and Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE), demanding immediate disclosure of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the proposed elevated corridor projects in the city. In his letter, Surya emphasized the need for transparency and public participation in infrastructure planning.
Lack of Public Consultation
A B-SMILE official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that public consultations are not the norm for large-scale infrastructure projects. This admission has sparked concerns among citizens and activists who argue that such projects directly impact the lives of residents and require thorough scrutiny.
Surya's Demand for Transparency
Tejasvi Surya, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, has been vocal about the need for accountability in urban development. In his letter, he requested that the DPRs be made available to the public to facilitate informed discussions and feedback. He stressed that transparency is essential to ensure that the projects are aligned with the needs of the city's residents.
The elevated corridor projects, part of Bengaluru's efforts to ease traffic congestion, have been controversial due to concerns over environmental impact, displacement, and cost overruns. Surya's intervention comes at a time when the city is grappling with rapid urbanization and infrastructure challenges.
B-SMILE, the nodal agency responsible for implementing these projects, has yet to respond publicly to Surya's request. However, the official's remarks indicate that the agency may not prioritize public engagement. Activists have called for a broader debate on infrastructure planning, urging the government to adopt a more inclusive approach.
The issue has also drawn attention from opposition parties, who have criticized the lack of transparency. They argue that the DPRs contain critical information that could affect thousands of residents and businesses along the proposed corridors.
As the debate continues, all eyes are on B-SMILE's next move. The demand for disclosure of the DPRs is expected to gain momentum, with civil society organizations planning to file Right to Information applications if the agency fails to comply.
