Brijesh Kumar, BBMP’s Chief Conservator of Forests, in-charge of lakes, shares his thoughts on lake development, and sheds light on some systemic issues.
Reformist IFS officer Brijesh Kumar counters the BBMP’s allegations of not doing enough to green the city, indicating that the Mayor and Commissioner are passing the buck to him, while they are actually responsible for cutting and planting saplings in Bengaluru.
Crores of rupees have been spent by BBMP’s Forest Cell who is understaffed and cannot monitor the work. While the Chief of the cell doesn’t have powers, payments for old bills have continued, without ascertaining whether the work was actually done.
The state government’s urban development department has cancelled BBMP’s transfer of its top forest officer. The officer had initiated steps to protect lakes in the city and more.
Palike which otherwise remains under the state government’s thumb, has decided to assert its power by sending out an IFS officer. He had initiated several reforms within BBMP, when he was relieved saying his salary was too high.
