But that's only if you are top brass. BBMP's put in place two emergency squads that will ensure a hassle-free drive for VVIPs
But that's only if you are top brass. BBMP's put in place two emergency squads that will ensure a hassle-free drive for VVIPs
BBMP's set up an emergency squad for the VIPs' rain and drain problems.
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, which drew flak after six-year-old Abhishek fell into an open drain and went missing, has set up two emergency squads to ensure bigwigs' safety on rainy days.
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The squads will be on duty round the clock to ensure no water-logging or fallen trees come in the way of VVIPs like the prime minister, central cabinet ministers and dignitaries who come visiting from other states and nations.
They will patrol roads frequently used by VIPs including Old Airport Road, New Airport Road, M G Road and Whitefield Road.
The team
The team comprises three assistant engineers (AE), one each from Bescom (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company), BBMP and BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board). It includes a jet vehicle and over 14 labourers from both BWSSB and BBMP. Two AEs at the zonal level will coordinate the Praharis' movements.u00a0
"Our priority is the safety ofu00a0 delegates arriving in the city especially during rainy days," said K Subramanya, a control room official.
Not right
But the move hasn't found favour with a former BBMP representative.
"Special measures for VIPs is wrong when very little is done for tax-payers' safety," said Mumtaz Begum, former mayor. "The need of the hour is facilities for tax-payers. Only then should BBMP officials think of VIPs."
But BBMP officials disagree. "Measures related to rain are being carried out simultaneously for the public and VVIPs. Besides preventive measures for the safety of delegates, we have also initiated measures like remodelling stormwater drains in association with other local service providers to ensure people are safe in low-lying areas," said Dr S Khandre, public relations officer, BBMP.
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