Bengaluru floods’ ‘casualty’: CM directs replacement of top SWD official
BBMP's Storm Water Drain Chief Engineer Suguna inspecting at Indiranagar during Tuesday's (May 17) heavy rains.
The only woman Chief Engineer in BBMP, Suguna may have to take the rap for ‘failure’ to tackle Tuesday’s flood situation in Bengaluru
BENGALURU:
The widespread flooding of several areas in Bengaluru following Tuesday’s downpour could also claim a different kind of casualty – BBMP Chief Engineer Suguna may be relieved of her charge of the SWD wing.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಪ್ರವಾಹದ ‘ಅನಾಹುತ’: SWD ಉನ್ನತ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಯನ್ನು ಬದಲಾಯಿಸಲು ಸಿಎಂ ನಿರ್ದೇಶನ
The only woman engineer to ascend to the post of Chief Engineer in the civic agency in the last 20 years, Suguna may have to take the rap for failing to tackle the flood situation. The fact that Tuesday’s downpour broke a nearly 23-year record for the most rain in the month of May does not offer her much relief, as Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai himself has ordered her removal from the SWD wing.
Also Read: Bengaluru’s major drains to get Rs1,600-cr upgrade
During an inspection of the situation in BBMP’s west zone on Thursday, Bommai reportedly said: “You (Suguna) please search for some other place.”
Her fate sealed?
The CM’s response followed on Yelahanka MLA SR Vishwanath bringing to his notice that the SWD wing was being handled by Chief Engineer Suguna and that she had not risen to the occasion – a view that was seconded by Revenue Minister R Ashoka. Thereupon, Bommai directed BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath to search for a suitable replacement as Chief Engineer of the SWD wing.
Participating in the discussion, Vishwanath said that BS Prahallad, Chief Engineer (Road Infrastructure), was handling SWD issues well, when the CM interrupted him and remarked whether Prahallad was the only officer to take on the SWD responsibility. Bommai then directed appointment of a capable officer in the SWD wing.
Also Read: M Lokesh given additional responsibility of Bengaluru’s Storm Water Drains
Giri Nath escapes CM’s wrath
Interestingly, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath narrowly escaped the Chief Minister’s wrath over the flooding issue as he took over as civic chief as recently as May 6. The CM expressed unhappiness over the poor response by officials to his directions given in January, when he had ordered removal of encroachments from the SWDs and clearing of bottlenecks to ensure the free flow of water. He directed Giri Nath to ensure the smooth functioning of drains henceforth.
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