Drinking water, drain pipes to be replaced

‘Drinking water, drain pipes to be replaced’

Information and Bangalore North In-charge Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu on Monday said that the State Government had decided to replace drinking water and drain pipes in the city in a phased manner in the next two years.

Speaking to reporters here, Katta said that Rs 1,200-crore plan was prepared under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Replacement works had already begun in some areas, he added. The existing pipes, which were four to five decades old were rusted and had developed cracks, thus causing major health problems. He said that the government had also decided to conduct an inquiry into all decisions taken by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

He, however said that the nature of the inquiry would be decided after consulting the law department. “Indiscriminate decisions of the BWSSB with regard to various works had not only resulted in the poor quality of works but also caused huge loss to the ex-chequer,” he said.