Forest Minister and BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy has written to the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s Chief Commissioner, flagging substandard civic works in HSR Layout and demanding an immediate halt to the project.

Mr. Reddy referred to the construction of a 1.2-metre-wide stormwater drain on 14th Main Road in HSR Layout Stage 5, ahead of the white-topping works being undertaken by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE).

“Due to the poor quality of work, the underground drainage system in the area has been affected. In addition, smooth traffic movement has also been disrupted due to the poor condition of the road, causing inconvenience to local residents and other commuters,” Mr. Reddy said in the letter.

The Minister noted that during a site inspection, they had observed that the ongoing works were of poor quality. The issue was subsequently brought to the notice of the B-SMILE engineer in charge. However, he alleged that the engineer had failed to address the problem.

Mr. Reddy has demanded that the civic authority immediately halt the ongoing works and review the work completed so far. He has also sought action against the contractor, citing the alleged poor quality of work.