RAIN HAVOC: A tree which fell at the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt on 8th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore, in the downpour on Monday. — Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

BANGALORE: The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, on Tuesday directed the Commissioner of the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP), K. Jothiramalingam, to place under suspension assistant engineers who do not respond to rain-related emergencies.

After visiting the spot near Sujatha cinema, where two boys — John Billu Moria (13) and Moses Karna (12) — fell into an overflowing drain when they were trying to retrieve a ball, the Chief Minister told presspersons that the BMP Commissioner will be given a "free hand" to initiate action against irresponsible officials.

Rules to be amended

He said the Government has decided to amend the rules and extend the powers of the Urban Development Secretary to the BMP Commissioner. "You will be empowered to initiate strict action against officials who do not discharge their duties properly," he told Mr. Jothiramalingam.

Mr. Dharam Singh instructed the BMP and police officials to be on high alert during rains. "Your work should be visible. Identify all vulnerable points that are prone to inundation and ensure citizens' safety before the damage is done. Why do you people wait till deaths are reported," he asked.

Cooperation assured

He said the Government will extend all cooperation to the civic body's citizen-friendly measures.

The Chief Minister said an official from the Forest Department will be deputed to the BMP to oversee tree pruning and felling. The official will also help the BMP to combat the problem of roadside tree falls, especially during rains, he said.

Two months ago, the BMP Commissioner and Mayor wrote to the Government seeking the deputation of a forest official to the civic body.

Pointing out that the Government has permitted citizens to fell trees that pose a danger to life and property, the Chief Minister said some environmentalists are objecting to this.

"Therefore, an official will be deputed to address the probmel," he added.

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