<p>Former BJP councillor N R Ramesh recently called on the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/bbmp">Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)</a> to withdraw the proposal to procure 20 mechanical sweeping machines, citing a glaring lack of transparency in the deal. The proposal, estimated at a staggering Rs 764 crore, has raised eyebrows due to the disproportionate allocation of funds. The former councillor has estimated the cost of the sweepers at only Rs 64 crore which leaves the remaining Rs 700 crore solely for operations and maintenance. This lopsided distribution has sparked concerns about fiscal responsibility and the justification for such massive expenditure. The BBMP has failed to provide essential details about the proposal, such as type, brand or capacity of the sweepers. Without this critical information, it is difficult to comprehend how the astronomical figure of Rs 764 crore was arrived at. As Ramesh rightly points out, this opacity raises serious questions about the intentions behind the proposal and the potential misuse of public funds.</p>.<p class="bodytext">This is not the first time BBMP has ventured into the realm of mechanical sweepers. In 2016, the civic body acquired one such machine at a cost of less than Rs 1 crore. Two years later, it purchased 17 more at a cost of Rs 23 crore – a deal that was criticised for its high price tag. However, the current proposal of Rs 764 crore represents an inexplicable escalation, even after accounting for inflation. The numbers simply do not add up and the BBMP’s refusal to provide clarity only deepens the suspicion surrounding the deal. When mechanical sweepers have shown promise in certain contexts, their effectiveness under BBMP’s management remains questionable. For instance, the Whitefield Export Promotion Park Industrial Association (WEPPIA) has been using these machines for long, reporting significant cost savings and cleaner roads. However, the BBMP’s track record with its existing fleet of approximately 25 sweepers is far from impressive. Citizens have often complained that these machines are rarely used.</p>.How south does the Kumbh Mela go? .<p class="bodytext">Before moving forward with the new proposal, BBMP must answer several pressing questions. What is the status of the existing sweepers? What measurable outcomes have they achieved in terms of road-cleaning efficiency, cost- effectiveness and quality of work? The lack of transparency, unexplained costs and the questionable necessity for such an expensive upgrade should not only invite scepticism but also prompt a serious reconsideration of the proposal. The BBMP should step back, reassess, and provide a clear and justified roadmap before proceeding. Until then, the proposal should remain on hold.</p>
<p>Former BJP councillor N R Ramesh recently called on the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/bbmp">Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)</a> to withdraw the proposal to procure 20 mechanical sweeping machines, citing a glaring lack of transparency in the deal. The proposal, estimated at a staggering Rs 764 crore, has raised eyebrows due to the disproportionate allocation of funds. The former councillor has estimated the cost of the sweepers at only Rs 64 crore which leaves the remaining Rs 700 crore solely for operations and maintenance. This lopsided distribution has sparked concerns about fiscal responsibility and the justification for such massive expenditure. The BBMP has failed to provide essential details about the proposal, such as type, brand or capacity of the sweepers. Without this critical information, it is difficult to comprehend how the astronomical figure of Rs 764 crore was arrived at. As Ramesh rightly points out, this opacity raises serious questions about the intentions behind the proposal and the potential misuse of public funds.</p>.<p class="bodytext">This is not the first time BBMP has ventured into the realm of mechanical sweepers. In 2016, the civic body acquired one such machine at a cost of less than Rs 1 crore. Two years later, it purchased 17 more at a cost of Rs 23 crore – a deal that was criticised for its high price tag. However, the current proposal of Rs 764 crore represents an inexplicable escalation, even after accounting for inflation. The numbers simply do not add up and the BBMP’s refusal to provide clarity only deepens the suspicion surrounding the deal. When mechanical sweepers have shown promise in certain contexts, their effectiveness under BBMP’s management remains questionable. For instance, the Whitefield Export Promotion Park Industrial Association (WEPPIA) has been using these machines for long, reporting significant cost savings and cleaner roads. However, the BBMP’s track record with its existing fleet of approximately 25 sweepers is far from impressive. Citizens have often complained that these machines are rarely used.</p>.How south does the Kumbh Mela go? .<p class="bodytext">Before moving forward with the new proposal, BBMP must answer several pressing questions. What is the status of the existing sweepers? What measurable outcomes have they achieved in terms of road-cleaning efficiency, cost- effectiveness and quality of work? The lack of transparency, unexplained costs and the questionable necessity for such an expensive upgrade should not only invite scepticism but also prompt a serious reconsideration of the proposal. The BBMP should step back, reassess, and provide a clear and justified roadmap before proceeding. Until then, the proposal should remain on hold.</p>
