Sat Sep 27 16:57:12 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, suitable for The Hindu’s online format:
**Bengaluru CM Siddaramaiah Launches Crackdown After Public Outcry Over Potholes and Waste**
**Bengaluru, September 27, 2025:** Following widespread public anger and a social media storm over the deteriorating state of Bengaluru’s roads and waste management, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conducted a surprise city-wide inspection on Saturday, delivering harsh criticism and directives to engineers, contractors, and civic officials.
Visibly displeased with the conditions, the Chief Minister focused on addressing the city’s pervasive pothole problem and the mismanagement of solid waste. He began his inspection at Windsor Manor Bridge and then covered Hennur-Bagalur Road, Benniganahalli Flyover, Old Madras Road, Panathur Road, and Kaadubeesanahalli.
At Ward number 23’s solid waste collection center, witnessing garbage strewn outside despite available space inside, the CM immediately directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to issue a notice to Raghavendra Prasad, Chief Engineer of Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd. (BSWML).
The Chief Minister has issued a strict one-month deadline for civic agencies to repair roads and eliminate potholes, emphasizing the need for durable solutions rather than temporary fixes. During an inspection of Hennur-Bagalur division, Siddaramaiah suspended an executive engineer after discovering that potholes were being filled with jelly stones instead of proper asphalt.
He also took a firm stance against illegal dumping of construction debris, particularly at Panathur T-Cross, ordering the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of BBMP marshals. The Police Commissioner and Corporation Commissioner have been directed to take stringent action against offenders.
The Chief Minister also addressed concerns about disruptions caused by ongoing Metro construction. Noted that neglected service roads, blocked drains, and water stagnation had damaged freshly white-topped stretches, and ordered immediate repairs and upkeep of service roads.
During the inspection, the CM was spotted angrily questioning civic and traffic officials on why waste was being dumped on roads without any corrective action taken.
Concluding his inspection, Mr. Siddaramaiah delivered a stern warning, stating that engineers, contractors, and commissioners would be held directly accountable for any future lapses in road maintenance, pothole filling, and waste management. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and ensuring accountability at all levels.
First Piper 