Fence to guard BBMP office

BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is on a makeover mode. The BBMP building, constructed in 1935, will soon have a new compound similar to Vidhana Soudha’s. The BBMP has assigned the same contractor, who provided compound grills to Vidhana Soudha, to install similar grills on its premises.According to reliable sources, the makeover is a part of the security measures in the backdrop of the recent fire accident where many key documents were burnt. “The present compound wall is only four feet height. Any one can enter the premises by jumping the compound wall without any difficulty,” says G S Girisetty, Assistant Executive Engineer, Multipurpose Engineering Department, BBMP.It is believed that nuisance by children and vendors has become a headache for the  multipurpose engineering department which maintains the premises. “Many street children and others use the premises as a dormitory. They use the toilet for their ablutions. If we lock the toilet, they will use the toilet door as a mark of protest,” says another engineer on condition of anonymity. Many attribute the easy access of BBMP premises as one of the reasons for the fire mishap. Perhaps to keep an eye on intruders, the BBMP has assigned security to Sainik, an agency maintained by ex-servicemen. “Now, we have 24 security guards (eight per shift) to guard the building round the clock,” says Girisetty.The plan also includes three shelters for security people at the three entrances. With the new shelters, they need not rush to the verandah of the building whenever there is a rain. “The guards will regulate the entry of public. One cannot enter the premises without a valid reason or purpose. We may request the police department to depute police whenever it is necessary,” says S Khandre, public relations officer, BBMP.After completion of installing the steel grills, the entry of vehicles and people is expected to be regulated on the lines of Vidhana Soudha.To complete the work, the BBMP has sanctioned Rs 2.25 crore as against the total tender cost of `2.16 crore. The work is expected to be completed in four months. As of now there are four gates to enter BBMP premises. “After renovation, the premises will have only three entry points,” said Girisetty.