Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 20: Chief minister B S Yediyurappa has issued instructions to investigate the allegation of large scale irregularities in the white topping scheme of the city roads during the previous coalition government's rule and file a report. He also has directed to withhold works on the third phase of the works.

A letter in this connection has been addressed to the additional principal secretary in the department of urban development. There is information that K J George and Dr G Parameshwar, who were ministers in charge of Bengaluru development, may face problems because of this investigation. Allegations about large scale embezzlement of
funds under the scheme were heard when these two were ministers for Bengaluru Development.

K J George and Parameshwar

In the past, some complaints had been registered about scam in the white topping scheme. The chief minister wants investigation to be conducted based on these complaints. He has noted that there are allegations of misuse of grants under first and second phases of white topping scheme and ordered to withhold the third phase till an investigation report on the irregularities is filed.

In the first phase of white topping scheme, works costing Rs 800 crore had been taken up. In the second phase in 2017-18, a sum of Rs 690 crore was provided for white topping. For the third phase, Rs 1,139 crore has been set aside. It is noted that white topping charges tendered for city roads exceeds the rates fixed for national highways. There is question of substandard quality works. For every kilometer, the government has spent Rs 11 crore for white topping within the city and there is no clarity on which basis this rate was fixed. There are also complaints that white topping was done for roads which do not need it.

The investigation may also create problems for certain officials, sources said.