Forest Minister Reddy calls for stop to HSR Layout drainage work over quality concerns

Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who also serves as the MLA for BTM Layout, wrote to the chief commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority demanding that the storm‑water drain project in HSR Layout be stopped immediately. He pointed to a 1.2‑metre wide drainage channel being built on 14th Main Road, Stage 5, ahead of the surface paving being carried out by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B‑SMILE). Reddy said the low‑quality construction has damaged the underground drainage network and caused traffic snarls, troubling local residents and commuters. While inspecting the site he saw uneven concrete work and poor alignment, and raised the issue with the B‑SMILE site engineer, who he claims did not act. The minister asked the civic authority to cease all activity, reassess the work already done, and consider penalising the contractor for the alleged sub‑standard work. He warned that continuing the project could worsen road conditions and raise future repair costs.## Context The city’s rapid growth means many infrastructure schemes involve several agencies, and lapses in construction quality can quickly affect daily traffic and drainage performance.