Centre seeks report from Bengaluru civic body over reports of diversion of funds meant for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The central government has sought a report from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike over allegations that a large portion of funds meant for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was not being used for the purpose.

According to a report by CNN-News18 , as much as Rs 23 crore, originally meant for building toilets, were diverted for building a graveyard wall. A total amount of Rs 153 crore was said to have been earmarked for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Bengaluru.

S Amresh, an activist, had approached the BBPM over the issue, and when he did not get a satisfactory response, he wrote to the prime minister’s office (PMO).

According to a report in Bangalore Mirror , funds to the tune of about Rs 100 crore were diverted from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to other expenses. Some of these include construction of school buildings, a playground, and covering an open drain with slabs.

In the Swachh Survekshan 2017 rankings, the BBMP ranked at 210th place in a list of 434 cities. Several cities in Karnataka are ahead of the capital in this respect. These include Mysuru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Shivamogga, Mandya, Tumakuru, Gadag Betageri, Hubli-Dharwad and Bagalkote.