Bangalore: The Karnataka government has appointed IAS Maj. Manivannan P.. as the new Commissioner of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), with effect from 31 May.
Currently serving as Principal Secretary in the Social Welfare Department, IAS Manivannan belongs to the 1998 batch of the Indian Administrative Service.
IAS Manivannan will take over the BDA role with concurrent charge.
This development follows the scheduled retirement of the current BDA Commissioner, Jayaram N., who was set to leave the office on 31 May. The appointment comes at a time when the BDA is facing mounting pressure over delays in key projects and criticisms regarding urban planning.
IAS Manivannan will take charge amid growing scrutiny over the slow progress of the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout project in Kengeri.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar recently confirmed that the much-publicised skydeck project, aimed at boosting tourism and urban aesthetics, will be developed within this layout.
However, the delays and infrastructure challenges have raised concerns among stakeholders.
Both the BDA and the BBMP have come under fire from citizens and urban planners for enabling unregulated urban expansion, often approving new developments without ensuring adequate infrastructure support.
IAS Manivannan’s tenure is expected to be very significant in terms of addressing such issues and restoring public confidence in the BDA’s planning and execution capabilities.
