Three people behind anti-steel bridge protests, says Bengaluru minister K J George

BENGALURU: Denying shabby intentions behind the proposed steel bridge project between Raj Bhavan and Hebbal flyover, Bengaluru development minister K J George on Thursday alleged that a disinformation campaign was being carried out against the project by a few vested interest groups.
George, who has been pushing for the project despite public outcry, told reporters here: "Not everyone is against the project, a few groups are opposing it with ulterior motives and are misleading people with wrong information.The opinions of these groups are being projected as that of the majority. These groups have tried to dictate terms to the government, but since we did not fall in line they are out to stall the steel bridge project, which has been conceived to address traffic problems nagging the city."
Unfazed by human chain formed by thousands of people on Sankey Road last week to oppose the project, George said:"Three people are opposing the steel bridge project and they are highly biased. They want the government to fall in line with their thoughts and plans. They are trying to mobilize people against the project on the pretext of environment and aesthetics while ignoring the larger problem of traffic." George, however, refused to name the trio.
He said the elevated road project between Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal had been announced in the state budget and had also been mentioned in the Congress party's poll manifesto. Referring to the opposition to axing of around 800 trees for the 6.7km steel bridge, George said: "Even we are keen on protecting the environment, we will be compensating the loss of trees by planting around 60,000 saplings in the city."
He also slammed Rajajinagar MLA Suresh Kumar for opposing the steel bridge. George said: "We are constructing several flyovers and underpasses in his constituency and he has no problems out there, but he is opposing the steel bridge."
George said a portion of the Bangalore Golf course land will be acquired for the project. With regard to the Indian Air Force (IAF) land to be taken at Mehkri Circle, he said talks were on with the defence minister in this regard.
On the possibility of the overall cost going up by around Rs 450 crore if the steel bridge was to be extended up to elevated expressway near Esteem Mall, George said a technical report has been sought on the issue.
With regard to allegations that the supporters of the steel bridge project have created fake accounts on Twitter and Facebook to drum up support, George got into denial mode. "We cannot monitor all these. Those who have created these accounts and those opposing them should give explanations, not us."