Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore

BMP indifferent to SVK Layout residents' pleas

By Afshan Yasmeen

BANGALORE June 16. Sri Venkateshwara Krupa (SVK) Layout in Basaveswaranagar is an example of civic apathy. The inclusion of the area (that falls under ward number 16 - Kamalanagar) in the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) limits in 1992 has not brought any relief to the residents.

While bad roads (not asphalted since 1992) make drivers manoeuvre through the lanes, open drains emit foul smell, and encourage mosquito breeding. Improper illumination has made the area a beehive of anti-social activities. The layout has only one sodium vapour (SV) lamp.

Added to the woes of the residents, the authorities have removed slabs covering the storm water drain in several places, as if wanting someone to fall in it.

After repeated complaints, the drain was cleaned. But the officials apparently forgot to remove the silt dumped alongside the drain. In fact, in Kirloskar Layout, the heaps of silt are lying next to the Kamalanagar ward office.

"The heap of silt is not only a health hazard but is also disrupting traffic as it occupies half of the road. Repeated pleas to the BMP's area Junior Engineer and Executive Engineer have fallen on deaf ears," said R.G.Seshachalam.

``This is not the first time that the authorities have forgotten to dispose the silt. It is dumped on the roads every ime it is removed. Although we are regular taxpayers to the BMP, none of our civic problems are solved. We are not privileged to enjoy any facilities from the civic body," he said.The residents are frustrated over the BMP's negligence about inconvenience caused right near the ward office. "The authorities have not bothered to remove the silt and close the open drain though it is just next to the ward office. Neither the area corporator, M.Shivaraj, nor the BMP officers have been of any help to us," said Ms. Uma Ranganathan.

When the Mayor, K.Chandrashekar, announced that the BMP would develop a model park in each ward, these civic-minded residents just hoped that their area would have a park. But they are disappointed that no progress has been made in this regard."Although we submitted a representation to the Mayor during the Sammukha programme requesting for a park in the area, all that we got was an assurance," said Satyavathy Seshachalam.

Another request from the residents that has fallen on deaf ears is the naming of roads and by-lanes in the area after noted personalities.

When contacted, the area Executive Engineer, Puttamalikaiah told The Hindu that immediate measures would be taken to remove the silt from the area. "The heaps of silt will be cleared on Monday itself. The issue was brought to my notice only this morning. I will ensure that it is removed and the slabs are placed back on the drain," he said.The area corporator, Shivaraj, was not available for comments.

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