Date:21/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/21/stories/2005122125420300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Water shortage to be solved on priority

Staff Reporter

Mayor Mumtaz Begum inspects amenities at Devarajeevanahalli, KG Halli, Sagayapuram and Kaval Byrasandra

BANGALORE: Mayor Mumtaz Begum on Tuesday promised the residents of Devarajeevanahalli that the perennial drinking water problem in the area will be solved on priority.

During her visit to the backward wards of Devarajeevanahalli, Sagayapuram, KG Halli and Kaval Byrasandra, the Mayor criticised the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) officials and held them responsible for the "appalling civic conditions" in these wards.

The residents complained that they had to buy water at Rs. 2 a pot for daily use. "The drains here are blocked and garbage is never cleared. We don't have water and the roads are bad. It is impossible for people to reside here," the residents told her.

They also pointed out that every time a civic head visits the area, he promises better life. But nothing really happens because the officials are only interested in improving the "posh" areas.

The Mayor noticed that the condition of several areas in Devarajeevanahalli, especially Kuridoddi and Doddanna Garden localities, was awful. "It is really unfortunate that effluents released from unauthorised tanning units are blocking the drains. I wonder why the Medical Officers of Health are not closing these unauthorised tanning units?" she said.

Assuring the residents of priority to these wards, she said: "We cannot encourage two kinds of Bangalore — one for the middle and upper class and the other for the poor. I want you all to ensure that these wards too are developed on par with the `posh' areas." Urging the residents also to cooperate with the BMP in keeping the city clean, she advised them not to throw waste into the drains.

On the water problem in the area, the Mayor explained that the delay was because of the work to lay the water pipes on Defence land. "We have taken up the issue with Defence authorities. But we will take alternative measures to provide water through tankers till the issue is resolved," she said.

The Mayor said Tannery Road will be upgraded under the Karnataka Municipal Reforms Project (KMRP) at a cost of Rs. 50 crores.

Deputy Mayor M. Lakshminarayana, the area corporators and senior BMP officials accompanied her.