Drain woes at Benniganahalli

The open drain at the entrance of Benniganahalli is sufficient to evaluate the BBMP’s concern towards this ward. The people have to search for handkerchief to protect them from the stench that emanates from the stagnated water in the open drain.

The residents of Benniganahalli suggest the BBMP to cover the open drain with stone or cement slabs. ‘’The sight of stagnated dirty water and garbage is nauseating for us. The politicians promise to make Bangalore a Singapore but do nothing,’’ said a resident on condition of anonymity.

The other disadvantage is the heavy traffic on the Old Madras Road. The residents said that because of the traffic, many children from other areas joined other schools thus decreasing the number of students at the Government School.

The heavy traffic on the Old Madras has also become a hurdle for the people of Benniganahalli. ‘’We wanted the BBMP to construct an underpass on the Old Madras Road. It will be convenient for us to reach the other side of the road.

It also helps the children of other areas to come to Government School. Earlier, it was very easy for to go to Pai Layout.

Now, we have to go all the way to KR Puram Railway Station and take a ‘U’ turn to reach the Pai Layout,’’ said N Siddalingaiah, District Congress Committee member.

The other disadvantage is the lack of proper sanitation. The BBMP has started replacing the old sanitary pipes with new ones but the work is not progressing as expected. ‘’The BBMP has taken up the work to replace the 6 inches sanitary pipes with 9 inches sanitary pipes. We are very happy that Deputy Mayor Dayanand has taken up many development work within a short span,’’ said B L Harish, a land developer.

If everything goes as per plan, the Government School is set to be shifted to a new building shortly. ‘’What is the use of having a brand new building without sufficient number of students?’’ asks a resident on condition of anonymity.

The overgrown weeds at a vacant place, just behind the school building, speaks the apathy of BBMP authorities to keep the area clean. ‘’The overgrown weeds, especially parthenium, are a health hazard. We made several requests to the BBMP to clear the weeds but no action is taken till now,’’ said a resident on condition of anonymity.

N Dayanand, Deputy Mayor, said that replacement of sanitary pipes was given priority. “These pipes were laid more than 30 years ago. I will ensure that the open drain is covered with stone or cement slabs shortly,’’ said Dayanand.

The Deputy Mayor said he had prepared a plan to have a skywalk facility on the Old Madras Road.