The New Indian Express 11.08.2010
Banaswadi craves for clean drains
BANGALORE: A little rainfall is sufficient to make life miserable in Banaswadi and its surrounding areas. There are no facilities available, adhering to the standard sanitary conditions to drain out rain water at the cross roads in Banaswadi ward.The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has done nothing so far in order to strengthen the existing open drains or take up construction wherever required. “We are finding it extremely difficult to come out whenever it rains. The low-lying areas get submerged with rain water,” says a housewife on condition of anonymity.
The basic facilities available at Lakshmamma Layout is very disappointing. Vacant sites with overgrown weeds have become a nuisance for residents. “We were very happy when Mayor S K Nataraj announced that overgrown weeds at various vacant sites will be cleared by the BBMP and the expenditure involved would be collected from the site owners along with property tax. However, no effort has been made till now to clear the weeds,” said R Jagadeesh Reddy of Kalyanamma Layout.
The overgrown weeds on a vacant site behind Anjaneya Temple is definitely an inconvenience to the residents of Kalyanamma Layout. “We saw snakes coming out of the overgrown weeds on many occasions. It would be a great relief if the BBMP takes measures to ensure these vacant sites free from weeds,” says Munirathnamma, a housewife.
Most of the open drains are choked with garbage on the 8th Main of HRBR Layout. The residents complain that garbage gets accumulated since the pourakarmikas fail to clear it on regular basis. “We made several requests to the BBMP authorities to ensure pourakarmikas visit our area regularly to clear the garbage but in vain,” said Shashidar, a resident.
An incomplete park near Green Park Layout indicates the perfunctory attitude of the BBMP. “Half of the pathway is yet to be developed at this park. The BBMP has spent money to put up colourful cement benches for the benefit of visitors. It would be a great help for the senior citizens if the BBMP complete the work of remaining portion of the pathway,” said N Srinivas, a senior citizen.
A Kodanda Reddy, corporator, Banaswadi ward, said that the development work would be taken up only after presenting the BBMP budget. “There is a lot of work to be taken up, but no funds. I will try to convince the Mayor to allot more funds for this ward to take up development works,” said Reddy.
On enquiry about the completion of pathway at the park near Green Park Layout, the corporator says that the work is incomplete due to lack of funds.
