The New Indian Express 01.04.2013
CCTVs to monitor garbage dumpers
This footpath near Jayanagar 1st block, 3rd cross is facing an unlikely 'green' issue from a certain residents. Malathi Vaidyanath, who resides around the area, is really unhappy to see a garden path which is meant for walkers. According to her, it is eating into the footpath.
The PTA Nursery and Primary School and the house just opposite to the school have planted a line of trees and plants more or less decorating the footpath with greenery. Though there are a few who object, for autorickshaw driver, Raja, this is not causing any hindrance to pedestrians. Raja said. "Why will the garden on the side of the road cause a problem? I park my auto nearby every day in this area since I reside here. But I don't see anybody having problems with the garden. It contributes to the greenery."
Naveen Naik, who picks up his grandson from the school, Poornaprajna Vidyaniketana, states, "We don't have problems in them planting trees, but they should not consider this space as part of their property. When they do, is when the problem arises. If you see, only a small lane is left for pedestrians as most of the area is encroached for gardening purpose."
But this is not the same case in the opposite lane of this area. The road which is wide has less footpath as people use it for dumping garbage, to park their vehicles or cows use it to take rest.
When corporator Gangambike Mallikarjun was contacted, she said, "I don't see any problem for pedestrians. I have visited the area and I am very much aware of the garden in front of the school. They have just done it to beautify the road. I am not against this gardening if it is without upsetting the pedestrians. I feel that people of this area have taken the initiative, which could not be maintained by us," said Mallikarjun, who is also taking strict action against people who are dumping garbage in and around the residential area. "I along with the police and a few people are planning to install a CCTV camera in 1st and 2nd block of Jayanagar to keep a check on garbage dumpers and other unwarranted issues. We are just waiting for the elections. Probably by 1st week of June, the cameras will be installed," she said.