The New Indian Express 09.08.2010
Sewage cleaning, a costly affair here
BANGALORE :The residents of Horamavu ward have an added task. In the absence of underground drainage facility in many areas of the ward, they have to spend a lot of money on getting the sewage pits cleaned once in six months.“Getting the sewage pits cleaned is a thankless job. The people who clean the pits demand a lot of money but we have no option but to give in to their demands,” said Rathnamma, a housewife who resides in Kyalasalanahalli.
This is not the only problem. Horamavu, which is one of the newly-added wards of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), lacks basic amenities.
Most of the roads are yet to be asphalted. For example, roads at Munireddy Layout and Ashirwad Layout need immediate attention. The residents Anjanappa Layout have also demand that the BBMP asphalt the roads, strengthen open drains and make provision for drains where necessary. “The low-lying areas get submerged after even a light spell of rain. It is difficult to use the roads during monsoon,” said Deepak Sebastian, who sells sports equipment.
Stray dogs are the other problem in the area.
The residents of many parts of the ward also face an acute shortage of drinking water.
“The majority of the borewells have dried up. A few of them need immediate repair. We are forced to buy water from private suppliers, who demand premium for supplying water,” said Sherin, a housewife staying at 5th Cross of P&T Layout.
“The BBMP has to take the initiative to provide basic amenities,” said Sharadamma, a housewife.
Tejaswini Raju, the corporator, blamed the BBMP for the problems in Horamavu ward. Tejaswini alleged that the Palike has not released funds for development work even three months after the BBMP Council came into existence. “The need of the hour is to supply water and create an underground drainage facility. I expect the BBMP to release funds for development work as early as possible,” said Tejaswini. The corporator said that the BBMP has taken up asphalting of roads at Hoysalanagar.
“A tender was floated for asphalting work at P&T Colony. I expect the process to be completed in a few days,” she said.
Tejaswini said the groundwater table had touched the rock bottom and many borewells have dried up in and around Horamavu.
“I am taking measures to ensure regular supply of water with the available resources. The water problem can be mitigated if the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) takes measures to recycle water from Horamavu Lake and supply it to the areas where water shortage acute,” the corporator said.
