The New Indian Express 23.11.2010
Menace of sanitation continues
BANGALORE: Home to the highly revered Sri Rama temple, Sri Rama Mandir ward is 45-years old. Given its age, the ward looks clean, orderly and well maintained on the outset. However, a few areas in the ward suffer from unattended garbage, sanitary problems and poor roads.
While residents are mostly satisfied, they believe that the maintenance of the ward is not up-to-the-mark. “Earlier, there were problems with water shortage. But the situation is now greatly improving. There are sanitary issues in the area,” said Balakrishna Murthy, a shopkeeper in Jedehalli. He added that garbage collection is not satisfactory and that the drains need to be closed.
Most areas in the ward sport a clean look, thanks to timely garbage collection by the authorities. “Garbage is not at all a problem here. Collection of garbage happens on a daily basis. Even the drains are cleaned frequently,” says Jayakumar, a resident of Rajajinagar 5th block.
A pleasing sight is the presence of many parks in the area. One credible aspect here is the efficient use of space for these parks. A combination of small and large parks caters to the residents’ needs.
The Small-scale Industrial Area, a hub to many metal and steel industries, has no asphalted roads. Given the fact that these industries need good roads for better transport, the authorities seem unaware of the situation here. There are heaps of unattended garbage in parts of this ward.
In lesser-developed areas, the residents are satisfied with the improvements and developments in the ward. “Just about a month ago, a bore well was installed here. Also, the roads were concreted recently. Even garbage collection happens promptly,” said Rajamma, a resident of a slum in 5th block. However, she lamented that residents are often clueless about whom to approach to file for complaints. “The corporator does not visit our area, and we do not know where to go if and when we have a problem,” she said.
The corporator of the ward M G Jayarathna conceded that a lot of work is still to be done. “Sanitary pipes in the ward have become dilapidated, and they will soon be replaced. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will start work as soon as fund from the budget is released. Also, a rendezvous point for senior citizens will come up soon,” she said. She revealed that a multi-storey parking facility would be constructed near Bashyam Circle. “This will greatly ease traffic in and around Bashyam Circle. Work should begin in two months time,” she said.
