The New Indian Express 26.10.2010
Open drains in Marathahalli, a concern
BANGALORE: The residents of Marathahalli ward want the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to act on open drains in areas such as Ashwathnagar and Yemalur. Some residents have also complained about lack of water supply in the area.“We have not received corporation water for months now. We pay money for private supply of water,” said Pushpindu Ghosh, a resident of Ashwathnagar. Drains flowing right outside his house have been uncovered in spite of several complaints made. “BBMP authorities ask us to get the drains covered ourselves,” he said. The same story continues a few hundred meters away in another household. “The smell from the uncovered drains makes it hard for us to stay inside our houses,” exclaims Nirmala, a resident, who said that the authorities have been evading action on complaints.
Things seemed much better in Yemalur and surrounding areas. The roads are adequately asphalted, with no problems in water supply. “We receive sufficient amount of water on alternate days. If there is any insufficiency, our complaints are immediately acted upon,” said Vijayamma, a resident. The only glitch remains of the open drains. “I have fallen into them many times. Complaints have been made, but we are waiting for the authorities to take action,” she said.
There is high regard for the ward corporator among residents. They appreciated the effort being made to make the ward better than before. “There is progress in the ward. It is much better than it was before. Roads have been maintained and water supply is regular,” said Amar Narayan, a resident, who also agreed that open drains were a major concern.
The corporator J Varalakshmi has said that she will soon submit a report to the Special Commissioner about the issues being faced by residents in the ward. “I will begin work on open drains as soon as the new budget is approved. I also visit various areas in the ward regularly,” she said.
