The New Indian Express 26.08.2010
Think before you use this footpath
BANGALORE: The footpath on 18th Cross at Malleswaram is a classic example of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) lack of foresight before commencing any work.The BBMP’s Major Roads Division has proposed to widen the Sankey Tank Road and 18th Cross Road as part of its road-widening work. The BBMP authorities were in a terrible hurry to remove stone slabs on the open drain at 18th Cross. The drain covered with stone slabs was being used as a footpath by the pedestrians.
Now, the pedestrians have to get down from the ‘footpath’ on to the road to prevent themselves from falling into the drain. The BBMP authorities, who removed the stone slabs a few months ago are yet to cover the drain. “We have to be cautious while walking on this ‘footpath’. I hope the BBMP authorities will do something for the benefit of pedestrians,” said M Pushpalatha, an employee at a private company.
Prakash Kumar, Executive Engineer, BBMP (Malleswaram Division) has said that the stone slabs were removed as part of the road-widening programme. “My department has nothing to do with it. I will bring this to the notice of my superiors,” said Kumar.
When contacted, Chikkarayappa, Chief Engineer (Major Roads), BBMP, was not available for comment.
Meanwhile, Dr M S Shivaprasad, Corporator, Aramane ward, has promised to take up the repair work as soon as the BBMP releases funds. “We have completed all the pending works with the available funds. Now, we have to wait till the presentation of the BBMP budget to take up new development works,” said Shivaprasad.
