No money to rebuild Kengeri

No money to rebuild Kengeri
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: It is not only the City Municipal Corporations which are complaining about shortage of funds. Even the only Town Municipal Corporation in Bangalore urban — Kengeri — has the same problem. Residents grumble about water shortage, bad roads, poor drainage and uncollected garbage.

A major problem is that during heavy rains, the Hosakere tank overflows and causes floods. Officials are not really bothered despite a number of dharnas. They have passed the buck onto the Forest Department.

Sriram, a resident says: ‘‘Hosakere lake dried completely years back. Hence, a pipe which carried overflowing water was cut and closed with cement. When it rains heavily, many houses submerge. Due to this problem, some live in nearby temples and sleep in schools.’’

Anjanappa, a councilor comes up with an escapist explanation. ‘‘We have asked the Forest Department to look into the matter. We are trying to sort the issue soon,’’ he offers.

However, this is not the only problem. Parameshwar, a resident, points out that no one bothers to collect the garbage either. Ravi Kumar, another resident adds: ‘‘Inspite of holding dharnas and strikes, no one hears our problems. They do not want to help as most of us are poor.’’

The much talked about water problem is another issue. Kirti, a resident says: ‘‘We get tanker water once in three days. Officials say we have to pay Rs. 10,000 to the BWSSB if we are interested in Cauvery water. Most of us can’t.’’