Civic infrastructure yet to keep pace with fast growth

Civic infrastructure yet to keep pace with fast growth

Deccan Herald

Yelahanka, one of the largest Assembly constituencies in the State, has almost become an extension of Bangalore City thanks to its fast growth.

But despite having the potential for being turned into an ideal township, this constituency remains a good example of how the neglect of authorities could affect an area’s development and the provision of civic amenities. As such, drinking water shortage, bad roads and drainage, lack of proper garbage clearance system and mosquito menace characterise Yelahanka as it is today.

Though MLA B Prasanna Kumar has won for the second time from this constituency, he is yet to come to terms with the infrastructure and civic problems gripping this fast-growing constituency. What has made the problem more complex is the constituency’s strange composition — Yelahanka comprises areas varying from remote villages near Hessarghatta to posh localities near Bangalore City. Besides, the constituency has nine wards of BMP, two CMCs, 10 village panchayats, two ZP wards and seven TP wards.

Though most of the localities here have wide roads, they are full of pot-holes. According to the residents some of the roads here have not been tarred for over five years now.

Moreover, the poor drainage system has paved the way for water stagnation in several areas causing unbearable stench. The situation is worse during rainy season, when overflowing sewage gets mixed with rainwater and flows onto the roads. Yelahanka CMC member Annapurna remarks that she is surrounded by people with complaints of water-logging and overflowing drains during rainy season. With the garbage clearance system not functioning effectively, the area has been turned into a near litter-zone, besides being the breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Apart from the regular civic problems, security too has become a concern in some areas including Sahakarnagar. Residents allege that thefts have increased in the area despite regular meetings and complaints to the police. Some residents have expressed their desire to hire private security guards to patrol streets at night.
Though the increase in the number of industries has opened greater employment avenues, they have also brought a share of problems with them. The Puttenahalli tank, once an abode for rare birds, has become polluted with these industries releasing effluents and dumping sewage into it. Pollution is said to be so high that several animals including cattle have died after drinking water from the tank.

B PRASANNA KUMAR’S POINT

*Though I have taken up several development works, they are not visible as the constituency is vast and also comprises a large number of backward areas like Devarajeevanhalli.
*Underground drainage system to be implemented at a cost of Rs 63 crore.
*Public Works Department to take up several stretches of road for upgradation at a cost of Rs 28 crore.
*Drinking water problem to be solved when the scheme to provide Cauvery water is completed in one-and-half-months.
*Tarring of roads not undertaken so far due to rains. Road improvement works to be taken up at the earliest.
*300 low-cost flats to be constructed and given to poor people in Kenchenahalli. Similarly, government land in several other areas to be utilised for Ashraya and Ambedkar schemes.

VOTERS’ VOICE

Vishwanath, Bangalore Urban ZP member: The MLA has neglected rural areas coming under his constituency. Most of the rural areas face drinking water shortage and have bad roads. Though the Ashraya housing scheme is meant for the poor, the rich too have been given sites.

Chandraiah, Optician, Yelahanka: Mosquito menace is unbearable here. We are forced to use mosquito repellents right from the evening. The civic authorities have not initiated any steps to control the mosquito menace.

Muniraju, Dairy farmer: Puttenahalli tank is polluted as industries release effluents into it. Several cattle have died after drinking water from this tank. But no action has been initiated nor have we got compensation for the cattle we lost.

Lalitha Hegde, Anganwadi teacher: There is no proper underground drainage system. Garbage clearance too is bad causing mosquito menace.
Kannan, Attur Layout: Drinking water supply is bad here. We have not received water for the past 20 days.