Residents protest against Metro

Residents protest against Metro

The Hindu

`Appoint technical review committee to address people's concerns'

# 500 shops, 147 houses may have to be razed
# Harishchandra Ghat area may be reduced
# Lung space may be hit


BANGALORE: Residents and traders from parts of Malleswaram and Rajaji Nagar lined up for over a km on the roadside on Monday to protest against the Metro Rail running through their neighbourhood.

The Mahakavi Kuvempu Road Residents and Traders Association said over 500 shops and 147 houses will have to be razed if the Metro route is not realigned. In addition, 300 avenue trees may have to be felled for the tracks, it added.

The association said the residents of the area are upset over the possible reduction in the area of Harishchandra Ghat, the oldest crematorium in the area. Gayatri Devi Park in the locality, which is the main lung space for the residents, may also be affected, they added.

The residents and traders asked Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) to hold public hearings to know the environmental impact of the project, the harm it may cause to the existing structures and whether traffic congestion will be eased on account of the Metro. They also said that the needs of commuters of all backgrounds be met by it.

The Government, on its part, should appoint another technical review committee to address the concerns of the people living on Mahakavi Kuvempu Road and order an inspection of the route by qualified, independent engineers, they said. Alternatives such as ring railway and monorail should not be given up.

The residents and traders also said the escalation of the cost of the project has not been taken into account. They pointed out that the Delhi metro has an occupancy rate of 30 per cent. The power needs of Metro Rail and how it will be met should be explained as people in several parts of the city are facing power cuts. In any case, Metro should not place any additional burden on taxpayers, who have paid special cess for some years.

Clarification

Meanwhile, BMRCL officials clarified that they are not opposed to options other than the Metro also being offered to city commuters. The Comprehensive Traffic and Transportation Plan for the city provides for various other choices, in addition to the Metro.

These could include a monorail and buses of a larger type. "Metro Rail will be one among them," they said.