Problems aplenty in this BDA layout

Problems aplenty in this BDA layout
Deccan Herald

“A few residents have been lucky to find buyers for their flats. But, stagnant water and poor sanitation have made it difficult for others to find a buyer,”

Meena Iyer, a resident of HAL III Stage, is desperate to sell her flat. Reason: She dreads a repeat of last year, when rain water gushed into her home and the sump. “Rains scare me as I am reminded of last year’s misery. I am fed up and want to get out of this place,” she says.

Ms Iyer shares the same concern which at least 350 other families in this BDA layout have. “A few residents have been lucky to find buyers for their flats. But, stagnant water and poor sanitation have made it difficult for others to find a buyer,” adds Iyer.

The BDA layout (near Kemp Fort) is in a low-lying area and is vulnerable to flooding. To make matters worse, water from the adjoining slums and stormwater drains flow into the sewage line in the area and clog the drains. “Severe waterlogging is caused due to water from Anandapuram, Jeevan Bima Nagar, Sudhama Nagar, Kalappa Colony and HAL colony flowing into our sewage line. Stagnant pools of water have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” complains A K Varadan, President of the HAL III Stage Residents’ Welfare Association.

The drains are cleaned twice every week, claims Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB), while the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike insists that garbage is cleared regularly. But nothing is visible on the ground and there is no end to the woes of the residents.

“All this doesn’t solve our problem as long as waterlogging continues. Several trips to the BMP ward office has not helped. For the last two-and-a-half years nothing has been done,” rues Mr Varadan.

Even senior BMP officials agree there is a serious problem. “We have prepared a project report and called tenders for restoration of drains. But no contractor is willing to take up the work. We will get the work done with the help of the Karnataka Land Army Corporation,” said Mr Gopalaswamy, Chief Engineer of East range.