Relief from flood eludes HSR layout

Relief from flood eludes HSR layout
Deccan Herald

The victims of last October’s floods - the residents of HSR layout - are still waiting for the ‘flood relief work’ to complete.

In early February, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) promised to take up 62 minor and major repair works, at a cost of Rs 35 crore. However, the ‘damage control’ work only began in April, and it remains half done, despite the onset of the monsoons.

Meanwhile, the residents are bearing the brunt of the slow work-in-progress. An important link road at HSR VII Sector has been dug up for concreting a storm water drain running under the road.

Long detours

Road users rue the fact that they have to take long detours to even cross the road on the 1.3 kilometre stretch.

The problems of V Lakshman Reddy of Priyanka Medicals go beyond that. “My business is suffering because of the ongoing works. The BDA gave notice to a few residents and business establishments, but not to all,” Reddy says.

Agrees Arunachalam, who stays in the same neighbourhood.

‘Life is hell here’

“There was no intimation given to us. Since April, we have not been able to use our vehicles. Inadequate water supply, disturbance in telephone lines, lack of street lights and stench from the filthy water that stagnates in the open drain, has made life a living hell,” he said.

However, P C Govindarajan, President of the Welfare Association for Sector VII, HSR Layout, feels residents should have a participatory approach. “The project has caused inconvenience but we have to co-operate with officials,” he said.

BDA’s response

“We didn’t get notification for three tenders as the asphalt and material prices shot up. This led to the delay. But we will definitely finish the drain and formation of road by September-October,” claims Virupakshappa, Executive Engineer, East Division.

“The BMP took up road works around the same time we did. This made it difficult for us to get contractors to do the civil works. However the problem has been sorted out and we will finish the work in a few months,” a senior BDA official added.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Tender released in February 2006

*Stormwater drain work began in April 2006

*Estimated cost of project is Rs 649 lakh

*Total distance is 1.3 kilometres

*Areas covered include Begur, Bommanahalli, Mangammanapalya and all 7 sectors of HSR layout

*Deadline: September 2006