Venkatachala won't walk away from issues that affect people

Venkatachala won't walk away from issues that affect people

The Hindu

`I will not stop my pursuit of development of tanks and lung spaces in Bangalore'

# His wife, Anasuya, says his routine has not changed even after his demitting office
# During his morning walk, some exchanged wishes while others expressed dissatisfaction over the Government decision

BANGALORE: N. Venkatachala does not look like a typical retiree. Though he laid down the office of Lokayukta a few days ago, he is still looking for things to clean up.

On an early morning walk with him on Wednesday, this reporter catches a glimpse of the fighter in him. Walking around the periphery of Sankey Tank, Mr. Venkatachala says, "I will not stop my pursuit of development of tanks and lung spaces in the city just because I have laid down office."

A security guard salutes and shakes hand with him. "Everyone here knows about me and the work that I am doing for improvement of the tank," he says and explains the facilities that will come up in the tank area.

Besides nabbing corrupt officials Mr. Venkatachala's pet project has been improvement of Sankey Tank. "I feel refreshed when I return home after going round the tank," he says.

Other walkers stop him. Some exchange wishes while others express their dissatisfaction over the Government's move.

"We are really sad to hear that the Government has not continued you in the post," says an elderly man.

"There is nothing I can do," replies Mr. Venkatachala as he moves briskly through the uneven pathway.

"The BMP is re-laying the pathway by making use of old interlocking tiles. The pathway will be made circular by building a small bridge over the portion of the tank bed that has been acquired."

From Sankey Tank his walking route takes him to a nearby alley and across land that has been acquired by the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike.

"This five-acre area will be developed as a park," he says, and points to two artificial ponds. "Fresh water will be stocked in these ponds. While one pond will be used for immersing Ganesha idols, the other will be used for religious rituals. This will reduce the pressure on Sankey Tank," he says.

He then walks past the Vyalikaval football ground. "Disregarding pressures from several quarters, I initiated the work of clearing the encroachment here. This ground, which was earlier a den of mischievous elements, is now free for youngsters to play football." He feels sad when he hears from some youngsters about policemen preventing them from playing on the ground.

As Mr. Venkatachala returns from the 90-minute walk, his wife, Anasuya, says his routine has not changed even after demitting office.

"He is still looking for things to do and goes to the office in the cellar and buries himself in work."

Mr. Venkatachala does not hear this as he has already walked away to his office to begin another day.