No amenities, yet property buyers flock in

No amenities, yet property buyers flock in
The Times of India

Bangalore: Kaggadasapura in C V Raman Nagar doesn’t have even the basic civic amenities. But paradoxically, it’s a much sought-after area for property: be it flats or independent houses. Not surprisingly, it is fast turning into a concrete jungle.
Says Nazeer Ahmed of a property developer group: “It’s widely perceived that property in Bangalore will be soon become unaffordable. That’s what drives people to overlook lack of infrastructure when looking for a house.”
The hype surrounding Devanahalli international airport too has contributed its bit. People are led to believe that there will be sudden growth and development in the areas surrounding the airport and nearby stretches.
The residents are quite unhappy with the state of affairs in the area. One complaint is the excess charge demanded by the BWSSB staff for sanctioning water supply and sanitary connections to apartments. “How can the BMP approve construction of so many apartments in Kaggadasapura? Every single flat is being charged over Rs 30,000 for water and sanitary connections whereas independent houses pay only Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000. What is the rationale behind such discrepancy in rates? It’s totally unfair. There seems to be a nexus at work,” complained a resident, Girish Nanjundaiah.
BWSSB chief engineer (maintenance) L S Khandappanavar refutes allegations of any nexus. “The charges levied for supplying water and giving sanitary connections are based on rules. Different rates are applicable for independent houses, residential apartments depending on the nature of the building as well as the site dimension. They cannot be compared. Pro-rata charges are levied considering these requirements,” he maintained.
The area also faces a plethora of problems: narrow potholed muddy roads, poor drainage system, bad street lighting, frequent power cuts, insufficient water supply, lack of BMTC services, encroachment of lakes, heavy traffic flow and garbage menace. These have not been addressed despite repeated pleas made to the authorities by the citizens.
‘I am the boss here’
When contacted, a worker at the corporator’s residence replied: “What do you want to know? Ask me. I am Unni, a worker at the corporator’s residence. She is not available. What has happened in Kaggadasapura? Have you received any complaints from people? I monitor all the developmental works there. I will answer.”
MLASPEAK: A KRISHNAPPA
We are not able to meet the demands of the increasing population. There is rampant unprecedented growth. Development is an ongoing process. Whatever facilities we provide today may not be enough after some days. Planning and infrastructure development should focus on future requirements. The Municipality doesn’t have enough funds to carry out development work. As far as charges for supplying water and sanitary connections are concerned, they are different for the elite class and underprivileged people. Those who can afford paying all the charges shouldn’t shy away from it. There are also technical reasons for levying such charges.