Some great expectations and a few worries of harder times

Some great expectations and a few worries of harder times
What does the general public think of Greater Bangalore? Deccan Herald spoke to some of them. Here is what they have to say to the project:

l Retired government engineer J K Shankar Rao , who was born and brought up in Bangalore: “I think Greater Bangalore will create more mess. This corporation is not able to manage the present 100 wards; so, how can a single agency manage nearly 200 wards after the merger? Politicians are bothered about their own affairs even if they make so much noise on infrastructure. The solution is not merger of all these bodies but in activating erstwhile agencies like the Bangalore Agenda Task Force and the like. One cannot say how the merger will affect issues like property tax collection, issue of khatha etc... ”

l Mr Ramanand, a Davangere-based hardware businessman , who is in the process of moving house to Bangalore (at JP Nagar VIII Phase): “I am not resident here, but I’ve been associated with Bangalore for the last 50 years. Much of what I know of the problems of this city is learnt from newspapers. From personal experience I can say roads and traffic should be improved on priority basis. I am not convinced that a single agency will be able to address the issues concerning such a large area.”


l Selvaraj, interior decorator, a resident under Yelahanka City Municipal Council: “I am happy about the merger. Our situation will improve further. Much progress is already seen in our area because of the upcoming Devanahalli airport. My only concern is -- will a single corporation mean that all functions will be centralised? See, today I have come here (to BMP office on MG Road for a birth certificate). Regional or zonal offices of the corporation should be located close at hand for the people — near places of residence or work.”

l A M Syed Pasha, civil works contractor staying at Shivajinagar: “The merger is welcome. The IT-BT people (though located in the CMCs) were only looking at their own interests. Now the lot of the people under CMCs will improve. They can look forward to more facilities. My relatives in CMC areas often complain of difficulties in getting a property registered, bad roads and so on. Take the case of the drain work (from near Arabic College, Tannery road, to Nagawara). A work that can be completed in eight days has been dragging on for six months now.”

l Jagadish, an auto driver, residing at Ramamurthynagar, KR Puram: “I don’t think one agency can do all the work. In any case, it doesn’t matter whether it is one or two corporations, the City should develop. In the process, hopefully, my business will also improve. There will be more distances and better roads to cover.”

l Pramila, housewife in BEML Layout, Rajarajeshwarinagar CMC limits: “Our area has seen significant improvement of late. The offices of my son and daughter-in-law are located in the City centre. They travel to and fro daily. The merger is welcome.”