A road which is no one's baby

A road which is no one's baby

The Hindu

Officials and councillors of wards 99 and 100 claim it does not fall in their jurisdiction

Bangalore: In response to "Public Eye" on December 6, C. Selvamani of Shettappa Layout, Ashwathnagar, says the narrow and small stretch of the road between Ashwathnagar Bus Stop (off Sanjay Nagar Main Road) and the 80-Foot Road leading to M.S. Ramaiah Hospital is in a state of neglect. Sandwiched between Ward nos. 99 and 100, it is dotted with huge potholes. Residents allege that it is a "no man's land," as the officials and councillors of the two wards claim it does not fall in their jurisdiction.

Mr. Selvamani points out that being the only arterial road between New BEL Road and Sanjay Nagar Main Road, it is overused by all types of vehicles including buses and lorries. Traffic jams are common. Using the road in rainy season is a nightmare.

He was not exaggerating when he said: "It is simply suicidal for the pedestrians." The Hindu reporter could see a schoolboy narrowly escaping an accident near a restaurant where the road turns dangerously. "At least 10 people fall at the spot every day as they have to apply brakes suddenly," said Sharan Pandian, who has a shop near the spot. Mr. Selvamani said a two-year-old boy was killed some time back.

Residents allege that the BMP has been promising to implement the original plans to complete the 80-foot Road and extend it up to the Sanjayanagar Main Road. But this is not being done. Consequently, the narrow road, measuring only about 20 ft., is taking the brunt of traffic.

`City village'

In his response to `Public Eye,' S. Sheshadri of 15, 3rd Main Road, RPC Layout, writes: Ever since dustbins were done away with, two people are employed — one for collecting garbage and the other for sweeping the roads. But now roads are swept once in three days. When they come, they do not have proper brooms, baskets and the tools to pick up the garbage.

They have to buy brooms on their own. Roads and footpaths are always dusty. I have never seen the councillor inspect the area. We are paying taxes without protest. Bangalore remains a "city village."

Assurance

The article mentioned that the 1st Main Road in 1st Block Koramangala has not been asphalted for the last four years. The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has assured Ram Murthi, a resident, that the work will start on Wednesday.