‘Mono better; why not Metro go underground; let it be as it is’

‘Mono better; why not Metro go underground; let it be as it is’
DH News Service Bangalore:
Even as Bangalore Metro continues to raise concerns of environmental degradation and potential public inconvenience, the Karnataka Chapter of Transparency International India has urged Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to intervene and stop the Metro, much ahead of its tracks...

Even as Bangalore Metro continues to raise concerns of environmental degradation and potential public inconvenience, the Karnataka Chapter of Transparency International India has urged Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to intervene and stop the Metro, much ahead of its tracks.

The organisation submitted a memorandum to the Vice President in Bangalore on Thursday, asking him to help in saving Bangalore from “total devastation and destruction.” “...Not only will this finish the City environmentally by destroying the existing tree cover which has been dangerously depleted, but more importantly it will destroy the homes and businesses of over 20 lakh persons,” Justice M F Saldanha, retired High Court Judge and Chairman of the organisation, said in the letter.

He claimed that on M G Road alone, livelihood of over five lakh people will come to a standstill if the project starts on schedule, next week. The organisation also termed Mono Rail as a “perfectly viable and better option” and pointed out that it had been successful in 16 countries so far.

The following are reactions from the members of the public:

Alternative

Metro is of paramount need for Bangalore. But the alternative to go underground should be considered for areas including M G Road. The way our projects are done, I’m sure this will become an eyesore by the time it’s completed. In fact, Metro should go underground right up to Old Madras Road. Passing along the roads and creating land acquisition hassles all along the way is a short-sighted approach. Even though the cost would be much higher, in the long run, it would be extremely effective to have it underground in areas including Ulsoor, Indiranagar and Rajajinagar.

—Madhusudhan

Don’t halt Metro

Please don't change any alignment right now, when the project is going to start within a week's time. It is unwanted criticism and some people wanted to spoil the image of Bangalore by unnecessary protests. The alignment change should be suggested when the plan was done, not at the final stage. Please allow the project to continue without any hurdles. If we want to have some good projects, we have to sacrifice something.

—Krishnan V

Save Bangalore

Structures that reflect the essence of Namma Bengalooru need not be pulled down. We need to identify alternatives, keeping in view the requirement of the GenX. The stretch from Majestic to Trinity Circle could be made "underground" .

—Tilak Subramaniam

More a showpiece

The Metro Rail stretch on M G Road appears to be more of a showpiece than visible necessity. If Metro Rail goes underground and saves these 16 trees and the beautiful look of the promenade, the extra cost would be more than worth. BMRCL can allot shares to citizens to cover the extra cost

—V Mysoremath

HAVE YOUR SAY

The upcoming seven-km Bangalore Metro stretch will change the face of M G Road.

While the project has run into opposition over destruction of the elevated walkpath on MG Road, concerns have also been raised on the very logic behind the elevated stretch and alleged lack of transparency in decision-making.

Deccan Herald offers a platform for readers to suggest alternatives. Write in your views to The Editor, Deccan Herald, 75, M G Road, Bangalore — 560 001 or email: editor@deccanherald.co.in