Are these really roads?

Are these really roads?
S Lalitha

Anyone who steps into L B Shastrinagar (which branches off Airport Road) will realise the importance of a key aspect of civic infrastructure—roads. Untarred roads, large potholes, out-of-the-blue road humps and large slabs protruding from nowhere, you name it, the roads of this area have it all.

With major downpours every other day, the potholes are filled with water and the paths are paved with slush. Those residing here are naturally enthusiastic to elaborate on their pet woe to anyone.

.Mention the 8th ‘A’ Main Road and Lalitha, who resides at Srinidhi Signature, says instantly, “Believe this or not, I did not go to office last year when I was pregnant out of fear to travel on these roads. Moroever, autorickshaw drivers refuse to ply their vehicles inside from the main road as they fear their vehicles will not be able to withstand the brunt of these roads.”

The drivers who venture in are naive ones unaware of the infrastructure here. Venkatesh, a security staffer at CWC, a non-governmental organisation, recalls this remark made by one such driver: “Had I known the condition of the road would be so bad, I would never have brought my auto. It is suffering a lot!”

The portion that is bound to witness something catastrophic is the junction between 7th ‘A’ Cross and 3rd Main Road. At one corner is a drain and a major opening dug to lay a pipeline to supply Cauvery water is left open near it. A small slip will take vehicles into the drain. “I have seen many two-wheelers taking the turn to the 7th ‘A’ Cross fall into the drain or cars getting stuck here,” says Abdullah, a nearby shopkeeper.

For the past eight years, Venkateshappa, a resident of neigbouring Annasandarapalaya, has been selling vegetables on these streets. “The wheels of my pushcart get bent often due to the potholes. The roads have remained the same over the years.” Even little Cynthia, a class VI student, is affected. “Many times I have been on the verge of falling off my bicycle,” she says.

This area was once a deserted place. But the last five years have seen apartments mushrooming all over and IT professionals eagerly purchasing them. It is difficult to find a vacant plot now. It is this which is putting off businessman Vivek, who has lived here for over 20 years. “Too many vehicles and so much honking on the streets. Vehicles are able to move only at a speed below 10 km. It is terrible every morning between 8 am and 9.30 am when buses enter the Ganesh Temple Road and occupy the entire road.”

For an outsider, it is the height of irony to see plush apartments and expensive cars coexist with the horrendous roads. Uthkarsh, a resident welfare initiative, launched a rally some months ago to draw attention to these roads. “We are contantly in touch with BBMP to improve the place. A sum of Rs 4 lakhs has been approved for metalling the roads and repairing the drainage. However, work never seems to start,” said secretary Sridhar.
So, where lies the hope? One resident, requesting anonymity, offers a solution: “I don’t think there is any point in waiting for the government to better our lot. Most of those who reside are owners and if each can contribute a small sum of Rs 100 towards laying the roads, we can make a huge difference ourselves.”

If this appears to be the only solution in hand, is not the existence of a civic body redundant in their case?