Denizens in 'dark' as Palike digs Bangalore roads

Denizens in 'dark' as Palike digs Bangalore roads
By S Lalitha, DH News Service, Bangalore:

The BBMP’s road-widening work on Bellary Road may ease the traffic scene, but with their cable lines being frequently cut by Palike’s ground diggers, BSNL and Bescom officials aren’t amused. Residents are angry as they suffered yet another power disruption on Monday evening.

A visit by Deccan Herald revealed a bigger picture: The road-widening work opposite the veterinary hospital has frequently affected power and telecommunication lines. Result: BSNL and Bescom officials face public ire.
Power was disrupted on Millers Road, parts of Jayamahal area and TV station area on Monday as an electric cable was severely damaged along Bellary Road. The power, however, was restored.

A Bescom official said, “The cable lines here feed Jayamahal, Benson Town, TV station, JC Nagar, RT Nagar, Rahamat Nagar, Ganganagar and surrounding areas. Two of our cables have already suffered extensive damage; we are guarding four of our cables so they are not harmed.”

Another official said the BBMP is only interested in completing its project before the deadline, unmindful of the problems it poses. BSNL DGM (transmission & maintenance) Maiton Toppo said telephone and internet connectivity suffer regularly in Sanjay Nagar, Yelahanka, Sahakar Nagar, IISc and Malleswaram due to the road-widening works.

Though the BBMP informed BSNL about its road-widening plans two years ago, the BSNL could not shift its utilities as the civic body had not demarcated the exact area. Tappo said, “They sometimes start work even before they fix the border. BSNL can’t shift its utilities unless its gets clearance for the entire route.”

Krishna Reddy, Chief Engineer (Major Roads), BBMP said the widening work taken up three months ago will be completed by March-end and that national standards were clearly laid down for laying utility cables. “It is up to the different departments to scrupulously follow them.”