Cattle and people jostle for space here

Cattle and people jostle for space here
— Akshata Acharya

Bangalore: For about half a decade, residents of Hanumanagar Road, near Thippasandra post office, have been struggling to lead a normal life amid a fast crumbling civic infrastructure.
Cattle in the streets, damaged drainage system and neglected roads are some of the problems here. Residents say things have not improved for a long time.
Five years ago, the BBMP planned to build a community hall behind the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple here. Halfway through the project, the hall was demolished and debris lay scattered all over the place since, uncollected.
Now, the BBMP has washed its hands off the matter. “There is no use in clearing this debris. The community hall idea was also in vain. Had the residents given a complaint to the BBMP inspector on time, this situation wouldn’t have arose,” a senior BBMP official said. “We cannot
take action without a registered complaint,” the official said. Residents have been hoping for five long years
that the BBMP would clear the debris. Some people have used the spot as a shelter for their cattle and livestock. The cattle population has increased over the years and now there are more cattle on the road than commuters.
“The authorities have played a cruel joke on us. While walking on this road, we have to watch our steps lest our feet get smeared with cow dung,” said Devaki, a resident.
BJP minister S Raghu, who won from C V Raman Nagar constituency and stays close to the area, said: “The demolished community hall was then planned as per the BBMP Aashraya Yojna. I know of the problem and will inspect the area on Tuesday along with some officials. After that I will talk with the BBMP.”
The residents promised that they will take care of the areas once BBMP clears the debris. “After clearing the debris, the BBMP can construct a park,” a resident said.

CATTLE PRADESH: The site of the abandoned community hall project on Hanuman