Underpass at JP Nagar: Sanitary lines broken, footpaths dug up

Underpass at JP Nagar: Sanitary lines broken, footpaths dug up
BBMP work, residents nightmare
DH News Service, Bangalore:
Residents of 15th Cross, 24th Main in J P Nagar 2nd Phase under the aegis of the J P Nagar Citizens Association (JPNCA) have been up in arms against BBMP ever since it began construction of the underpass work on their road on May 12, 2008.


The contractor entrusted in carrying out excavation work for the proposed underpass has dumped mud and slush opposite every house, making it impossible for the residents/inmates to walk or take a stroll. Worse, basic safety precautions have been thrown to the wind, as children in the vicinity could easily slip and fall into the deep pit dug up, what with sewerage water seeping out from the broken BWSSB water pipes.

The JPNCA even sent a memorandum/letter to the chief minister and BBMP commissioner to seek a solution to their woes, but the powers that be, elected by the citizens themselves have chose to ignore them and not replied to the association. As Dasharathi K V a resident who is among those affected says, “No prior notification was given to the residents of the road, who have been residing here for decades, about the proposed underpass work or even any alternative arrangements to be provided, for example entry roads being blocked.”
He added that planning before execution of the underpass was totally missing, gates of houses blocked, concrete poured into manholes, leading to sewage water backflowing into the toilets.

“BBMP has resorted to petty procedures like pouring concrete into manholes, blocking storm water drains and causing untold hardships to residents of the road”, explains Dasharathi.

Kailash Poddar, another resident and core committee member of JPNCA said, “Sanitary lines have been broken during excavation of the underpass, causing manholes to overflow into storm water drains. Worse, excavated earth has been casually dumped on the road and footpaths are dug up. The authorities are indifferent to the residents.”

Dr D B Meundi, president of JPNCA added that though four months have passed since commencement of work, no significant progress is visible.

What BBMP says

When contacted Commissioner of BBMP S Subramanya said, “I did visit the area where the underpass work is on last week. In any massive infrastructure work taken up, problems are inevitable. It is a 18 month project. Five months have passed. A depth of 6 and a half mts has to be dug for a underpass. BBMP had issued prior intimation through the media before work commenced. We are aware of the complaints and will look into it.”
He added that officials have been instructed to work in coordination with other civic agencies/bodies.