Bumpy ride in CM’s neighbourhood

Bumpy ride in CM’s neighbourhood

Residents say the pothole-ridden roads, poor drainage system and no provision for garbage disposal have dampened their spirit of having a high-profile neighbour

SAMEER RANJAN BAKSHI & ATUL CHATURVEDI



While Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has decided to splurge on Bangalore’s roads, his neighbours in RMV Layout continue to crib. Reason: All roads in this posh area are full of potholes except for the one that leads to the CM’s personal residence.
“We have lodged several complaints, but in vain. We continue to put up with bumpy rides,” said one of the residents, adding that it dampened their happiness of having a highprofile neighbour.
Residents said Bala Anjaneya Temple Street, which is just 100 metres from the CM’s residence, has not been repaired for the last 10 years.
Mehboob Ali, a 78-year-old resident of the locality and a former PWD official, said, “Auto drivers refuse to come here because of the bad state of the road.”
K S Anusuya, a housewife who has been living there for last 25 years, said, “I do not know when the road was last repaired, since it was constructed 25 years ago.” She said local MLA Ashwath Narayan had three months ago assured the residents that he would do the needful to get the road repaired.
DRAINS IN A MESS
Another resident, Shyamala Devi, said, “We have heard that funds for its repair have been sanctioned. But the work is yet to begin. Many old people walk along the street in the morning and evening. Recently, one woman fell down and suffered a fractured limb. Even the drainage system needs repair. Water enters my house during the rainy season.”
POTHOLES GALORE
The 4th and 5th cross roads, which run parallel to the road leading to the CM’s residence, are infested with potholes. T S Ganesh said, “I have been living here for four years now. These bumpy rides irritate me every day.” He said the bumpy ride begins just 30 metres away from the CM’s residence. Like most of the people, even the CM has failed to see his back and the brazen BBMP, which invariably fails to provide civic amenities, is not bothered about the condition of these roads.
Bangalore Mirror tried to contact MLA Ashwathnarayan, but in vain. BBMP assistant engineer Keshavmurthy said, “The corporation has sanctioned Rs 99.5 lakh for the purpose. Asphalting will begin shortly.”
The open landfill, where garbage of the area is being dumped, is only a stone’s throw from the CM’s residence. BBMP commissioner S Subramanya said, “ The road and garbage disposal work near the RMV 2nd stage will start soon.”
IN THE LIGHT



Ido not know when the road was last repaired, since it was constructed 25 years ago. Local MLA Ashwathnarayan had assured us relief three months ago
K S ANUSUYA, a housewife