The subways in the city is a favourite haunt

The subways in the city is a favourite haunt

Y Maheswara ReddyFirst Published : 09 Jan 2010 09:32:32 AM ISTLast Updated : 09 Jan 2010 10:25:33 AM IST
BANGALORE: When Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) spent crores of rupees for the construction of pedestrian subways at many places in Bangalore, little did they realise that it would become a nightmare for pedestrians.
While a few of them need cleaning urgently, others need watchmen to avoid anti-social elements, including sex workers and drunkards, misusing them.
The subway on Seshadri Road near SJPC was inaugurated by Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa barely six months ago. Due to the lack of watchmen, electric bulbs were either stolen or broken. If the piling up of garbage is anything to go by, it seems no BBMP sweeper had ever entered the subway to clean it. “Many government employees, from the agriculture and health department use this subway. We are fed up with the garbage. We are using it because it is be difficult for us to cross the road due to heavy traffic,’’ says an employee of Agriculture Department.
One needs to search for a handkerchief before entering the subway near the Reserve Bank of India on Nrupathunga Road, people explain. A few anti-social elements not only use this subway as an open toilet but also to consume liquor. “The BBMP spent lakhs of rupees on this subway. It has forgotten about its existence after the completion of the construction work.
The stench that emanates from this subway makes us think twice before entering it. But we have no other option,’’ says an employee of Canara Bank.
It is believed that a few sex workers, including hijras, use these place to cater to the needs of their customers.
“No one will question the sex workers if they lock all gates from inside and do their business. They can open the gates after serving their customers,’’ says Muniyappa, who works in a nearby hotel.
Chikkaveerappa, Chief Engineer (Roads), BBMP has said that measures would be taken to ensure the subways clean. “I know that some anti-social elements are misusing these subways during night. I am planning to lock the gates of the subways between eight pm and six am to stop them from misusing these subways,’’ says Chikkaveerappa.
On the missing electric lights at the subway near SJPC, he said that a decision will be taken shortly to hand over its maintenance to the respective ward office of the BBMP.