Without cover

Without cover

Express FeaturesFirst Published : 21 Apr 2010 09:00:38 AM IST
BANGALORE: That the common man’s difficulties often do not matter to those in authorities is widely accepted. However, this reached ridiculous proportions when the bus shelter on Sankey Tank Road was removed and the footpath there was encroached upon, all for the sake of establishing a petrol pump on the spot. All this has been done without taking the permission of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BBMP).
Interestingly, though the bus shelter on the main road has been removed a couple of days ago and the footpath encroached upon for setting up the Shell petrol station, which was inaugurated on Monday, BBMP officials say that they are not yet aware of such a development.
“The work on setting up of the petrol station was on for more than a month now. A few days ago, we noticed that bus shelter had also been removed and we have no clue whether the BBMP has given them the permission to do so,” said Kantha, a resident of Sadashivanagar.
The buses now stop at a distance and this has proved to be an inconvenience to the public, including those who are waiting for buses and the pedestrians, Kantha said.
When residents of the area complained about the removal of the bus shelter and the encroachment of footpath to the newly-elected corporator of Rajamahal Guttahalli ward, M Vijaya Kumari, she inspected the spot on Monday evening.
The owner of the petrol station was not available for an inquiry, Vijaya Kumari told Express, but added that the BBMP’s permission had not been taken for removing the bus shelter.
“They have also encroached on the footpath and this has caused inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.
The buses are forced to stop at a distance now,” she added.
“We will bring this to the notice of the commissioner and will ensure that action is be taken against the owner of the petrol station,” assured Vijaya Kumari.
When Expresso contacted BBMP officials, they were not aware of the encroachment or the shifting of the memorial. However, they assured that all luggage will be inspected and action would be taken if there is any violation found.