Bengaluru: In the Central Business District, the roads are flawless like the Infantry Road that connects private companies, police commissioner’s office, residential areas and commercial establishments. But just step into the by-lanes and the pathetic state of affairs reveals itself.
The first extension of Infantry Road on the right – Vishranti Nilayam Lane and Plain Street – and Hospital Street on the left are three such inner roads that are in poor condition.
“People park their vehicles on roadsides and footpaths on these lanes, and walk to catch the Metro. The road has been in a bad condition forever. Potholes and broken footpath slabs ensure that none of us senior citizens can step out for walks," said 86-year-old Daisy, who has been living since 1990 in Vishranti Nilayam, a home for orphans and elderly.
Tree branches, a pole and rats can be spotted occupying the broken pavements. The Resident Welfare Association claims to have spent quite a bit of their money to lay stone slabs in individual pockets in front of their homes.
“Some of us have spent money to lay the footpath slabs in front of our homes on Plain Street. We had to do it because the BBMP would not and the road edges became unofficial garbage spots. As for the road itself, we complained and it has been half done,” said Sufiyan, a resident of the area.
Bad roads and footpaths are the common problem in the area. Hospital Road, to no one's surprise, has broken or non-existent footpaths and the road has not been asphalted for a long time.
“There is a government maternity home on Hospital Road which is visited by hundreds of pregnant women. They struggle to walk on these broken pavements. Local residents put some mud on the footpaths so that there is something to walk on,” Sufiyan said.
The residents said that it a cause for concern when tax-paying citizens have to address civic issues on their own by shelling out money and effort to get the civic works done, when is should be the responsibility of the BBMP.
‘Asphalting of roads taken up based on need’
Interview with AEE Jaisimha, Sampangiramnagar ward
Why is asphalting of Plain Street half done?
I am not aware of this. A particular road is usually taken up for tarring at one go and not in sections. Also, asphalting is taken up depending on the need. Some roads need more attention than the others and are given priority in the ward.
Why does Hospital Road have no tar at all?
I am not aware of this. Most of the roads in wards 62, 63 and 110 have received funds under the Nagarottana Scheme. The work starts only as per the tender document date. It has to be started and finished within the stipulated period.
What is the cause for delays or lack of action?
Contractors many a time do not show up when tenders are called. There is a problem with payments. They have not received their dues from the BBMP. The road work does not even begin until we find someone to take it up.
