Bengaluru traffic constable takes leaf out of ‘Swachh Bharat’

Bengaluru: At 62, K. Satyanarayana is his own inspiration. His passion to work for society keeps him going. Though a traffic constable by profession, he does wonders while patching up roads, fixing broken dividers and repairing drains. And every morning, he sincerely waits at the Vydehi Hospital in Whitefield to man the traffic.

Ask him why he decided to contribute in his own way to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan without any pressure or provocation, he reveals, “About five years ago, I realised that my repeated complaints to BBMP and other agencies were falling on deaf ears. When no one offered to help, I decided to help myself. So, instead of complaining that nobody was helping, I started working on the repairs myself.”

Call it an unpaid part time job or a hobby, he’s the man to turn to when anyone needs help or wants to volunteer for a better society.

He points out seriously, “Broken roads and road medians can pose serious dangers to commuters, especially bikers. If someone constructing a building dumps material like stones, mud and other debris, I clear them to ensure a free flow of traffic. I use debris to fill potholes or do patchwork on the road. This way, I know I don’t have to depend on anyone else for help,” he says.

As is generally the case with people like him, his efforts for the city hasn’t gone down too well with many, who have tried to obstruct his work on multiple occasions.

“I ignore those who try to stop me and work with those who support me. Many have tried to stop me. Recently, when I was fixing a broken divider, a man questioned what I was doing and stopped me. He took me to the station and demanded action against me. But I came back and continued with what I was doing. I like to work for society and will continue to do so. This is my area and I am responsible for it,” beams Mr Satyanarayana.

His unswerving interest in his neighbourhood hasn’t gone unnoticed. The residents of Whitefield have awarded him for his good work. Interestingly, on Facebook, 14,920 commuters have voted for him as the best traffic cop in the locality! Before he signs off, he doesn’t forget to say, “I may be a police official but I will not stop working for my area!”