Bengaluru: For those residing at 1st cross, 6th main off Sarjapur junction near Iblur village, going to school or office is a major feat as the road leading to their houses is in a very bad shape, posing hazard to motorists and even pedestrians. It gets waterlogged even if there is a mild rain, as there is no proper water outlet from the buildings nearby and hence rainwater gets accumulated on the road. Though they have made numerous representations to BBMP, no action has been taken.
Motorcyclists falling off their bikes and getting injured, car wheels getting stuck in slushy roads, pedestrians hopping and jumping across puddles…all this is a common sight at 1st cross, 6th main off Sarjapur junction near Iblur village.
Repeated complaints to the BBMP authorities and police since last November have fallen on deaf ears. No one has come forward to give the residents any assurance from their daily ordeal.
The road in question, which provides access to over 20 houses, resembles a paddy field when it rains. Things are so bad, that not even for a single day have children ventured out on the street to play.
Crossing the road daily is a major feat for residents and a nightmare even after a small amount of rain, says Christina D’Souza, a local resident. “I have come to my parents’ residence for delivery. I have to get out for regular check-ups and I cannot imagine what will happen if there’s an emergency and I need to be hospitalized. To worsen the problem, construction materials like boulders, sand and steel have been piled on the road,” she added.
According to her recent post on Facebook, “Today, I risk the life of my unborn child to pick my son from school. What option do I have?” When the authorities did nothing, residents got together, pooled in their money and hired an earth mover to clear the slush, make their lives a bit easier.
After Christina’s complaint to the BBMP last November, she got a reply stating that Janardhan, an engineer, would be attending to her complaint. She says although he promised to solve the problem within five months, the engineer remained elusive even after six months!
Finally, he said he was transferred and another engineer Vinayak, an assistant executive engineer would attend to the road issues. Vinayak was no different from his predecessor, Christina said. He told her that he had submitted details about the quantum of work to the BBMP head office and would have to wait until tenders were floated.
Road repairs to begin soon: Satish Reddy, Bommanahalli MLA
Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy has assured that the road works in parts of his constituency will be taken up shortly and necessary approvals are being obtained. The works begin after the end of current wet spell.
Why is road repair at Sarjapur Junction in Iblur village being ignored, despite repeated complaints?
Getting approval from the BBMP for fixing the problematic roads is time consuming process. Programme of works have been submitted by engineers concerned to execute them. Approvals for some of the works were obtained about two months ago and the tendering process is going on right now.
The residents claim that they have been asked to spend for repair work. Why should they do so?
The residents need not spend for public work. The BBMP officials have misguided them. There is dearth of funds in BBMP for civic works, especially in this constituency. I will try to get the details regarding officials who have told the residents to shell out money and take action.
What will be the next step to solve the problem?
There is no other go but to wait for another 15- 20 days until the rains stop Meanwhile, tenders will also gets approved and work will be taken up.
