Bengaluru: For residents of Bohra Layout, just off Bannerghatta road, long drawn power cuts and water shortage have been constant companions for the past three years. “There are over 3,000 households in and around the Bohra Layout that fall under the Gottigere BBMP ward. From the past three years there has been no proper power supply to the houses,” said Hatim Kothaliya, president of the Bohra Welfare Association.
When asked about the number of hours of power supply, Hatim Kothaliya said, “We hardly get 5-6 hours of power in a day. Since the past one week it was further reduced to 2-3 hours.”
He lamented the fact that even after raising the issue several times with the Bescom officials, there was no proper response from them.
“The situation is so bad that we are not able to carry out our daily jobs. Instead of resolving the power crisis, the Bescom officials are asking us to use generators and that is not the solution,” said Jayanta, a local resident.
“For how many months can we go on relying on generators for power?” Jayanta questioned and added, “Just to feed the generator with diesel we are shelling out over Rs 1,500 every month.”
“As there is no proper water supply, we are depending upon private water tankers on a daily basis. Furthermore, the poor drainage in the area is an excellent breeding ground for various diseases. Dengue being the major concern within the community,” said Jayanta.
Abbas a resident of nearby Himagiri Meadows said that the power problem was not restricted to Bohra Layout. “Even residents of Himagiri Meadows are suffering from power cuts. Since the past 3-4 days the situation has turned unmanageable for us as we are have power supply for only 4-5 hours,” he said.
Haven’t received any complaints: Lalitha Narayan, BBMP Corporator
DC talks to Lalitha Narayan, BBMP Corporator, Gottigere ward
Excerpts.
Are you aware that over 3,000 residents in and around Bohra Layout are facing power issues for the past 3 years?
Yes, I am aware that there is a power problem. But I realised the magnitude of the problem only recently.
Residents allege that even after repeated complaints to the concerned authorities, no action has been initiated. Why so?
I have not received any complaints from the residents. There is load shedding for 2 hours everyday.
Even though the power problem has been there for many months, why has the issue not been resolved?
I was elected as corporator one year back. I got to know the magnitude of the problem only recently. I will bring this issue to the notice of the concerned authorities and solve the problem.
How long will it take for you to get the issue solved?
It will take at least 3 months.
