Irrespective of whichever party comes to power, Karisandra ward, close to Banashankari water tank, remains a picture of neglect. Bad roads, poorly lit streets and overflowing drains during monsoon are a constant here. There is also rampant unemployment and many youngsters here are involved in selling drugs. The residents claim as most of them belong to economically weaker sections, the elected representatives don’t care about their welfare
Bengaluru: Irrespective of whichever party comes to power, the condition of the roads and sewage at Karisandra ward, close to Banashankari water tank, remains the same.
In 2015, just a month before the BBMP municipal election, the issues of bad roads, poorly lit streets and overflowing drainage were raised, but seldom did the residents thought that there would hardly be any change in their lives.
When Deccan Chronicle went to the spot for a reality check, some local residents told us they could not speak to the media for the fear of being targeted, but the conceded the roads are in bad shape.
“We came here two decades ago. The area is not safe at night and it is pitch dark since there are hardly any street lights. Since most of us are not well off nobody cares for us,” Siddaiah, a local resident said.
As early as 2010, one of the elections promises was to improve the literacy level in the area. Siddaiah claimed that lack of education had pushed many young boys to selling ganja.
One of the residents, a mother of two, Vidya Shree (name changed) said that the ward lacks civic amenities and faces drinking water shortage.
“During peak summer we have to call lorries for water since the supply is intermittent. The lanes are narrow and the budget
allotted for the ward is meagre. When the BBMP was on a mission to fill the potholes, did they not think about the Karisandra ward? Almost the entire area faces the same issue,” she added.
The ward also has an issue with parking. The narrow lanes sometimes get jam packed since there is hardly any space for parking and with the coming up of new commercial outlets, the area remains congested all day long. “Often the cars are parked on the footpath,” Siddaiah commented.
The BBMP was supposed to give a facelift to the burial ground in the ward, but nothing has changed on the ground.
Development has remained an elusive dream for these residents.
All roads in bad condition, will be repaired soon: Mayor Sampath Raj
The condition of roads in Karisandra ward is pitiable. When will the BBMP repair these roads?
The roads will be taken care of if they are in a dilapidated condition anywhere. I will look into the issue and try to get the roads repaired as soon as possible.
Last year, the BBMP proposed to allow hawkers to continue their business, but by allowing enough space for pedestrians. Has the BBMP worked on it?
This was discussed in the last meeting and details will be furnished by Monday, August 20.
You have said that the budget to install CCTV cameras across the city would be passed soon, but there are many areas that still do not have cameras. Has the budget been cleared for cameras?
Yes, that was cleared long back and every ward will install cameras. This is not only to monitor garbage dumping, but also to prevent theft and chain-snatching incidents. At HSR Layout, the cameras are connected to the police station and are being monitored by them. They will be installed wherever they are not there
