Benglauru: At Okalipuram, the worst stretches are 5th and 7th main roads, which connect West Bengaluru with important areas like Majestic and K.R. Circle. Residents say these roads have been in a mess for the past 40 years. While one civic agency lays the road, the other digs it to lay pipes or cables.
Areas close to the seat of power, Vidhana Soudha, are known to be a smooth ride for motorists. But at Okalipuram, which is just 4.5 km away from the Soudha, people detest even to walk on the streets because of potholes and trenches all along.
The worst stretches are 5th and 7th Main Roads, which are filled with potholes. What makes it even worse is that these stretches connect West Bengaluru with important areas like Majestic and KR Circle.
Mr Prakash, who runs a shop in the area, said, “I have been here for the last 40 years. The story has been the same. One department lays the road, while another digs it up to lay pipes and does not cover it up properly. In a few months, it is dug again.”
He said, “Those who drive by to go elsewhere are not affected much. But those who live here, like me, know how bad it can get. Minor accidents keep happening and motorists keep getting stuck in potholes.” Mr Prakash said that he takes all the precaution to ride slow as pedestrians keep walking on the road because of lack of footpaths.
Ambedkar Law College, primary and government schools, a public ground, a park, temples and churches are all located here. “Small children often fall and get hurt because of these potholes. I have to hold their hands and walk them to school, to make sure they are safe. It has been like this forever,” said Geetha, a parent. Pushcart vendor, Kumar, said, “This is a slum area where many poor people live, that is why nobody cares for its development. The roads get jammed because of heavy traffic from Rajajinagar, Malleswaram and Srirampuram moving towards Majestic and other parts of the city. One-hour-long traffic jams during peak hours are common on these roads.”
Local residents feel that as the area falls under four wards, officials and elected representatives pass the buck. Kumar said, “It is our road and it is for the public. It is everyone's responsibility.” A sentiment that decision-makers might not share.
‘Old sanitary pipes have to be replaced’
Interview with corporator Shivaprakash, Ward 96, Okalipuram
Why is the condition of 5th and 7th mains and other roads bad in Okalipuram?
Not all these roads fall under my jurisdiction. The entire area comes under four wards. As of now, the BWSSB work is going on. The area is very old, which is why the sanitary pipes on different lanes keep getting blocked and need to be replaced.
Residents say the roads have always been bad, constantly dug up and redone...
I have been a corporator only for the last three months. I am doing all that I can. A work order for Rs 1 crore has been given to four wards. We have to divide the fund for water, roads, streetlights etc.
Why is it taking so long?
The MLA of this area got some money from the Nagarotthana scheme. There was a dispute between two contractors who wanted to do the roadwork. Because of this, there is a stay order on some roads. Moreover, for those undergoing repairs, the workmen and contractors are not always efficient.
What is the solution?
The BWSSB pipe laying under the road and covering up is 75% done. In three months, asphalting will be done and it will be usable. As for the other roads which have a stay order, nothing can be done from our side.
