Residents want action taken against officials concerned for lapse in maintenance of roads
For weeks, residents of neighborhoods across the city have been protesting to highlight the condition of roads and sidewalks and the health hazards posed to motorists and pedestrians. The death of a disabled 75-year-old man, when he was reportedly negotiating his scooter at a pothole on Manganpalya Main Road, angered citizens, many of whom blamed civic agencies for the apathy.
He demanded that the agencies wake up from their “deep sleep” and take action against the officials concerned for the lapses.
Rajkumar Dugar of Citizens for Citizens demanded that the government impose heavy fines on officials and others who failed to maintain the roads. “In July, a biker was injured when a motorcycle skidded on loose gravel near Kalpana Circle. The people working in the smart city were responsible as they did not clear the gravel while doing the repair work. Our volunteers took him to the hospital and got him treated,” he said.
The injured motorcyclist had sought compensation so that he could pay his medical bills and get his bike repaired. “It was only when we took up the issue with the concerned authorities that the compensation was given to them. Accidents are a common occurrence due to bad roads, but when we violate the rules the general public is punished. why the same rules should not apply to officers; Heavy fine should be imposed on them,” Mr. Durgar said. Others, especially those living in the Central Business District area, criticized the road work under Smart City. “Lack of coordination among various agencies has only added to the disturbances,” said a motorist.
On Monday, Revenue Minister R. Ashok gave the Greater Bengaluru Municipal Corporation time till September 20 to repair the poor access and fill potholes on 1,332 km of major roads. But it has been met with a healthy dose of skepticism.
“Every rainy season they talk about fixing potholes. We are in September and agencies are still taking time to fix the problems,” said Vinod Kumar, a motorist.
A member of Whitefield Rising said, “Despite raising awareness about the missing roads and potholes, there is no response by the BBMP or other civic agencies in the city to tackle the issues. There is no concrete way to provide good roads. Efforts are not being made. We want civic agencies to build roads that withstand rain and do not do patchwork as they tend to disintegrate after two rains.
People living in Varthur said that their roads have turned into mud due to work by several agencies.
“We have raised the issue in Varathur, Nallurhalli and other areas, but nothing has happened so far. Officials are still buying time. We have been waiting for good roads since 110 villages were added to BBMP 13 years ago. The apathy and recklessness continues,” said another member of Whitefield Rising.
.