Jakkur Main Road, a classic case of neglect

BANGALORE: In response to countless complaints against Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) regarding issues concerning civic amenities and roads in and around the area of Jakkur Layout and Jakkur Main Road, Amruthahalli, City Express takes a look at the existing problems.A bylane from the main road, this street is not even asphalted or wide enough to carry heavy vehicles let alone more than one bus at a time. The tale of woes continues into other issues such as garbage, road widening, drainage pipes and encroachments.The erstwhile Jakkur Plantations Village has been developed into a sophisticated residential area but without providing any primary civic amenities. “A contractor was once found filling potholes with crushed stones. He even said the road would be ready for use in two weeks,” informed Sukumaran Nair to City Express.Nair and other residents from the nearby apartments of Sobha, Nitesh and Renaissance Exotica have repeatedly informed the authorities about the potholes that dot the whole lane. Even though some of these have been covered up by mud and bricks, pools of water and slush collect on the sides, making it impossible for pedestrians or vehicles to transgress the rocky terrain. Certain open drains pose a challenge to the health and hygiene of the people in the surrounding areas, as no measures to cover them have been taken. The drains and gutters are as high as the road. Hence, during heavy rains, either the streets get flooded or a mixture of sewage and fresh water results in stagnation.Shopkeepers and members of residents’ association from the apartment complexes have been complaining to the authorities for over 3 or 4 years, only to get vague responses and promises. One of the shop owners, Sunil, said that widening of the roads was the biggest problem. “Some of the private land owners are not willing to give up a part of their property for this purpose”, he added.There are a number of cases, which are presently under deliberation in the court. This is the main obstruction for the development of this area. And, BBMP uses this as a convenient excuse to brush off all related matters. The gutter, drain, pavement and the ‘metaled’ part of the road, all merge into an avenue of inappreciable width. This narrow alleyway also has loads of garbage strewn all over. Only one dump is present in the beginning of the street for the entire layout. While some parts are cleared, others have turned into a trash bin, storing heaps of plastic bags, paper, rotten vegetables and other waste materials.S Nagaraj, a pro-active social worker, said “If the wind blows there’s dust, if it rains there’s slush”. Cable lines from the transformer are hanging loose, anyone can die. The residents of this area have no one to turn to.Guruprasad, who spoke on behalf of the Corporator, Indira (Byatarayanapura), said that the projects are going on in the area and that the matter doesn’t concern them. In response to this, one of the residents said that a woman candidate is chosen just for namesake. Those who want power and status make use of such candidates as puppets.