Facing civic problems for months and unable to reach out to officials of various government bodies, the residents of Rajarajeshwari Nagar came together to express their grievances at Janaspandana — Citizens for Change, an interaction programme organised by Deccan Herald and Prajavani at JP Park Grounds in Mathikere on Saturday.
Pouring out their problems ranging from stray dog menace to illegal dumping of garbage and poor infrastructure, residents caught the attention of elected representatives. Quick to offer solutions to their woes, MLA Munirathna, flanked by corporators from various wards of the constituency, not only resolved them on the spot but also ensured that he would get officials to work on solving some of the chronic problems.
Johnson, a resident of Gokul Extension in Mathikere complained that shopkeepers have encroached on the footpath leaving no space for pedestrians to move around on the stretch. Replying to the complaint, Munirathna said that officials will start evicting encroachments from today itself. “By October 10, the footpaths will be cleared of encroachments. If officials fail to clear encroachments, strict action will be initiated against them,” he assured.
Venkataiah, a resident of Srinivasanagar in Kottigepalya rued that the area has more than 60 stray dogs and residents fear walking freely. Joining him in the chorus, many attributed the problem to piling up of garbage. Interspersed with several apartments, the locality had several problems with garbage collection. B R Bhaskar complained that civic workers failed to collect and dispose of garbage from various apartments in JP Park ward.
Taking note of the problem, Munirathna said, “I will direct BBMP officials to control the dog population by sterilising them under the ABC project. On October 9, I will personally inspect the places affected and hold a separate meeting with officials over the disposal of garbage.”
Residents also complained that manholes were not level with the surface of the newly laid roads resulting in huge craters affecting motorists. The MLA directed the BBMP engineers to list out places where manholes need to be levelled with the newly asphalted roads and promised to align them with the road surface.
Gangaiah, a resident of Kottigepalya ward complained that there was hardly any bus connectivity to Srinivasanagar and residents, especially senior citizens, are forced to walk till the main bus stand. Responding to the problem, a senior BMTC official said, “Buses cannot negotiate the turns on the narrow roads. Besides, there are very few passengers. Hence the bus services were stopped. If the demand increases and roads are widened, we will operate buses.”
Referring to illegal activities and substance abuse in the area, N H Shetty, another resident said, “Drug addicts have been using the empty spaces under the Shyamaprasad Mukherjee flyover for illegal activities and substance abuse. Adding to our woes, there are hardly any street lights along the adjoining roads.” Assuring action, Munirathna said, “The police will conduct special patrolling in the area and I have already directed Bescom engineers to install street-lights.”
Promising to solve the perennial problem of potable water supply in areas like HMH Layout and other localities, Munirathna clarified, “Recently, the government approved the project to lay a new pipeline from Mathikere to HMH Layout. The BWSSB will soon start working on the project and in about a month’s time it will be completed. Until then, I will make arrangements to supply water through tankers.”
Nanjundaiah, a resident of Lakshmidevinagara ward submitted, “The parks in Vidhana Soudha Layout have turned out to be centres of illegal activities as there is hardly any security. The BBMP must install CCTV cameras around the park.” Munirathna clarified that the BBMP would install CCTVs if the local residents’ welfare association promises to maintain them.
Rafi from Muthyalanagar pointed out, “Vehicles on MES Ring Road whiz past at great speed and students, senior citizens and women fear to cross the road. The junction urgently needs an underpass.” Acknowledging the problem, the MLA Munirathna said, “I myself have seen the junction on several occasions. We have already planned for an underpass and currently, officials are working on shifting cables and pipelines at the junction so that work on building an underpass can be taken up soon.”