BANGALORE: Padmanabhanagar is a fine example of an almost perfect ward. With a composition of both commercial and residential areas, the ward, however, seems to struggle at times to strike a balance. Despite the residence of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, residents here have their fair share of woes.
The first welcoming aspect is the maintenance of roads. Roads are inviting, wide and well asphalted. It is true that the entire stretch from Deve Gowda petrol bunk towards Padmanabhanagar does not have a single pothole.
Towards Kidney Foundation, too, the roads are good. “The best thing here are the roads, especially for two-wheelers, for there are no potholes,” said Gautham, a resident.
The only worrying matter for residents here is garbage. It is like a black mark on an immaculate white cloth, poor garbage clearance is a problem.
On CJ Venkatadasa road, after passing the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) office, once can see a heap of garbage lying along the roadside. Not just that, the heap of garbage is complimented by two potholes, posing a danger to pedestrians and motorists alike.
The ward has a couple of parks to boast about. While these parks look inviting, especially for early morning walkers, the residents complain that they are not being maintained. “The parks are not maintained well. They have also become a haven for anti-social activities after dark. Also, vested interests threaten the existence of such parks here,” said Rajesh, an advocate.
The park in question is located on 10th cross.
Some residents also felt that the water supply was also an issue. Meghna, a student residing near the 15B bus stop, said, “Water and power cuts are the problems. As a student, power cuts give me a hard time while studying.
Water supply is irregular, too.” The presence of a surprisingly high number of bars in the ward is a worrying aspect. “On the Subramanyapura Main road, passing the Kadirenahalli petrol bunk, no law and order is maintained at night. Thanks to the bars, drunk vandals shout and create a nuisance at night,” said Bhushan, a resident.
For its part, the ward is seeing development.
A couple of months ago, the AB Vajpayee Ranga Mandira was inaugurated by the Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. Opposite the Regional Institute of Cooperative Management, drains are being layed out. “The work began twenty days ago. We hope this will avoid the drains from getting blocked,” said Chandre Gowda. The drainage system in Muneshwaranagar is also being improved. This includes clearing the drains and closing them with concrete slabs, which will in turn provide parking space for residents.
The corporator of the ward L Srinivas said, “Work related to storm water drains is on in many areas. Almost Rs 2 crore worth of work is currently in progress. Asphalting work worth Rs 3 crore will begin shortly. As far as the issue of garbage is concerned, the old tenders have been terminated, and new ones will be floated soon.”