Ashoknagar is considered to be one of the best hang out places for youngsters, especially because of Garuda Mall.
However, the apathy of the civic authorities follows the citizens here as well.
The incomplete BBMP work, right in front of the mall, coupled with drainage water leaking from a manhole is testimony to the lackadaisical attitude of the authority.
According to a post by a resident of Markham Road on civic website - 'ichangemycity', the sanitary underground work has been going on for past two years. He wrote, "Due to the slow pace of work, a lot of people are facing inconvenience since the road is blocked towards Brigade Road. So, I request the authorities to complete the work as soon as possible. Besides, the whole area has become very unhygienic as the sanitary water pumped by BBMP flows on to the road.”
To this MLA, NA Haris had acknowledged saying that the matter will be resolved within a matter of 60 to 90 days.
However, it has now been over three months and the scenario remains the same.
When City Express spoke to Sanjay, who works in a small pan store and is seated right beside the manhole, he said, "It has been seven months since the manhole started overflowing but nobody has bothered to restore it. I have no option but to bear the stench that emanates from here. The BBMP work is going on at snail's pace and for the last four weeks, they have stopped the work entirely."
Some of the regular visitors came down heavily on the civic authorities. "First of all, whatever construction is going on was uncalled for and the road was good enough before. They have made the place dirty and stinky. The water from the manhole falls on the pit constructed by the BBMP. The authorities should realise that Bangaloreans come this side to have a good time and relax but if this is the environment they provide, then it is really disgusting," said Mary, an MNC employee.