BANGALORE: Basaveshwarnagar, located in the western part of the city, has changed beyond recognition in the name of development. In fact, the busy road near the popular Pavitra Paradise Junction leading to Magadi Road (Agrahara Dasarahalli Ward) is in shambles, thanks to the UGD works which was undertaken by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) around five months back. There was need to replace the old underground drain pipes on the stretch as the road was more prone to potholes. But, once the works were completed, the roads which were dug up for the purpose haven’t been restored ever since. Raju, an auto driver who commutes regularly on this road, said, “Its very difficult to make your way through this road. Hence, I use the parallel road which is a residential area. Ironically, we have a minister’s house right on this main road, but still no attention has been paid towards the road work which has been pending for a long time.” This road comprises hundreds of shops including a bakery, restaurant, garment shop, showrooms, fancy stores and many more. Some pedestrians brought our attention to the divider on the road. The height of the divider makes it extremely difficult for people to cross the road. Other than the pathetic state of the road, even the slabs on the footpaths are uneven and slippery which poses danger to the pedestrians. Manoj, owner of a garment shop, said, “ Recently, a senior citizen slipped here and hurt her head. Because of the dug up road, dust has accumulated here. The bakery and a restaurant situated on this building, is also exposed to maximum amount of dust particles.” The shopkeepers complained of business losses because of the parking problems faced by the customers and said that though the UGD works were completed during Diwali last year, the road work has been left in the lurch.
Agrahara Dasrahalli ward corporator Roopadevi didn’t seem to have a clue about the issue we were talking about. After discussing further, she said, “we got the old pipes replaced.” When we quizzed her on the delay in restoring the road, she said, “ This work is under revalidation now as the UGD works was carried out before the elections and I can’t provide a deadline as this will come under the Major Road Works project.” She added, “Cash-strapped Palike is unable to spend for this project, as of now.”