JP Nagar 7th Phase, known as Puttenahalli, is one of the latest area created in Bangalore South. The area is developing since the past few years ago and enough high rises have come up. But while the focus has been on development, public utility has been completely ignored.
The stretch connecting JP Nagar 6th to 7th phase near Sarrakki Lake has no footpaths on either sides. The entrance to JP Nagar 7th Phase has no footpath and further ahead, while footpaths exist, it is uneven or we see broken slabs. Of course BBMP has been tarring roads, when the condition becomes worse, but footpath receive no such attention.
"It has been long since any attention has been paid to maintenance of the footpath. It seems, somebody just made it, and forget about it. Considering that the area is fast developing, such essential public utility needs to given proper attention," said Jagadish Prabhu, a resident.
Making it worse is the encroachment by furniture shops and garages. The garage named Vijay Motors park the vehicles on footpaths for repair while Perfect Furniture display their furniture on the footpath. "Two-wheelers parked on footpaths is a common scene on this road. Also, nobody really cares where they are walking. When people act ignorant, then how can we blame the BBMP," said Anoop, who resides in the same area.
On contacting the area of Puttenahalli, L Ramesh, he stated, "We have often given notices to establishment who encroach, but they don't consider it seriously. Many times, we have even taken away some of the goods, but they still return. Secondly, BBMP has been serving JP Nagar and Jayanagar for the last 15 years, but the palike has been serving Puttenahalli only since the past two-and-half-years. We are now concentrating on major roads, sanitary and water facilities. Next month, when the budget allocation happens, then we will definitely look into the footpath maintenance."
