Having been named the second best ward by the survey conducted by Janaagraha in 2012-13 with the lowest budget used, VV Pura ward deserves a pat. And spearheading its development is S Anil Kumar, the corporator of the ward, who has been tirelessly working towards addressing the numerous issues surrounding the area. He speaks to Vyas Sivanand about the initiatives undertaken and his future plans.
Tell us about the major developmental works undertaken by you.
The focus has been on drains and roads. In the old area of Mavalli, there were no storm water drains. So, I initiated the job of building a drain there. Secondly, we got `2 crore BBMP fund for replacement of sanitary and water pipes. These were 60-70 year old pipes and nobody bothered to change them. I struggled for three years to get the funds.
About 75 per cent roads have been asphalted and drains have been desilted. The remaining 25 per cent will be addressed this year.
Sajjan Rao Circle, which is a historical place, always used to suffer from water clogging. We built a drain around the circle which is connected to the main drain. So now there is no water clogging. We have also rebuilt the whole compound wall of Sajjan Rao Circle utilising the antique value of the old grills. We have also improved the parks in the ward.
Another area which needed immediate attention was the food street which was in very bad shape. Almost 10,000 people from all over Bangalore visit the street and there were no drains at all. The road was also in bad shape. So, we built drains on both sides of the road and a concrete road has also come up.
Concentrating on rainwater harvesting (RWH), we have done 65 pits in the whole ward. We have also planted 500 tree saplings in association with the Resident Welfare Associations (RWA). I have taken them into confidence, especially the three prominent RWAs, viz., Basavanagudi RWA, V V Pura RWA and Chikanna Garden RWA. We take their suggestions for every initiative. Except major roads, arterial roads and sub-roads have been asphalted. We are also coming up with eight new bus shelters.
We also organise functions during certain occasions. VV Pura is named after Sir M.Visvesvaraya so every year on September 15, his birthday, we celebrate by organising a competition among school children to understand his life. We also invite poets near the statue of Kuvempu to celebrate his birthday. At BM Shri statue too we organise a function inviting poets and literary figures.
What are the main challenges?
There are two metro stations in our ward and it is here that the metro starts going underground. So, if there are any hiccups in developmental works in our ward, it is because of the metro work. I have requested the Mayor who has visited our ward and he has promised some action.
In the ward, the problem is more with BWSSB and less with BBMP. So there is a little sanitation problem. We are in regular touch with them. On few roads, sanitary lines have been replaced. More pipes for water and sanitation needs to be replaced. About 45 per cent will be replaced this year. If all goes as planned then by January of 2014, the entire work will be completed.
In Chamarajpet 5th main road, there is a huge footpath, which has not been worked upon for many years now. We will need `2 crore to redo the footpath and the drains. This will be taken care by next year. I have requested the Mayor to sanction the required funds. Another problem area is Parvathi Pura, where there is a menace of freely roaming cows, which we are trying to address.
What are your plans for improvement of the ward?
At Lal Bagh West gate, four triangular parks will be developed in a unique manner. On MNK Road, the footpath, which is 40-50 ft wide, will be developed in such a manner that it will address the drains as well as RWH. A separate path for walkers will also be created. Small shrubs will be planted around the corner of the footpath so that pollution will be taken care. I am trying to get sanction to replace sanitary and water pipes in Basavanagudi and V V Pura area. It will happen next year.
We have conservancy lanes in 60 percent of the ward. Here we have developed RWH involving the residents. With the traffic growing at a fast pace, I have initiated a steel flyover from RV Road to Hudson Circle.
It has been approved by the government and the works will start this year.