By Express News Service
BENGALURU: As the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner’s deadline of 10 days to fill up potholes draws near, BBMP contractors have a found a quick fix — dumping building debris into potholes.
At Sahakarnagar, Bengaluru Central areas like Majestic, Chickpet, BVK Iyengar Road, parts of Kalyan Nagar, City Market areas around KR Market, Kalasipalyam, KR Market Road connecting Sirsi Circle beneath the flyover, Magadi Road, parts of Basaveshwarnagar and Victoria hospital premises, potholes have been filled with construction debris, say commuters.
Bakshi Garden Road, Goods Shed Road and Binny Mills Road from Binnyston Garden to Cottonpet area have become an obstacle course with motorists trying to avoid mounds of debris covering potholes. Many motorists are seen using the footpaths to avoid a bumpy ride.
The long stretch of Avenue Road connecting Mysuru Bank Circle with K R Market is a narrow road with heavy traffic. Jaywalkers, push cart vendors and roadside hawkers make driving on this road more difficult. To add to motorists’ misery, the road is filled with potholes. Here too, BBMP has used debris to fill potholes. “The potholes were filled with debris and mud two weeks ago. It is already in a mess. The mud has been washed away,” said Raghunath, a trader on Avenue road. “ The situation is so bad that a vegetable vending cart turned turtle and the vendor incurred losses,” he added.
When it rains, the storm water drains on Avenue Road get clogged and the water recedes after some time. Due to water stagnation, the road gravel becomes loose, damaging roads. BBMP’s temporary fix has left the road in a worse condition. “All the mud has settled on the roads and now vehicles skid here,” said V R Krishna, a jeweller.At Chickpet, where some roads have white topping, the situation is no different, as potholes are being filled with debris.
Terming the filling of potholes with debris as unscientific, experts say BBMP should follow the norms prescribed. “The re-laying of roads and filling up of potholes should be governed by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) codes. These guidelines also prescribe methods to fix potholes scientifically. This will ensure good quality roads that do not require any kind of interference for another five years at least,” said Ashish Varma, associate professor, department of civil engineering, Indian Institute of Science.
BBMP Mayor and Commissioner were not available for comment.
WHERE THE MESS IS
Sahakarnagar, Bengaluru Central areas like Majestic, Chickpet, BVK Iyengar Road, Avenue Road, Khoday Junction near City Railway Station, a few places adjoining Nandidurga Road, Orion Mall and adjoining areas on Banaswadi road, parts of Kalyan Nagar, City Market areas around K R Market, Kalasipalyam, K R Market road connecting Sirsi Circle beneath the flyover, Magadi Road, parts of Basaveshwarnagar and Victoria Hospital premises.
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