Pavithra Kadtala
BENGALURU: The sorry state of Karnataka’s capital and its unending civic woes, which have dented Brand Bengaluru, have now reached the Prime Minister’s Office, thanks to popular television actor Aniruddha Jatkar.
Almost as if a daily ritual, there are regular complaints of potholed roads, broken footpaths, uncleared garbage mounds which have sullied the image of the Silicon Valley of India even as the state government and civic agencies lend a deaf ear. Aniruddha has now written the Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to rescue the city from the mess. He also suggested that the Centre prod the state government into action.
In a social media post, he requested the PMO to have separate ministries for cleanliness, greenery, beautification, safety and security with focused responsibilities.
Mentioning about his initiatives like ‘Swacchategaagi Nanu Sahabaghi’ (I am also responsible for cleanliness), ‘Soundaryakkagi Nanu Sahabaghi’ (I am also responsible for beauty of the city) and ‘Hasirugagi Nanu Sahabaghi’ (I am also responsible for greenery), he sought permanent solutions for ills plaguing the city and the state.
Swacch Bharat is the Prime Minister’s vision. But there are roadblocks. That is why I wrote to him. Five-year plans are becoming decadal plans. We need public participation and leaders with vision. Can’t we work for beautification of our localities at least?
—Aniruddha Jatkar, Actor, director, singer, writer and social activist
“I’ ve been trying for about one-and-half years through various campaigns, but nothing seems to be happening. I’ve also highlighted the issues on social media. The problem is not limited to Bengaluru. When you complain about uncleared garbage, marshals come and get it done. But, after a few days, you will see the same thing. This has been going on for generations as there is no permanent solution”, he told Public TV.
“There are cables and wire dangling on roads and transformers installed on footpaths, but not covered properly. Footpaths are also encroached. Trees are stapled and entwined with cables and wires. No importance is given to the beauty of the city. There should be permanent solutions to these issues” he added.