Bengaluru’s pot of woes brims over, but BJP government busy with its own battles

Pavitra Kadtala

BENGALURU: Amidst the storm over revising school textbooks and the politics over knickers, development of Bengaluru has, unfortunately, become an unlikely casualty. The potholed roads all across the city stand testimony to this despite claims by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike that it has filled up most of them.

As of now, about 60 per cent of Bengaluru’s roads have gone bad and the problem has increased over the last 2-3 years. Many roads have not even been asphalted whereas crores of rupees have been spent on fixing potholes.

Now, with the onset of the monsoon, roads will get further damaged. But the BJP government seems to be more keen on taking up new road works under TenderSure. Also, due to ongoing works, many roads are in a bad shape and witness frequent traffic jams.

Pothole fixing expenses

2017-18 – Rs 47.8 cr
2018-19 – Rs 49.2 cr
2019-20 – Rs 54.8 cr
2020-21 – Rs 16.4 cr
Total: Rs 168.2 cr

A moderate rain in enough to drown many parts of the city. Over the last four years, 84 places have been identified as sensitive, and 209 as hyper sensitive. In 2021-22, Rs 1,600 crore was allocated for clearing major drains (rajakaluves) but silt continues to be accummulated and the drains overflow whenever there is rain. Also, encroachments have not been cleared.

There is much left to be desired as regards waste management as the civic body has not taken firm steps. This despite the Swacch Bharat campaign and the Smart City project.

Many areas are facing problems with supply of Cauvery water and, in some places, sewage water is getting mixed with drinking water. In many areas, the ground water table is sinking lower, but the authorities seem unconcerned.

Bengalureans are already worried what the coming monsoon season holds for them even as the administration turns a blind eye.