A closer look reveals numerous civic inadequacies
The storm water drain at ITI Layout in Benson Town, which is being used as a garbage dump. (Photo: R. Samuel)
Bengaluru: At first glance, ITI Layout in Benson Town comes across as one of the posh localities of the city. But appearances are deceptive. A closer look reveals numerous civic inadequacies. For instance, there are 3-4 vacant bits of land in the locality. These have turned into a small forest of bushes due to sheer neglect and lack of maintenance. Now, predictably, they have been turned into garbage dumping yards and are also a hub for miscreants at night, who indulge in all sorts of illegal activities.
This is not all. There is a storm water drain around these plots that has not been cleaned for years, which, to the disgust of residents and passers-by, has been emanating an obnoxious odour throughout the day. Elaborating on the problem, Ravi who is a resident and an IT employee, points out, “Huge bushes have grown on these lands as these plots have not been put to any use by the owners. So, most people are using them as a dumping ground. Moreover, at night some rowdies have been using them for drinking alcohol and other illegal activities. Making matters worse is the storm water drain near these plots. The drain is filled with garbage and it stinks all the time.” He adds, “There are children who play cricket every evening. Whenever their ball falls into the drain, they enter it to retrieve the ball. This is dangerous as they can get infected with any kind of disease. We have informed the local authorities on many occasions but in vain.”
Voicing a similar opinion, Sourabhi K says, “Due to the unclean storm water drain and people dumping waste, we have been observing an increasing number of mosquitoes. Already we’ve seen many children getting infected with malaria and dengue. Children are vulnerable, so we are worried.” Vadiraj Katti, a resident, says, “People throw waste with abject disregard for the health of those living nearby. We are finding it difficult to live near this area. We don't even know who this property belongs to. All we know is that there is a rule that the owner has to keep his site clean, or else the same can be cleaned by BBMP and tax levied on the owner. So why are the officials not doing anything?”
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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