Potholes filled, but no end to bumpy ride

Bengaluru: Recently, one of the citizens spent money from her pocket to fill a pothole. The BBMP authorities have now found an easy way out to fill potholes and road cuttings across the city, despite having an exclusive budget for the same.

Rekha Devaraj, resident of Kasturinagar alleged that roads have not been restored properly after laying BWSSB and sanitary pipes at Vijinapura main road.

They have shrunk and formed an uneven surface. Instead of getting the road made even by the BWSSB, the BBMP authorities have filled it with debris and mud.

The uneven surface of the road has been filled with debris and solid bricks right in the middle of the road. Dumping has also shrunk the width of the road and is posing a threat to motorists.

Due to the recent rain, the debris-filled road became messy and pedestrians found it difficult to cross the road, she added.

Potholes developed on Kasturinagar Main Road, Old Madras Road and Indiranagar and some of the major arterial roads are filled with mud and debris.

Every year the BBMP has a certain budget for pothole filling. Besides, the BBMP also mandates that the agencies which cut the road must restore it to its original condition.

But the BWSSB has destroyed the road. Why is BBMP not holding these agencies responsible and getting them to restore the road, she questioned.

Filling potholes with debris is a violation under the Indian Road Congress (IRC) as it is dangerous to road users, especially two wheelers.

Filling mud and debris into the pothole is dangerous as it creates a skidding surface. Scores of motorists have skidded and fallen. Filling potholes with debris must be stopped, said M. K. Gunashekar Jayamahal corporator.

The IRC stipulates how the pothole is to be filled and restored. However, this is not being followed and the public are made to undergo an ordeal.

Potholes should be rectified by the contractor under the tender contract, for three to five years. Invariably, public money is being spent to fill such potholes instead of bringing accountability to the contractors, added Mr. Gunashekar.

When the debris is dumped on the side of the road the BBMP penalizes them. Why no penalty when it is dumped on the road thereby making it dangerous for motorists and pedestrians, question residents.

Ramamurthynagar assistant engineer Gangadhar Swamy said that the road has sunk as the BWSSB has not restored it properly. Money has been released for filling potholes across Mahadevapura zone and the uneven roads will also be restored shortly, he assured.