Eye-opener for KJ George, says Garbage, potholes dot Pulakeshi Nagar

Bengaluru: Bengaluru Development Minister, K J George, saw for himself how pathetic conditions are in some parts of the city when he inspected Devarajeevanahalli, Muneshwara Nagar, and Sagayapuram wards in  the Pulakeshinagar constituency on Thursday.

The entire Sagayapuram ward, for instance, had not one smooth tarred road. In fact, there was no tar in sight at all on one road.  Locals said the BWSSB had dug it up to lay pipes, and left it unrepaired for six months.

The minister at once pointed out to the officials and MLA, Akhanda Srinivas , who were present, that a '1.5 crore UGD special grant had been allotted for road works. “A short term tender can be called to get this work done immediately. Two more jetting machines must be added to the existing ones,” he told them.

He also instructed Mayor Padmavathi to ensure that all other pending work in the area was completed

Things were not much better in Muneshwara Nagar ward, where the people complained they received water only thrice a week and only for an hour each time or just once a week. 

On Modi Garden Road people teared up over their troubles with the defence authorities.  One resident, Manjula claimed that a month ago army men brought JCB diggers and demolished a part of her house while her family was still inside. “Our bathroom was destroyed and all the water flowed into the house. Just imagine our state, especially as I have three school going children. We did not eat for three days,” she protested. Other residents in the area had similar complaints.

Mr George, who gave them a patient hearing, promised to speak to the Defence Minister and ask that he provide an alternative land for the army. “I will go through the revenue records, and discuss this matter with the Cabinet,” he assured.

Touching upon the Akrama Sakrama scheme, he said rules were being framed to implement it.