Wake up BBMP! Potholes are back

Bengaluru: While the whole city is witnessing high voltage political drama, debating over who shall come to power in state? Or why the city voter turnout was low? Potholes have made a quiet comeback on city roads to haunt the motorists.

After the recent wet spell, most roads have developed potholes. Last year, only after the potholes led to the death of some motorists, the BBMP woke up and started fixing them.

Sadly, it was too little and too late. As the BBMP began fixing potholes during monsoons, incessant rains undid their efforts.

Stretches such as Hosur Road, Sarjapur, Bannerghatta Road, Jayanagar, Charmajpet, Binny Mill, Rajajinagar, Uttarahalli, Mysore Road, Chickpet, Basavanagudi,  J.P. Nagar,  Adugodi, Peenya are riddled with such death traps and the BBMP is yet to act.

“B.V.K. Iyengar Road is one of the narrow and busiest roads in the city. Even after the metro work got over the road continues to be neglected and filled with potholes," said Viru, a trader in the area.

He said even though the area generates a lot of revenue to the BBMP and the state government, no one seems to bother about the problems created due to the potholes in the area.  

When DC spoke to BBMP Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, he said, "There isn't any big drive happening to fill potholes in the city."

Asked if the civic body has taken up any survey on the number of potholes under its 8 zones, Rao said no such study was taken up, but BBMP is doing its duty of filling potholes as and when it receives complaints. 

The stretch from St Joseph's School at Briand Square till Royan Circle is so badly dotted with potholes that it is very difficult to spot the asphalt!, remarked Vincent, a commuter. He said two-wheeler riders coming from the CCB Office side rush after the signal turn green, but many fall while trying to dodge potholes. 

The BBMP Commissioner, however, said steps will be taken to keep the roads monsoon ready.