Bengaluru: Malleswaram is one of the oldest localities in Bengaluru known for its well-planned roads, green cover and drainage system. Bengaluru may have earned the moniker 'Garden City' due to areas like Malleswaram. But today, Malleswaram is plagued with problems, right from bad roads to uneven footpaths to parking problem to rapid increase of commercial establishments.
Raghavendra, a resident of 15th Cross road, Malleswaram complained of bad roads. “For the past two years, works related to laying of new water pipelines has been taken up in the area. Hence this road and pavement were repeatedly dug-up and not properly restored. While we understand that old leaking pipelines need to be replaced, the works should be done on war footing and completed on time.” He added that work was progressing at a snail's pace.
BBMP wards such as Kadu Malleshwara (ward number-65), Malleswaram (ward number-45) and Dattatreya Temple (ward number-77) are part conventional Malleswaram area.
Rekha, a resident of Prof M P L Shastry Road, said, “We do not have any water problem in the area as most of us depend on borewell water. Only for the drinking purposes we depend on the Cauvery water supplied by BWSSB.”
According to her the vexing issue was of women’s safety and rise in incidents of chain snatching. She added, “I fear to step out alone due to bike-borne chain snatchers. Police must increase patrolling in the area, especially on Railway Parallel Road.”
Commercialisation of the residential areas is another cause of worry. Once peaceful area has now become overcrowded, leading to parking issues, complained Sathyaraj, a retired bank employee and resident of Canara Union Road. He further complained that traders who come during festival season leave their unsold goods on the streets and roads.
‘Community policing taken up to curb chain snatching’
DC reached out to Malleswaram MLA Ashwath Narayan on the issue.
Excerpts.
Residents complaint of increasing number of commercial establishments in residential areas of Malleswaram?
Yes, even I am aware of the problem. While we are doing all possible things to curb this, we are also working closely with Resident Welfare Associations creating awareness among people on the regulations of commercial establishments in residential areas. This way we are making the citizens aware enough to question any breach of regulations.
What are steps being taken to curb traffic menace in residential areas?
There are multiple solutions, which we are looking at to curb the traffic menace, apart from slapping fines.
Women in the Malleswaram complain of chain snatching...
Community policing is taken up. This will instill a sense of confidence among the residents and also they can share their problems with the police and their identity will not be revealed. I shall have a discussion with the police department to increase the patrolling in the area.
