Development work leaves a mess

BANGALORE: Vidyaranyapura is often considered one of the farthest points of North Bangalore. Be it the Durga Parmeshwari Temple or the many parks and lakes it plays host to, the locality bares testimony to the words, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step.’ And so, when the BWSSB decided to install underground pipes for the supply of Cauvery water, the residents welcomed their decision with open hands.What they didn’t realise was that the authorities were going to leave their trail behind. Months after the BWSSB finished their work on Vidyaranyapura Main Road, they left the mud from the work all around. The accessibility to the bus shelter is limited. Vehicles can’t make their way into a bylane easily. Pedestrians are forced to walk on the road. Rain has also had an adverse effect on the whole situation.Reshma Raju, a resident, remarked, “It was good to know that the BWSSB had taken up the work. But now, I have to wait on the road for my bus, as waddling up to the bus stop in the slush is a messy affair.” She also said that she had witnessed occasions when a bus would get stuck in the slush.Another area of concern is vehicles that line up due to the same. A complete stretch of the road has been left unusable leaving commuters with no choice. Avinash, a motorist, said, “It is so hard. I learnt driving only a few months ago. So, I tend to keep towards one side. But now, I am forced to make my way through the center.”On the condition of anonymity, a resident asserted that on a rainy day, it was a Herculean task to walk in sandals and one needed gum or construction boots to reach their homes. The presence of construction materials left discarded on the sides doesn’t help the cause either. Residents claim that they have complained to the concerned authorities several times to no avail.The BWSSB assistant engineer for the area, Purushotam  was unavailable for comments. The local corporator of the area K Nandini, said, “The delay in removing the mud is because of the heavy downpour that the city has been receiving. The BWSSB cannot complete their work unless the rains stop.” She further added that the work would be completed soon.