Moving from light to darkness

BANGALORE: Kuvempunagar, unlike other localities in the city, it is not known for tall buildings, asphalted road or extravagant malls. It is a bantam area and has given refuge to many retired pensioners. To some extent the place has fulfilled the desires of the residents. However, it still needs attention from the authorities on some serious issues that are disrupting life here.       Although the main road that connects Kuvempunagar with the other neighbouring localities have street lights, the lights do not always work. Parallel to this road, there is stretch of undeveloped land that has given shelter to reptiles and rodents. The given situation coupled with the absence of light makes the road unsafe for use by pedestrians at night. Rajesh, a resident said, “The lights seem to work at their own will and fancy. Due to poor lighting this area is prone to accidents. High time the authorities take some action.”Further along the main road is a locality called Shingapura. The path that leads to Shingapura is ladden with potholes and it’s incline only adds to woes. Thankfully the road doesn’t  witness much traffic. “These potholes have been here for a long time and during the rainy seasons they get bigger. I use a two-wheeler to commute but find it difficult to commute as this road is already inclined and the potholes on it add on to the dilemma,” said Biswas, a resident at Shingapura.Few busesBangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses have been provided to Kuvempunagar and Shingapura residents but frequent complaints are made by the commuters. “The frequency of the BMTC buses is low. There are buses at this place but they do not follow any time intervals. That’s why most of the residents here rely on autos. Everything is alright here. But people with no vehicles find it difficult to commute,” said Tomali Banik, a commuter by bus.Stray dogsThis locality also has quite a lot of stray dogs. Every street has its own group of dogs. Another resident, on the condition of anonymity said, “It is irritating sometimes when these dogs get into a fight with each other. Moreover I do not let my child go out alone as I always have the fear of these dogs. Often when my gate is open, they enter my compound and make a mess.”KR Yashodamma, the local corporator said that a proposal had been submitted in order to widen the road. She said, ‘‘One hundred and thirty new streetlights have been installed. We will soon finish all the work on the entire stretch of the road.’’