BANGALORE: If the dilapidated condition of the wall of the storm water drain at 4th Cross, Robertson Block, Okalipuram Ward is of any indication, it seems fit to say that the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) authorities are yet to learn a lesson.The residents of Robertson Block want the BBMP authorities to take measures to prevent tragic incidents of children getting washed away in storm water drains.It may be recalled that sixyear- old Abhisekh was washed away in a storm water drain in Lingarajapuram in June 2009.One more such tragic incident took place in Royal Residency Layout near Bommanahalli, where an 18-month-old baby boy was washed away in a storm water drain.On May 19, 2011, a 12-year-old boy was washed away in a storm water drain in Venkateshwaranagar.“We do not want any such incidents to occur in our locality.We have already complained to the corporator, Queen Elizabeth, to take up necessary measures,” says Thulasiram, a resident of 4th Cross, Robertson Block.According to the residents, the wall of storm water drain collapsed a month ago and the BBMP authorities had visited the spot.But nothing has been done so far.“I am finding it difficult to prevent my granddaughter from going near the collapsed wall.Earlier we used to allow her to play there.Now, it is too dangerous for her to play on the road or go near the collapsed wall.There are chances of children falling into the drain due to wall collapse,” said Saroja, a housewife.The gap is wide enough even for a two or fourwheeler to fall into the drain.Fortunately, no such incident has taken place till now.“It is unfortunate that the BBMP authorities have not put up a barricade to prevent accidents,” complains Muniraju, a resident.Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth, corporator of Okalipuram, has expressed her inability to take up the construction of the wall.“I have visited the spot.I even submitted a proposal to the officials of the storm water drain division of the BBMP.They are avoiding the construction of the wall on the pretext of funds crunch,” says Queen Elizabeth.However, S D Nagaraj, executive engineer, Storm Water Drains Division, BBMP, has made it clear that he had already sent a proposal to the higher authorities to take up the work on a priority basis.“I expect the BBMP authorities to take up the proposal for discussion on Monday.I will try to take up the work as early as possible,” assures Nagaraj.But the residents of Robertson Block are not ready to take Nagaraj’s assurance seriously.“It is almost one month since the wall was collapsed.The BBMP authorities have forgotten about it after paying a visit here,” said Tulasiram.Will the BBMP authorities pull up their socks to prevent tragic incidents of children getting washed away in storm water drains by becoming sensitive to their respective duties? The residents of Robertson Block can only wait and watch.
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