In a rare case in Kolar people are facing the side effects of development. Recently, City Municipal Corporation in a attempt to reduce the congestion and to ease traffic movement demolished illegal structures on the footpaths of Srinivaspur road (Bamboo bazaar area) in Kolar. 

The CMC since then has not bothered clear roads of the huge boulders laid by the owners of the shopkeepers.

The silt which was also removed from the drains have not been removed.

Joy short lived

Though the action brought joy among the residents of the Kolar the joy was short lived. CMC didn’t bother to clear the rubble left behind as result of the demolition. As a result the situation as worsened as two-wheelers and four wheelers find it difficult travel on the road which are already in pathetic condition. The fate of the people using this road is a classic example of the saying out of frying pan and in to the fire. The situation would have been far better if CMC had regularly cleared the illegal structures on the footpaths. 

The last such action taken by the CMC was almost 10 years ago and in the following days  owners of the shopkeepers not only encroached footpaths but also roads. A timely action by the CMC would have reduced the burden on the people.

Though their is a provision under the Municipal Act to fine the people who encroach government property, their is no record of CMC ever slapping a fine on these people, which thinks that demolition is the only way to get rid of the encroachments.

The encroachment is rampant on other roads of the city for example in Doddapet, Ammavaripet, Kalammagudi road and others roads. The condition is worse in Ammavaripet circle as CMC has given license for vegetable shops in the middle of the road.

It is this apathy, negligence and lack of diligence on the part of CMC officials which as lead the people encroaching the footpaths in broad day light.

No action

Though the CMC commissioner assured to clear the encroachments on M G road, Sharada talkies road, Doddapet, Ammavaripet and other roads owing to the pressure from the traders and shop owners no action has been taken.

Awareness needs to created among people about problems relating to encroachments and officials should clear the encroachments to facilitate easy movement of the traffic.