JOIN USCivic issues dominate Janaspandana meet
Disruption in water supply, unwarranted road cutting, overflowing sewage and unlit streetlights were among the complaints that dominated at Janaspandana programme organised by Deccan Herald and Prajavani for the residents of wards 23, 30, 31, 32 and 33 on Friday.
Officials of Mysore City Corporation (MCC), Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (Cesc)Ltd.,, police department took centre stage as residents posed their questions on civic issues related to the five wards.
Inaugurating the programme, MCC commissioner M R Ravi said Janaspandana has been organised in order to understand the problems being faced by residents. Observing that it was impossible to put an end to all issues, he said MCC would try to resolve as many problems as possible.
Blame on Jusco
Raising the first question, convenor of Association for Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore (ACICM) M Lakshmana complained that even though uninterrupted water supply project had to be commissioned by Jusco three months ago, it was yet to be completed. “Everyday water flows from the tap for three to four hours. What has happened to Jusco project? Will it be completed or not?”
While the MCC commissioner failed to provide a definite date for completion of the 24x7 water supply, he said the project would be completed as early as possible. Gangothri Layout resident Markandeya said water was being supplied to the area at around 3.30 am forcing people to collect water foregoing sleep.
Gokulam third stage resident M Kaverappa pointed out that despite registering complaints with the civic body, no measures had been taken to plug overflowing sewage at first cross, fourth main junction at Gokulam third stage.
Even though the health inspector had assured of taking action, nothing had materialised, he said.
Road cutting
Participants at Janaspandana vented their ire against officials for unwarranted road cutting - especially on JLB road, KRS road and near Kukkarahalli traffic signal.
Gangothri Layout resident G V Krishna said Jusco should pay for the damages caused due to road cutting. Citing the example of Bogadi road near Kukkarahalli, he said the road has been dug up six times and Jusco has still not been able to complete the repairs.
Similarly, JLB road has also borne the brunt of inexperienced workmanship. He said, “If Jusco doesn’t have the technical expertise, let them say so. We’ll get others to do the job.”
HC ruling on space for trees violated
ACICM convenor Lakshmana mentioned the High Court ruling, which directed a one metre breathing space for trees in order to allow water to percolate.
He said MCC had failed to follow the direction owing to which several trees were uprooted due to the heavy rains on Thursday evening.
Another issue raised by Lakshmana was on the approval for vertical growth in the core area of the city. Allowing apartments in the core area had led to overflowing of sewage on to the roads.
Observing that suggestion on space around trees would be provided for water to percolate, MCC commissioner said a meeting would be held soon in order to ensure that additional apartments wouldn’t be allowed in the core area of the city.