Problems galore for Samruddhi Layout residents

The residents have been facing this problem for the past three months. Everyday, the people here wake up to the foul smell and the streets, which are filled with sewerage water. Needless to say that life has become a hell for them.

The woes of these residents began when the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) embarked upon constructing a storm water drain (SWD) in the area, early this year. “In order to construct the storm water drain, the sewerage pipe that was located at the same place, had to be broken to divert the flow of water elsewhere. This was to ensure that the sewerage water and the storm water do not get mixed. Unfortunately, the project was halted just after the sewerage pipe was broken, thus pushing the sewerage water backwards, leaving the residents to bear with the affects of a unaccomplished task,” said one of the residents.

Empty promises

Frustrated residents had pursued the matter with MLA Krishnappa and also BBMP Commissioner Bharath Lal Meena. Apart from empty promises, the project was never completed.  “The MLA claimed that he had approached the BBMP but in vain,” said another resident. It is alleged that the BBMP had cited ‘lack of funds’ as the reason for not completing the works.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, the authorities of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) explained that the problem was of a serious nature and it was ready to fix it in a week’s time. And that was possible only if the BBMP completed its work.
“We are in no position to help the residents. As long as the BBMP drags on with the work, it is not possible to replace the sewerage pipe,” said the BWSSB official.
Meanwhile, the BBMP in its defence has said that the higher up authorities had dispatched a ‘strongly-worded’ letter to the engineer in-charge of the zone. “The engineer has assured us that he will complete the work in the next four days,” informed a Palike official.