An ugly sight indeed

Unhealthy conditions

Any major developmental work leaves behind a lot of mess.

The BBMP has started work on the Rs 140-crore signal-free corridor from Domlur to ITPL in Whitefield but what’s disturbing is that the workers involved in this project are forced to live in temporarily shelters erected below the Domlur flyover.

These shelters are an eyesore and do not ensure good living and working conditions for the workers.

 There is an open drain running on the side where most people from these shelters relieve themselves. 

 The BBMP is alright with the proposition but those working and living in the vicinity point out that there are garbage piles in almost every corner of the road. 

They feel that the growth of these temporary shelters be it slums or otherwise must be controlled. Raghu Malamandi, a creative consultant, fears that such unorganised temporary shelters could unleash a host of diseases, thanks to the unhygienic surroundings. 

“Sadly, the space below most flyovers is either being used as a dumping yard or a parking lot. Looks like the government’s plan to maintain and beautify spaces below the flyovers has been shelved,” feels Raghu. He also thinks that the temporary shelters are not only an ugly sight but also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Shoaib, a quality analyst, feels that one could easily mistake these shelters below the flyover for slums. 

“If these workers are a part of the government project, they must be provided with better living conditions. There is an open drain on one side of the flyover while the other part is also covered with dust and dirt,” he says. 

Deepak Jose, a professional, feels that structures like these kill the look of the flyover. “When these people struggle to construct flyovers to beautify the City, it is only fair that they be treated well. Why do they have to bear the stench from the open drain and live in such unhygienic conditions?” he wonders. 

M Lakshminarayana, Commissioner, BBMP, feels that there is no harm in the workers staying below the flyover. 

“At least, it would keep them safe from rain. Also, any major development requires the workers to stay in the surrounding rather than live far away. This project has been handed over to a contractor who will have to take care of the workers and their living conditions as well,” he states.   

 KT Nagaraj, superintendent engineer (major roads), BBMP, says this particular project may be completed in a year and a half. “We are using pre-cast elements in the project which means that it should be completed sooner than expected. We hope to provide better facilities to the workers in terms of sanitation. We are working on it,” reasons Nagaraj. 

When asked why the spaces below flyovers are being used as a dumping ground, Nagaraj sums up saying, “We are aware that some of the flyovers have materials from the ‘Tender SURE’ road project stocked below while others have materials required for the road works. We will look at finding an alternative space.”