CM's deadline ends, but perils of potholes far from over

The BBMP is unlikely to meet the final deadline set by the chief minister to fill potholes in the city.

The revised and final deadline set by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for BBMP ends on November 6 (Monday), but several roads continue to be in a horrible state.

On a few roads this reporter inspected, potholes which were filled have opened up again. On other roads, potholes are yet to be filled. Major roads in the city are asphalted, but the service roads and interior roads are in a pathetic condition.

Potholes are found on roads in parts of Koramangala, Domlur, Ejipura, Shivajinagar, Goraguntepalya, HAL Old Airport Road, 8th main (Tumakuru Road), Sunkadakatte, Hegganhalli, Bagalagunte, KR Market, RR Nagar, Okalipuram, Sivananda Circle, Malathahalli and Outer Ring Road.

Motorists say the quality of work is poor. Manoj Kumar, a resident of Ejipura, said, "BBMP has done poor quality work and the potholes have opened up within two days of filling them. The stones used to fill the potholes have spread on the road and two-wheeler riders are at risk."

"The civic authority is not concerned about the life of motorists. BBMP has filled the potholes on main roads, but not on the interior roads. Potholes on most roads in Domlur residential area have not been filled," said Saikat Chatterjee, a resident of Domlur.

"The roads in and around Bagalagunte are not asphalted properly. Big potholes have been filled, but the smaller ones are not. Small potholes can also cause accidents," said Subin Joseph, a motorist.

BBMP commissioner N Manjunath Prasad claimed 98% of the work has been completed.

"Action will be taken against the engineers or officials concerned if the potholes are not filled by Monday," Prasad said.