Blaring music from pubs; sleepless nights for Koramangala residents

Residents of Koramangala 5th Block are facing sleepless nights because of several pubs and bars operating in the residential areas. The cause of worry, according to the residents is the establishments' blazing music throughout the night which is disturbing the elderly residents the most.

One such pub that is creating trouble for the residents living in its periphery, is located on the Jyoti Nivas Road, opposite to the Beauty Spot Park.

"Earlier, it was only during the weekends that the pub played the loud music. But, nowadays, every second day, there is a party and loud music is played until 2 am. I even went to the place to ask them to lower the music, but there was no one to listen to us," said Lalitha, a senior citizen.

Shocked to see people sitting out and drinking in broad daylight and having to bear loud music with drunkards making noise throughout the night, a few local residents had even drafted a letter to the Home Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, who is also the local MLA of the area.

Priyanka N, a local resident said that she met the minister with the letter in December 2017 asking him to take an action against those who are allowing the pub to function. She revealed that the letter said the following'There were many pubs functioning around schools, colleges, temples and mosques and that the pubs are spoiling the sanctity of the environment. Some pubs are so close to the footpath that pedestrians cannot walk without being disturbed by the noise and nuisance.'

"We went to meet the minister and he assured that action will be taken. However, till date, nothing has happened. The DCP says that BBMP gives trade licences to these pubs and the residents harass the police to shut them. Even when patrolling police were asked to direct these pubs to lower the music, the police sounded very helpless. I'm not sure if there is a nexus among them to silently witness the violation and to keep mum about it," she added.

When DH contacted Ramalinga Reddy, he said that he was aware of the existence of the pubs around the area. "I know about the situation there, residents did meet me with their representation, but I am not sure if the letters were forwarded to the concerned departments. I will shortly take an action against them," he added.

However, BBMP official who issues trade licenses was completely ignorant about the functioning of bars and pubs and how it affected the residents in the area.

"The residents can approach me with their complaint and we are ready to inspect these places. If any of the outlets are functioning against the law, then their trade license will be cancelled," said Dr Bhagyalakshmi, health officer, BBMP.