Hanging pots cut a sorry figure, plants wither

A year after the inauguration of project TenderSURE on Residency Road, the hanging flower pots installed by the BBMP have turned out to be an eyesore! The pots made of biodegradable moulded coir pith have not only lost shape but also dried up.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike officials had installed the hanging pots on lamp pedestals on either side of the road to make it aesthetically appealing for pedestrians.

Initially put up with decorative flower plants and aromatic ones, the pots had embellished the beauty of the roads.

However, a year after the launch, the pots cut a sorry figure, having left unattended to in scorching heat and incessant rain. While some of the pots have been damaged due to advertisement hoardings and banners of political leaders, a few look empty with dried up saplings.

Bushy weeds have popped up in some others close to commercial shops, where the owners watered them on alternative days.

Sources in the BBMP said that about 90 flower pots costing Rs 4,000 each were procured to beautify the stretch from Cash Pharmacy circle to Brigade Road junction on Residency Road.

Altaf Hussain (name changed), one of the shop owners along the stretch, said, “The contractors had appointed a gardener to water the pots. But he has been irregular. We haven’t seen him lately. All the plants have either been damaged or dried up due to poor maintenance.”

Mayor promises action

Mayor Sampath Raj said, “The flower pots were supposed to be maintained by the contractors. But they have failed to do that. I will direct officials to look into the matter and initiate action against contractors for failing to comply with terms and conditions.” The mayor also promised to restore the pots to their original glory.