Bus shelter turns into garbage dump

With residents, shopkeepers and hospitals in the area dumping garbage right in front of the bus shelter, the area has become a breeding ground for diseases. The Palike, however, has turned a blind eye despite repeated requests from residents, S Rayadu Social and Cultural Academy office-bearers told Deccan Herald.

“Sirsi Road bus shelter on Mysore Road mirrors the Palike’s negligent attitude in maintaining bus shelters. The shelter is used for every objectionable purposes, except for what it is meant for. People urinating in the open has become a regular feature,” says Sujatha S Rayadu.

Commuters say the bus shelter has been informally abandoned. Drivers never bother to stop the buses near the shelter due to garbage and instead stop the bus a few yards away at the cross. This has landed commuters in trouble, especially women, children and the persons as they are forced to run to catch the buses.

The situation turns beyond description especially towards the evening as pushcart vendors start operating near the shelter. They prepare food and chats amidst garbage and dump the waste right in front of the shelter. They wash utensils in the same area before leaving for the day, point a few shopkeepers in the area.

“Even though there is a public toilet a few yards away from the bus shelter, many people not just urinate in the open, but also defecate here,” says Eshwar S Rayadu of the Academy.

Residents suspect a nexus involving contractors appointed to clear the garbage, as BBMP workers in charge of the place are rarely seen clearing the area. While assurances are given, the garbage is never cleared.

When questioned about this, Chamarajpet MLA Zameer Ahmad Khan said the matter did not come under his purview and that it was duty of the BBMP to act on such issues. The worst part is that there is no waste bin in the entire area, he stated.

Some anti-social activities, including gambling and consuming alcohol, too take place in the shelter during late evenings.

When this was brought to the notice of BBMP Mayor Nataraj, he said: “I will inspect the spot on Monday and take necessary steps to ensure sanitation in the area. I will also ensure garbage disposal facility.”