Metro makes many pine for the retro

Basavanagudi residents yearn for days of greenery

People living around the Basavanagudi National College area lament the loss of green cover that adorned it before the project began.

Ratna Siddharaj, a resident for the past 60 years, is saddened at the City losing its old world charm.

“It is hard for me to believe that I once used to have a quiet, peaceful stroll here,” said S V Anil Kumar, another resident who had many sleepless nights during the construction work.

The area where lushness defined most schools and colleges now wear a barren look. Teachers in the institutions mourn the loss.

Says: H Honappa, who has been working as a lecturer at Visvesvaraya College of Science for the past 20 years.

“It’s a great pain to see so many trees which once festooned our campus, being knocked down at one go.  I’m apprehensive whether the project would meet the deadline,” adds his friend Rudra Gowda.

“The public is largely ignored when certain major decisions are taken by the government. The delay is perhaps happening due to lack of administration and funds. We just want the government to expedite the process.”

Delay

Prior to the series of delays which plagued the Namma Metro project, Reach IV passing through Basavanagudi from KR Road to RV Road, was scheduled to be completed by December 2011.

Mahesh K M, Principal of Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain College (evening) says: “The government should emphasise providing basic infrastructure than the Metro.”

The other view

Asserting that compromises must be made in order to foster the growth of the City, Asha Ganesh, Principal of C B Bhandari Jain College for Women says: “The City was not planned for the mounting traffic. Hence, the Metro will surely help in easing the City’s traffic woes, for which we should bear the temporary troubles.”

Hopeful of a flourishing future business, Basavaraj of SMV Snacks Corner feels that the Metro station coming up right in front of his shop will attract more customers.

The project was to be completed next month but it is far away. Although the Metro is being built at the cost of green cover, it is certain to change the face of the City.