Residents rue barred access road

That realisation has dawned on residents of a small lane off East End Road in Jayanagar.
For two years since they constructed thier houses on plots purchased from the BDA, they have found piles of garbage dumped on their access road, hindering movement.

Five years ago, the BDA auctioned sites off East End Road in Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block. The layout was developed and handed over to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The people who purchased the plots on the 3rd Cross off the Jal Bhavan Road constructed houses and moved in immediately.

Two years ago, the residents had a hint of the trouble, when they realised that the nicely asphalted Jal Bhavan Road, their main access road to Bannerghatta Road would be the bone of contention between the BDA and the original land owners. The fear turned true when they suddenly found the road walled and their access road just disappeared.

In addition to this, the residents have to deal with garbage that has covered up whatever little that remains of the road.

The 600 metres of the asphalted road is now completely covered in mud, weeds and garbage. Umesh Naik, a resident, said: “The BDA plan showed a proper road and it was this road which we used earlier. However, now the access road is completely cut off and we are left with filth and stench emanating from the garbage to deal with.”

Heaps of garbage dumped on the road has proved a haven for dogs and pigs. Recently, a toddler was bitten by a dog and another resident was chased by pigs, when he was returning home with groceries.

Talks with the BDA, BBMP or the local corporator have not helped.

“None of the authorities concerned have acted on their promises to resolve the issue. Even snakes can be spotted in the layout. The worst part is the garbage and unbearable stench.
It is sad that our area is mentioned as ‘slum’ in our ID cards. This is definitely not the place where we intended to live,” said Nagaraj Shetty, another resident, in a resigned manner. Many of the residents are contemplating on moving elsewhere.

Utter helplessness

BBMP Superintendent Engineer of South Division Pette Gowda, expressed his helplessness regarding the situation. “The road is a matter of contention between the original land owners and the BDA and the matter is pending in the High Court. As a result we cannot meddle with the issue,” said Gowda.