For some residents, it's 'good news'

Riding piggyback on Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research’s (SJICSR) clout were some residents of 1st Stage, Vysya Bank Colony — a locality located just next to the hospital. Their houses were to be demolished for Namma Metro as per the previous alignment.  

In 2012, these residents wrote to the managing director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL), stressing the need for realignment. The letter said that the locality had already lost a significant portion of its land during the construction of the inner ring road and the colony was split into two.

This resulted in reduction in the measurement of houses — from the promised 40X60 ft to 30X50 ft. With the proposed Metro construction grabbing eight metres of the locality’s land, several houses would have become uninhabitable.

Another reason cited was that the Parvathi Parameshwara Temple, which would be demolished to accommodate the Metro line, was of sentimental value to all citizens of BTM Layout.

The residents also proposed possible alternatives such as building the Metro line above the present flyover, on the lines of the structure proposed at Hebbal or even perhaps an underground line.

Unfeasible

The Metro authorities, citing the presence of the flyover and the underpass at the junction, turned down the request, saying the alternatives were “impractical and unfeasible”. The BMRCL said it had limited choices. But when SJICSR asked for realignment, the BMRCL authorities easily found a “feasible” alternative.

Realising their good fortune, these residents are now supporting the cause of SJICSR wholeheartedly. “The houses in our colony on the other side of the road are anyway getting demolished. But it is important that JICSR is not affected,” said Ramanatha Shetty, a resident.

Vysya Bank Colony, located on the other side of inner ring road, and BTM Layout 2nd Stage have now become victims of realignment as 34 families are set to be displaced. Jayagopal, a potential victim, said that he was convinced that the government had fallen prey to powerful lobbies.

“In the previous plan, only six houses were to be demolished. Now, the number has risen to 34.”