Palike garbage contractors block road, leave a stink on NH 4

Garbage contractors have occupied a part of the service road to segregate waste near Nagasandra Metro Station on NH4, putting motorists at risk and posing health hazards to residents.

The service road in front of the Metro station is a dangerous stretch with vehicles running in both directions. Around 15 vehicles, including trucks, were parked on the road on Tuesday morning during the loading and unloading process, disrupting traffic.

On the opposite side of the road, the BBMP has turned a blind eye to dumping of garbage into a stormwater drain. Carcasses, wet waste and dry waste were littered all over place.

During the heavy rain over the last few weeks, the clogged drain had turned the service road into a swamp. "We have informed officials and the corporator in this regard. We have also written to NHAI. But nothing has happened," said Subhash Shetty, a resident of Nagasandra.

The land used as a dumpyard belongs to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL). While BMRCL officials said they were unaware of the issue, R K Suryavanshi, general manager and project director of NHAI's regional office, said he has written to the BBMP but was yet to get any reply. "We have been writing to BBMP since July requesting them to take immediate action. Despite many letters and phone calls, there is no action on the ground," he said.

Documents show that the NHAI has written four letters to BBMP officials from July, highlighting both the issues. "Since there was no reply, we spoke to them (BBMP officials) on phone when we were promised that the issue will be resolved soon. But nothing has happened," the official said.

Angry residents said BBMP officials do not act till someone gets killed. "Trucks and JCBs block the entire service road while reversing. There is nobody to monitor the traffic. BBMP will not act till there is a body on the ground," said Narayana Gowda, who runs a small shop nearby.

BBMP chief engineer (SWD) Bette Gowda said he will enquire with zonal officers and ensure that quick action is taken.