Bengaluru’s dug-up roads are a health hazard

Dug-up and dusty roads in some parts of the city have seen several infrastructural works for the past couple of months, affecting people’s movement and health.

Residents report struggling with dust allergies, breathing issues, eye infections, while some reported multiple road crashes in the area have occurred due to lack of road space and dug-up pavements. “I cannot even sit in the veranda because of the dust,” complained an 89-year-old resident from Lazar Road, who has been confined indoors due to the air pollution caused by unattended construction debris.

Pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren, struggle to safely navigate drainage pipes and heaps of mud dumped on footpaths, which force them onto busy roads and increase the risk of traffic incidents, noted residents. “Pedestrians and bikers have gotten into multiple accidents,” said Srinivas, a retired BSNL employee and resident of Frazer Town.

Local shop owners are also struggling to cope with the consequences of the incomplete work, which has made their shops inaccessible and a dusty and smelly mess due to broken footpaths.

Residents are demanding immediate intervention to remove the mud, clear the drainage pipes, and restore accessibility to both roads and footpaths.

Local residents complain about several health hazards. “I wear a mask every day because of the dust, but it’s still difficult to breathe,” said Shoba, a 45-year-old woman who sells SIM cards outside the BSNL office on the road.

“I do not commute without wearing safety glasses and a scarf over my head in a road that is of this condition,” said Rathna Yellappa, another resident who complained of eye irritation.

Meanwhile, doctors warn of long-term health impacts due to exposure to such dust.

Pulmonologist Dr Majeed Pasha, explained that constant exposure to such dust from construction and other infrastructure projects leads to recurrent bronchitis issues, necessitating long-term treatment.

“I recommend people with pre-existing allergies to install an air purifier at home, do regular dusting, use an inhaler and take medicines regularly. Otherwise, such exposure and chronic issues could lead to airway remodeling over time,” he said.

Dr Archana Singh, Senior Consultant (Cornea and Refractive Surgery), at a private hospital in the city observed that while dust and pollution leads to allergic conjunctivitis, which presents as irritation, itching, watering, redness, and light sensitivity, a bigger risk is prolonged eye damage, especially due to bigger dust, metal or plant particles getting stuck on the eyeball.

“Itching and irritation can prompt people to rub their eyes constantly, which can be a vicious cycle leading to more itchiness. Constant rubbing can put pressure on the cornea of the eye, which can weaken and bulge over time, leading to vision problems in the long run,” she explained.