Adugodi: A rapidly developing area with a number of challenges

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Adugodi, Ward 147, is a rapidly developing area. In recent years, Adugodi has seen a significant increase in the number of residential and commercial establishments.

The construction of the Pink Line underground metro from Dairy Circle to Cantonment has also contributed to the development of the area. Despite its rapid development, the ward faces a number of challenges.

Many roads in Adugodi are in poor condition, with potholes and uneven surfaces. This makes it difficult for residents to commute and also for pedestrains especially during the rains.

The damaged roads have further led to more traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. High number of vehicles is another factor apart from narrow and congested bylanes for the traffic problem.

The ongoing construction of the Pink Line underground metro is also a major contributor to this issue. An open water canal in the ward turned out to be a major health hazard for the residents here.

The canal is close to the Pink Line underground metro construction site and is filled with garbage, debris and sewage water. When asked, the residents and some shopkeepers alleged that the BMRCL workers are throwing away construction debris in the water body, there was no sign of disposed debris in the water body.

The “bank” of the canal has also become a perfect spot for several youths and others who are often found involved in anti-social activities past sunset and needs an immediate attention from the jurisdictional police.

There is also a great concern that the garbage and sewage water from the canal can attract pests and rodents, and can also contaminate the food and water served in the restaurants, shops and offices in and around the area.

The small houses in the area are also at risk from the canal as the sewage water can overflow and flood the houses during rainy season causing damage and spreading various other diseases.

Water shortage, like the rest of the city, is another issue in the area. Especially during the summers, residents who live on the far side of the ward receive water only twice a week through water tankers which are also infrequent.

Sewage problems are also common in the ward, with overflowing drains and the polluted watercanal that has become a broad sewage line. Despite garbage collectors regularly visiting the area, the garbage disposal still remains a challenge faced by residents of the ward.

Piles of garbage can be seen on the streets which attracts pests and rodents, and can also lead to the spread of diseases as there are many children and elderly citizens in the area.

According to some shopkeepers, when the residents are unable to dispose of their garbage properly, they burn it, causing air pollution and creating a nuisance for everyone in the area.

A few residents also complained about cattle menace in Adugodi. When News Trail visited the spot, several cows and bulls were found roaming on the streets causing traffic congestion, and damaging properties of several residents.

An individual who claimed to be the care taker of these cattle, refused to talk. It was learnt that he owns 6 to 7 cows and leaves them on the streets.

There appears to be no shelter for these cows, and one neighbour alleged that they sleep on an empty plot nearby at night and roam the streets during the day.