KR Puram residents grapple with floods, potholes, and encroached footpaths

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Krishnaraja Puram, situated in ward number 52 under the jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is a thriving locality characterised by a balanced mix of commercial and residential infrastructure.

Despite its ongoing development, this area grapples with several significant challenges that affect the quality of life for its residents. One pressing concern is the deplorable condition of the streets, riddled with potholes, and the area's relatively lower elevation compared to the rest of the city.

This geographic disadvantage renders KR Puram susceptible to flooding and consequent damage even with modest rainfall, earning it a reputation for monsoonrelated inundations.

Tired of waiting for action by the officials, the residents have made a temporary fix for potholes by filling them with pebbles and sand. But this also wears off when it rains aggravating the situation.

Furthermore, the issue of flooding is compounded by the lack of adequate street lighting. Most streets in the area either lack functional streetlights or experience frequent outages during rainy weather, particularly after nightfall.

This presents a hazardous situation for both pedestrians and motorists attempting to navigate the area during inclement weather. A key contributor to the flooding problem is the congestion and improper maintenance of stormwater drains.

Many stormwater drain lines are obstructed, and in some locations, these drains are entirely exposed. The Rajakaluve, a critical waterway running through the area, is clogged with garbage and construction debris, hindering the natural flow of water.

As a result, the stormwater drains and the Rajakaluve often overflow during the monsoon season, exacerbating the flooding. Collectively, these challenges severely restrict the mobility of residents within their own community.

Some residents residing in older, low-lying homes experience water inundation within their properties. Additionally, numerous shopkeepers have witnessed accidents involving riders and pedestrians due to the absence of adequate street lighting, coupled with the presence of flooded streets and potholes.

The issue of encroachment on footpaths in KR Puram is a significant concern that significantly affects the quality of life for its residents. In many instances, the streets in this area are relatively narrow, leaving little space for pedestrians to traverse safely.

This, combined with the absence of well-maintained and easily accessible footpaths, creates a challenging environment for those on foot. Wherever there are footpaths in KR Puram, they are often in a state of disrepair, making it difficult for pedestrians, including the elderly and people with disabilities, to use them effectively.

Cracks, holes, and uneven surfaces on these footpaths pose tripping hazards, making it unsafe for pedestrians to walk, especially during inclement weather conditions or in the absence of proper lighting.

Moreover, the encroachment on footpaths by commercial establishments exacerbates the problem. In many areas, shops, vendors, and businesses spill over onto the footpaths, leaving limited space for pedestrians.

This not only forces pedestrians to share the road with vehicular traffic but also contributes to congestion, creating a chaotic and potentially dangerous situation.

Despite numerous complaints lodged by residents and shopkeepers with the BBMP in the past, seeking a solution to the persistent issues they've endured for years, no measures have been put in place to address their concerns.