Road restored, but joy short-lived for residents

Y Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) authorities have allocated crores of rupees for the betterment of roads in and around Varthur of Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, but most roads continue to be riddled with potholes and craters.

Some of those roads that were dug up by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for laying pipes have not been restored for more than two years.

Many people, including motorists, were injured due to the poor condition of the roads. Recently, a 12-year-old girl was killed.

A few days ago, BBMP decided to asphalt the roads, much to the relief of local residents. However, their joy was short-lived, thanks to the shoddy work by the contractor. “I am shocked to see the sub-standard asphalting. It is not being done as per the norms. What is the use of asphalting these roads without quality,” said Jagadeesh Reddy of Varthur Rising.

He said they have already brought the sub-standard asphalting work to the contractor’s notice. “He has assured me to re-asphalt the stretch of the road where gravel has already loosened or lacks quality but did nothing till date,” he said.

Vasudev P., a member of Varthur Rising, said that quality of the asphalting work is far from satisfactory not only the road near Sharada Vidyamandira, but also other roads in Varthur. “There is no quality in asphalting work. We are fed up with the BBMP authorities who have failed miserably to ensure good quality roads,” he added.

Meanwhile, BBMP assistant executive Engineer Ramesh has said that he would direct the contractor to re-asphalt stretch near Sharada Vidyamandira at Chinnappa Layout. “I am supervising the quality of asphalting. I will visit the locality again,” the BBMP assistant executive Engineer said.