Sarakki: A picture of civic neglect

By Manjunath Hadimani | NT

Sarakki Ward (Ward 178) is spread over 1.79 sq km with a population of around 30,000. It is part of Jayanagar Assembly constituency. The ward also includes most parts of JP Nagar and Sarakki village. Residents of Sarakki Ward are upset over the poor quality of roads and footpaths, irregular garbage collection and bad odour emanating from the nearby storm water drain.

The open storm water drain next to ICICI Bank, adjacent to Outer Ring Road, also poses danger to unwary pedestrians, especially senior citizens and children as there is no guardrail to prevent people from falling into it.

Anand, who owns a shop near the storm water drain, said that it has been open since ages. “People walking on the footpath either close their nose or hold their breath for a few seconds till they pass the drain due to the bad odour. If anyone slips, they might end up in the drain,” he said.

Residents of an apartment beside the drain blame the BBMP Storm Water Drain Department for poor maintenance. Vasanth, a resident, said, “We have to keep our windows shut all the time. The stench and mosquitoes are a constant menace. We have brought the issue to the authorities’ notice many times but it has been of no use,” he said.

Some roads in the ward have dangerous potholes and accident spots. A huge pothole is there on the Outer Ring Road near Jaraganahalli Circle, opposite Vodafone Idea store. It has been there for months, but nothing has been done to fill it.

Referring to the problems faced by two-wheeler riders during rains, Hanumantha, a resident of JP Nagar 1st Phase, said that potholes on the 4th Main Road pose danger to the motorists, especially during the rain. “When it rains this road will be filled with water and many two-wheeler riders have fallen while negotiating potholes,” he said.

Most of the footpaths in the ward have been encroached upon, thus making it difficult for people to walk. The footpaths on the 32nd Main Road of JP Nagar 1st Phase are being used to dump all types of waste.

Shantiprasad, a resident, said that his complaints to the BBMP to clear the dump from the footpath are ignored. He said that even after filing a complaint to clear the dump no one is bothered to take any action. “The condition of this footpath has been the worst for nearly one-and-a-half years now. What can we old people do? The one who collects garbage daily says that it is not his responsibility. They just collect from the houses and leave. Who is responsible for this mess?” he asked.

BDA property on 17th Main Road, JP Nagar 2nd Phase has been neglected. Ravi Kiran, a local resident, said that residents are dumping everything here be it old clothes, old furniture, and garbage. “As far as I know, for 4 to 5 years this has been the case. They have put the board stating it is a BDA property, but it has been used as a dump yard. BDA could have planned something but I don’t know the exact facts,” he said.

A BBMP tailoring class in Sarakki seems to be on an extended Covid leave as it is yet to open even after most curbs related to the pandemic has been lifted. A resident claimed that he hasn’t seen tailoring classes happening after Covid. “Before Covid we have seen classes happening but nowadays no one is seen around,” he said.

Babu, a member of JP Nagar Welfare Association said that there are issues of overflowing manholes and poorly-lit streets in the area. “Overflowing sewage water from the manhole on the 32nd Cross Road in the 1st Phase has become routine. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has replaced the drain pipes on other roads but not taken measures to do the same on 32nd Cross Road. The BWSSB authorities have to take measures to replace the old underground drainage pipes that are not able to take the load of sewage. Due to defunct street lights, residents hesitate to come out of their homes during the night,” said Babu.

Will the BBMP authorities fix these problems to make it easy for the residents of Sarakki? The residents will have to wait and watch.