[sustran] Metro authorities threaten, abuse us'

[Vinay Baindur]

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/may/200511-Basavanagudi-road-construction-Bangalore.htm

*Metro authorities threaten, abuse us'*
 *By: *Sheetal Sukhija
 *Date: *2011-05-20


*Basavanagudi residents are allegedly being bullied by project site engineer
for complaining about deplorable roads conditions, open drains in area*

For over two years since work on the Metro started in Basavanagudi,
residents of R V Road have been subjected to constant nuisances.

Firstly, it was the excavations on the roads that led to traffic snarls in
the area and now, two drains have been left open for months. The situation
got worse last week after a resident complained of being threatened by a
Metro engineer.


*Death trap? Two persons have fallen into the open drains at RV Road in
Basavanagudi during heavy rains this month. Pic/Satish Badiger*

*Abusive officials*
"We have been shuffling between the BBMP and Bangalore Metro Rail
Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) offices for over a year now requesting them to clear
the mess. Even after assurances that something would be done, no action has
been taken. Last week when I approached the BMRCL site office, an engineer
shut the door and threatened to break my legs if I kept complaining. This
behaviour is simply unacceptable," said H Khan, a resident.

Reacting to the same, other residents claim that their pleas have been
falling on deaf ears for two years now.

Parveen A, Secretary of the Crescent Women's Wing explains, "The BBMP
officials have told us that until the Metro construction is complete, the
area cannot be cleared. The open drains has been creating a big problem and
two persons have slipped and fallen into it during heavy rains. Accidents
occur during the night, but despite all this, we support the Metro because
it is for our own good. However, that does not mean that we should be
treated in such a way."

*Quite impolite?*
Residents even lament that the BMRCL site office of their area remains
locked for almost four days a week.

"Every time we approach them, they either abuse us verbally or just shirk
off responsibility. We've been living in this locality for over 20 years now
and this is not how they should be treating us when we approach them with a
grievance," complained a resident.

The resident association has written polite letters to the BMRCL many times
and they've even approached the BBMP Corporator Gangambika (Ward no 153),
but have received no positive response. Malika Subhan, a resident said, "My
husband suffered from chikungunya because of the stench from the open drain
and one of our neighbours suffered a fractured knee as a result of falling
into the drain."

In response to the complaints filed by the residents, the BBMP Corporator
arrived in the area for an inspection. However, she claimed that there could
be no permanent solution, as the Metro would continue to disrupt
the normal cleaning process.

*Meanwhile, BMRCL*
officials confirmed receiving a written complaint about the threat. BMRCL
PRO Yashwant Chauhan however, has not started investigating the matter yet.
"Once I receive a written complaint, I will investigate the matter duly.
Our engineers are not goons and if something like this has happened, it will
be looked into," he said.

The residents, fearing repercussions, have not approached the police yet.