An open area in the 12th cross of JP Nagar Phase I overgrown with weeds was cleared; footpath slabs were laid on the 13th Main in BTM layout, all this within days of a Janaspandana being held in both these areas.
Janaspandana, a state government initiative that brings citizens, officials and elected representatives together to fix civic issues, was held in JP Nagar and BTM Layout on 4th and 10th July respectively.In both the events chaired by the local MLAs, residents of the area voiced their problems in front of officials representing different departments of the government.
Footpath upgradation ongoing at BTM Layout (Pic: : Supriya Khandekar)
It is a public platform to take the government to doorsteps of the people,” said Jayalakshmi, Deputy Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR). “It gives people an idea whom to approach.” DPAR introduced Janaspandana in 2008. The programmes are generally held on Saturdays throughout Karnataka, except second Saturdays. The Tahsildars of the areas inform the MLAs, who work with citizen groups to conduct the program.
At BTM Layout
BTM Layout witnessed construction of footpaths and work on parks after the Janaspandana for BTM-Mico layout (old Ward 65) residents. The programme was held on 10th July at Indian Water Works Association (IWWA) building hall on 7th Main Road. BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy chaired the event, which was attended by nearly 100 residents and officers from BBMP, KPTCL, BMTC, BESCOM and several other government departments.
In response to the public grievances regarding footpaths, Rangaswamy, Assistant Executive Engineer from BBMP announced that Rs.Two crores have been allotted for constructing, asphalting and improving the footpaths all around BTM Layout.
The footpath improvement programme is already underway now at BTM Layout. K N Ravi, Assistant Executive Engineer (ward works), Madiwala Sub division said, “Footpath upgradation from 8th cross to 29th Main (a stretch of 1.6 kms) will be completed in three months.” He also mentioned that tendering process has begun for the storm water drain project to be taken up in the area.
- A swimming pool in 29th Main in BTM layout.
- Construction of a library would soon begin on the land adjacent to IWWA
- Construction of a post office on the land allocated near Chamundeshwari Temple
The residents asked for an update regarding the flyover construction at the 16th Main near Udupi Garden and also about the desilting work at 7th Cross, 16th Main. Reddy responded that work for the flyover will start after the monsoon.
Residents of Mantri Elegance Apartments (near Jayadeva flyover) proposed a metal pedestrian overbridge on Bannerghatta road. Residents of 8th Main asked for a playground with provision for sports like basketball, volleyball, shuttle, lawn tennis and skating.
D K Gowda from the Horticulture Department said that along with BBMP, a project worth Rs.Two crores has been launched for maintenance of parks in BTM layout.
A Vidyashankar, President Kuvempunagar Permanent Resident’s Welfare Association (KPRWA) says that after the last Janaspandana, which was held in the area six months ago, 1000 streetlights were installed in BTM Layout. “In fact after the recent Janaspandana, desiltation works all around the layout has begun and slabs for the open drains are being laid on 13th cross,” he added.
Meanwhile, Muslim residents of 29th Main Road threatened to walk out if their demand of shifting or canceling the license of a wine shop beside the mosque in that area was not fulfilled. MLA Reddy said that the matter would be forwarded to the state excise department. Karnataka Excise rules prohibit the opening of a new shop in close proximity (50 metres) to a place of public resort, school, hospital, place of worship or factory or to the entrance to a bazar or a residential colony.
At JP Nagar
A similar event was organised in JP Nagar Phase I on 4th July presided by MLA Vijaykumar. Citizen Matters was not present at this event and has compiled this from reports received. This Janaspandana was attended by nearly 300 residents, with officials from BBMP, BESCOM, BWSSB and traffic police participating. Ananth Kumar (MP) and former corporator Nataraj were also present. Residents complained of issues like open sewerages, broken footpaths, garbage clearance and more, says S Muralimohan, Vijaykumar’s press coordinator. Discussions regarding underpass construction and putting post boxes at different lanes in JP Nagar were also held.
B N Vijaykumar : 9341906517 Ramalinga Reddy: 22237240 DPAR office number: Principle Secretary: 22860120
B C Ganesh, President of JP Nagar I Phase Cultural and Welfare Association, raised issues like overflowing drains in JP Nagar Phase I, 29th Main, which have been a persistent problem in that area for the last six years.
“This is a major cause of concern for the residents of the area. I have written letters to BWSSB but I have never got any reply,” he says. “After I raised this issue again in the recent Janaspandana, MLA Vijaykumar has visited the location and has promised that work will be done soon”.
Speaking for Vijaykumar, Muralimohan says that not all problems can be solved immediately. Referring to projects like flyovers and rebuilding drainages that require, tendering, permissions, he says that people should have patience to see the results.
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Excellent coverage! There’s hope yet for bangaloreans to make a better life for themselves.
Excellent coverage. I belong to BTM layout and am happy with the work going on to improve footpath andd closing of open drains. Only complaint I have is with regard to the vendors beginning to occupy the 7th cross. Will be good if that could be avoided. BTW – how do we get notification for these Janaspandana events?