The residents’ associations of about 15 apartments of Somasundarapalya and Haralukunte, down HSR 27th Main Road have joined together to create a HSR-x Federation to collectively solve their problems and improve their neighbourhood.

On Saturday, March 3rd, the group invited Bommanahalli MLA, Satish Reddy and HSR Corporator Latha Narasimhamurthy. Also present were Ravi Reddy, HSR ward BJP president for Bangalore), Syed Salam, businessman, husband of Mangammapalya ward Corporator Syed Haseena Taj and BBMP officials.

Satish Reddy, Ravi Reddy and Latha Narasimhamurthy at citizen-MLA meeting, HSR Layout extensions. Pic: Satvik Koushik

Virat Gohil, from Sai Poorna Paradise shared the problems of HSR Layout 27th main – the main access road to all the apartments in SomasundaraPalya and beyond. With the road dug up for BWSSB work and not repaired yet, residents wanted details of responsible officials. Rear Admiral Narayanan, Sai Poorna Heights complained about the quality of the asphalt patches, and asked about the delay in clearing the access when the army has already agreed to give up their piece of land jutting into 27th main road.

The meeting of HSR Layout residents with MLA Satish Reddy and BBMP officials. Pic: Meera K

Vinay from Sai Poorna Paradise was concerned about the huge number of speed humps on the roads. Satish Reddy responded many are setup by residents themselves to slow the traffic in front of their house. He promised that he will work on removing unscientific humps

To complaints on street lights, Satish Reddy said Rs 1.2 crores has been spent in the last one year. Residents complained there were no streetlights on the Somasundarapalya roads at all. Reddy promised to fix 25 street lights and asked residents to contact the BBMP Engineer in charge of street lights.

Water problem was a major pain point, Indramma of Akruthi Silverline, said they spend upto Rs  3000 a month on water. Satish Reddy said Cauvery water will be provided by December this year.

Residents also asked the MLA to resolve the long pending problem of contractors sorting and burning of garbage near the substation. This causes major problems with stench in addition to dog and pig menace. Satish Reddy promised a garbage disposal drive with a 100 people workforce clearing the area from Sat 10th March. Latha announced that an alternate land has been found and the contractors will shift their segregation spot. Prabhat, Sai Poorna Paradise, stressed on the importance of continuous drives against stray dogs and pigs, not just a one-off drive.

Residents also raised the problem of liquor shops in the area causing nuisance. Satish Reddy asked them to give a written complaint, to which residents retorted that it had been done a dozen times. The MLA promised to find a solution this time.

BBMP officials listen to citizen issues at the meeting. Pic: Meera K.

Residents planned to continue engaging with the elected representatives for speedy resolution of their problems. MLA and corporator also promised support with Khata, ration card camps etc. Satish Reddy promised to take up rejuvenation of the Somasundara Palya lake.

The meeting also had members from Forward 150 Federation from the adjacent Bellandur ward, sharing their stories. Satheesh Amilineni, Meera K and Sudhakar Pai talked about the various successful initiatives on lake rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting and solid waste management.

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