Coming together during tough times

BANGALORE: More and more people continue their robotic life of going to office, working, eating and coming back from office without a care of the world or the neighbors. However, here’s a case with a difference. In close proximity to the Outer Ring Road, lies the marginally small locality of R K Gardens. Populated by a few hundreds, the area lays detached from the city and yet forms a concrete part of the Bangalore.The locality is plagued with problems much severe than most other regions of the city put through. The residents here stand together to improve their standard of living. Muddy roads and an open storm water drain near their houses are some of the major problems. But the residents are ensuring that they let the authorities know of their problems and quick action is taken.A hazardous open drainThe storm water drain  in the locality lies open in most places. The sewage water flows parallel to these houses creating a sense of fear about the kind of health effects it might pose. In addition to that, garbage has been dumped into the drains, as a result blocking them. Despite the presence of a waste water treatment plant close by, no action has been taken to connect the pipes from the locality to the treatment plant.BWSSB leaves work undoneThe Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) began work on laying of the underground pipes a few months ago. While many considered that a progressive move, what they did not expect was the deplorable condition it would put their well tarred road in. Now, the main road of the locality is filled with mud. Rain makes it impossible to even take vehicles out, forget walking. The severe distress that the residents are put through is making them wish that constructive measures such as this were never taken by the authorities.Beware: Construction material on the wayThe start of the main road holds in store for the commuters, huge concrete pipes that have been left unattended to. With the pathetic condition of the road already causing extreme misery to the people, the construction material just acts as a tip of the iceberg. With no expanse of the road left for people to traverse through, they are forced to avoid the road for the sake of their vehicles. An incident that happened a few days ago was recounted by one of the residents. She said that due to the mud, a truck carrying granite while traversing the road ended up being stuck on the road for a long time.A mountain of garbageBeside the road, a heap of litter has been discarded by the drain side. The dump acts perilous as they require immediate attention in order to avoid diseases that the monsoons bring with it such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.Doing their bitThe horticulture department of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike (BBMP) has done its bit in helping make life easier for the people here. A stretch of land next to the drain has been planted with various shrubs and flowering plants so the residents can live a stench-free. Most residents seem to be thrilled by this act of kindness by the Palike.Active Welfare AssociationThe residents of RK Garden have formed an organisation called the ‘Ramakrishna Garden Welfare Association’. Be it holding free eye camps or vocational camps to help the underprivileged or plans of adopting a government school, the association acts as a model for every other society in Bangalore to do their part in making the city a better place. The residents come together to help themselves and others around them.Segregating wasteThe welfare association, following the rest of the city, has started segregating their garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. In the near future, they plan to  tie up with ITC to take care of the garbage after segregation. A presentation was held by the association in order to educate and create awareness in the people about the need to separate waste.Residents speakRashmi, a resident said, “Its difficult to get through the road. It takes me very long on this road and as a result I  end up getting late to college.”  Roopa B S, a member of the association, remarked, “The association is doing its best to improve the state of affairs here. We work in co-operation with the authorities to make our programs successful.” Uma Reddy, the president of the association informed City Express that it was time the residents stood up for themselves. She said, “Communal harmony will decrease tensions and help us work better. In store for the future is a skill training program for people who need it in Mathikere.” When questioned about the delay in the road, she said, “I have called for a meeting with the BWSSB officials tomorrow. We will look into it and ensure fast results.”Authorities viewsThe local corporator of the area is Muniswamy Gowda. He asserted, “The act from the BBMP horticulture department is appreciation worthy. Also, there are several lessons to learn from the association itself. They are active participants of the whole process of development.” He further added that he realised the severe inconvenience the road was causing the people but the work would be completed in a few days. Sources from the BWSSB said that the only reason the work wasn’t complete until now was due to the recent rains but the work would finish in two-three days.