BBMP needs time to fix the hole in the wall

BANGALORE: The city’s storm water drain seems to have earned itself a dubious reputation of  becoming a death trap. The drain with its water has washed away young children and adults alike. But have the authorities become accustomed of the situation?The residents in 4th Cross Robertson Block, Okalipuram, may find respite in knowing that the authorities have visited the spot to inspect it, but according to Ananth Swamy, chief engineer, storm water drains, no action can be taken to resolve the matter until the next three months.City Express had published a report, ‘Yet another brick in the wall’ on August 29, stating the residents’ unanimous concern — children being swept away in drains.A worried resident had stated that he did not want repeats of incidents where children fall into drains, only to never return to their parents. Thulasiram had also said that the locals had complained to Queen Elizabeth, the local corporator for the ward.The corporator had mentioned in the report that her hands were tied and hence she was unable to do anything about the situation.“They (BBMP) are avoiding the construction of the wall on the pretext of a crunch in the Palike’s funds,” she had said. The following day, the authorities visited the area. Swamy said that he has been speaking with the commissioner almost regularly about the problems faced here.He said that since the drain is built under Jn-NURM, a lot of paper work is required before they can begin with the work.“I plan to close the previous tender and float a new one. The blueprint is also ready. Once the tender is through, we will begin the work. However, getting through the procedures could take us at least three months,” said Swamy.While the Palike officials are taking their sweet time, it looks like the wall will remain in the same condition for the next three months. Though the local corporator, Queen Elizabeth was unavailable for comments, her husband, Chakravathy said that he will do something as a temporary measure.“I have some ward funds that have not been used. I plan to use it to build a wall immediately as this is an emergency situation. The area that is void of a wall poses grave danger to the children of the locality,” he said. He said that the construction of the wall will begin on September 5.