BANGALORE: Authorities in Bangalore have had a reputation of turning a deaf ear to the problems faced by the public. An overflowing drain in front of Jewels De Paragon near Cubbon Park was a severe cause of worry for thousands of people who travel through the area everyday on Monday morning. But for once, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BSWWB) officials realised the urgency needed in solving the problem and voila! It was done.The Mahatma Gandhi circle which connects Queen’s Road, MG Road and Kasturba Road is one of the most frequently used junctions in the city. An overflowing drain in the area made the travellers wish they had not chosen that particular route to travel.The stench exuding from the drain was unbearable.Pedestrians were hassled by the frequent splashing of the drain water.Adding to which was the fact that Kasturba Road is a low lying road. Water gushed onto the streets with a force to reckon with. A motorist, Ramesh, who traveled on the road in the morning said, “The whole area was sort of flooded. While waiting for the signal, the foul smell emanating from the drain was unbearable.” City Express had published a report, ‘An overflowing drain in the heart of the city’ on June 6, regarding a similar drain overflow during the 10k marathon. However, this time the authorities seem to have learnt a lesson as the matter was rectified within a few hours due to the complaints received.A resident of Richmond Town, Shyama, has been using the junction to commute for a few years now. She said, “There are frequent drain problems in the area. It is heartening to see such quick action. I wish they keep up the good work.” A customer of Jewels De Paragon, Dia, however was not so positive. She said, “I definitely appreciate the efforts of the BWSSB but there are numerous other problems in the area that need to be addressed as well. Cubbon Park in an important landmark of our city. But garbage has been disposed to the left of Queen’s Road with no regard to the visitors.” Another pedestrian also added that the area near the police station needs to be cleared of the dump as soon as possible. A old rusting car in the area is adding to the traffic woes they say.But most people agreed that the quick action taken by the authorities was indeed appreciation worthy.The BWSSB executive engineer for the area, Sathish, said, “We received a complaint about the Kasturba Road issue in the morning.We had a BWSSB van in the locality in the next half an hour. The sand block was removed and we have tried to ensure that it won’t be a problem again.” Upon asking him if the authorities would act with the same swiftness from now on, he said, “We receive about 15- 20 complaints everyday.Most of these grievances are attended upon within a day or two.”
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