- Got to give it to the citizens of Bengaluru for showing remarkable patience, resilience, and for adopting a never-say-die attitude despite being subjected to such challenges vis-à-vis safe existence in the city. The various government civic agencies tasked to ensure the lives of Bengaluru citizens are satisfactory have miserably failed to deliver on providing some of the basic amenities like commutable roads, clean drinking water, various welfare services, and redressal of grievances. However, what must be most on the minds of many citizens is whenever the city receives copious rains and the subsequent mayhem to the properties and roads. Sadly, the civic agencies tasked to ensure the city stays immune from natural disasters are always found wanting in many ways.
PC: Deccan Herald
- Especially, those living in apartments and low-lying areas would be praying that no untoward incidents occur jeopardizing hard-earned living standards literally floating away when the rains flood into their living quarters. Time and again the city has witnessed how torrential rains for an hour or so result in the basements, roads, and low-lying areas being flooded with water. Overflowing drains, blocked stormwater drains, the clogged drainage system, and the general apathy of people unconcerned about their surroundings only add to the misery of citizens traumatized by the turn of events. The moot point to ponder over here is why civic agencies fail to live up to expectations by averting these occurrences in the first place.
- We know the monsoon season will bring in rain, and this is where the administration aspect of any government comes into play by preparing adequately to address the impending challenges. Unfortunately, what we witness is a kneejerk reaction by the authorities getting into action mode of clearing the drains for smooth flow of water, keeping the disaster management team in standby mode to address any eventualities, and assuring the public that they mean business fully equipped to rise to the occasion. However, what unfolds on the ground is contrary when the citizens are made to fend for themselves most of the time. The reason behind flooding of the water onto the roads is because of illegal and unauthorized constructions on major stormwater drains. Indeed.
PC: ANTARA News
- Needless to mention, the nexus between the politicians-bureaucrats-contractors-middlemen is apparent when unauthorized constructions are unearthed. The bane of corruption is so deeply embedded in the system is it has become all pervasive eating into the very fabric of society with gusto. The patchwork on the roads filling up the potholes and craters is undertaken but they simply disappear when one good spell of rain hits them. Aren’t the roads supposed to last for years? Why then do roads simply give away with a couple of showers just like that? Poor workmanship? Of course, it is. Will the government authorities and the elected representatives earnestly ensure the citizens do not fear for their lives while commuting? Is it too much of an asking? No easy answers.
