On the sand and silt route

It is not unusual to see piles of sand heaped on road sides and pavements, thanks to the constructions going on in the City. While these are a hindrance, the problem is aggravated when it rains as the sand flows down from these piles to the main road.

The sand and silt on the roads only add to the increasing woes of motorists and pedestrians.

Samson Paul, who is a resident of Fraser Town, says that he and his mother met with an accident in Shivajinagar thanks to the sand on the road.

 His mother was injured in the mishap. “She had to have a surgery done. Sand on the road can cause skidding and mishaps as two-wheelers can go out of control on such roads,” he says.

Samson also says that the damages caused to the vehicles because of brakes
being applied frequently can cause wear-and-tear on a vehicle.Most flyovers too face this issue when the blowing sand accumulates on the sides as small heaps.

Rakshita B, a young professional, who uses the flyover at Yeswanthpur Circle regularly, says that one can see small piles of sand, leaves and garbage, which settle on the road if there is wind or too much movement around.

“There should be a provision to clear these piles immediately. But considering we don’t have enough people designated for garbage clearance, that is unlikely,” she states.

Main roads in the City like Seshadri Road, Ring Road and roads in commercial areas, where construction material is left in piles, face this kind of an issue.

“The worst part is when this sand flows to the road during the rains. It may not be not visible for someone who is driving or riding by,” says Sashikala RM, a resident of Bannerghatta Road. She adds that when it is windy or when buses run on the sand collected on the road, the dust from it can blind motorists.

Many humps in the City also have sand accumulated around them during the rains. “Firstly, there are many unscientific humps in the City. And when silt or sand, along with garbage, accumulates around these humps, be it on busy main roads or
others, it can be dangerous,” points out Jinu G, an online broker from Chandra Layout.

He adds that many times when half the road or parts of it are covered with sand, motorists slow down adding to the traffic jam.

The BBMP officials explain that all construction material should be covered and stored well at the premises of the construction site so as to avoid it flowing to the road.
M Lakshminarayana, Commissioner, BBMP, says that the movement of sand is done during the night.

“Sand is costly and a scarce material. It has to be accumulated and sold. It is transported to different sites, which is why this situation arises.

The pourakarmikas don’t clear this sand as it is not part of their duty. Civil engineering gangmen have to clear sand from construction material on the roads,” he adds.