Almost every lane of HSR Layout has construction materials
Sand dumped on the footpath of a prominent road in HSR Layout (Photo: DC)
Bengaluru: HSR Layout is one of the fast developing localities in the city. Hence, of late it has been witnessing a lot of construction activity. This has led to the problem of construction materials being dumped on footpaths, thereby inconveniencing pedestrians. Almost every lane of HSR Layout has construction materials occupying the walking space meant for pedestrians.
Bani N, a resident of HSR Layout 9th cross, sector 1, says, “Not many people are bothered about the footpaths here, as most of the people living in the vicinity have vehicles to move around. It is only people like us who have to walk down the street to pick our children from school who face the real issues. I have to be extra careful when I walk with my child as you never know what might be lying on the footpath.” According to a study by Janaagraha, a year back, the average walkability score of Bangalore is a poor 4.93 and it seems it has gone worse since then.
Leena Parvathy, a housewife says, “I go out only to buy vegetables and I find myself struggling to walk with all the vegetables in my hand and having to walk over all the construction material. People are not at all sensitive to the inconvenience their acts may cause others.”
Nimmy Gajendra, a resident says, “I have old parents and they take a stroll in the morning and evening. But I am always concerned until they are back home safe.”
According to a study conducted by Nimhans, between 2007 and 2009, every fifth casualty admission at the institute was an injured pedestrian. At any given time, a whopping 26.2 per cent of the hospital mortuary cases were pedestrians. In fact, the NIMHANS study called ‘Magnitude of Pedestrian Head Injuries and Fatalities in Bangalore’ in 2014 found children and the elderly are most vulnerable to injuries, constituting 47.6 percent of pedestrian trauma cases. A total of 15 per cent of non-fatal pedestrian injuries were reported in children below the age of 15. A total of 51 per cent of those killed and 58 per cent of those injured were in the age group of 16-45. The elderly accounted for 17 per cent of pedestrian deaths and 10 per cent of non-fatal injuries.
‘Necessary permission should be taken’
DC in conversation with Ramalinga Reddy, district in charge minister, Excerpts:
Why footpaths often turn into dumping ground for construction materials?
When people are constructing a house in a 30/40 area, there is hardly any space for them to keep their construction materials. That’s when they occupy the space around them. But they have to take necessary permission and pay an amount. In addition, the materials should be cleared within a stipulated time.
Is there any penalty for failing to pay the amount or exceeding the time frame?
There is a penalty. They are not supposed to exceed the time given to them. Besides they are not supposed to obstruct the movement of public.
In case of such nuisance where can the public complain?
They can approach the local engineer. He will take the necessary action.
( Source : dc )
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