No water in taps, while drains are overflowing

BANGALORE: Water seems to have become a big problem for the residents of Ramamurthynagar. The borewells in the area have failed. While the demand for water is increasing, the supply has dipped drastically.The scarcity of water has also plagued the areas surrounding Ramamurthynagar. According to Anand, a resident, the residents were assured that they will be supplied with Cauvery water. “We had paid the required amount for the provision of Cauvery water in 2004. The pipelines that were laid could not suffice, as the water provided by them was far less than the required amount,” he said. He also mentioned that almost 95 per cent of the residential population in the locality depended on water from tankers. When compared to the other vehicles on the roads of Ramamurthynagar, the water tankers surpass them. During the early mornings, a number of water tankers can be seen lined up in front of the houses. Swarna, another residents says the everyday routine of waking up in the mornings and checking water sumps is taking a toll on her. “There is no way of avoiding these tankers. We depend on them,” she said. Another problem that the residents face is the uncertainty prevailing the water conditions. “Though we spend a lot of money on the water, we are not sure if it is fit for consumption. As far as fulfilling our civic responsibilities and duties are concerned we are doing it. We pay our taxes on time, yet we do not get the basic facilities. If the authorities are so disoriented about doing their job, why should we bother with paying the taxes then?” questions Kashi, another resident.Inspite of complaining a number of times, the civic agencies have been unable to resolve the matter. The residents claim that they had complained to the authorities from the water board about the scarcity of water in the area. But they failed to do anything. “All they did was silently hear us out,” said a resident on the condition of anonymity.The unfortunate state of affairs here has lead the residents here to buy water. “We usually buy water for Rs 250 from the water tankers. However, during summers the prices go up to Rs 350. On an average we spend nearly Rs 3,000 on water,” complained Roshni, a housewife. Enraged by the slackness on the part of the authorities the residents are questioning the authorities. “We paid the money for Cauvery water connection along with penalty for the late payment almost five years ago. If we are penalised for the late payment then the officials in charge should also not be spared for their inability to provide drinking water facilities. No one seems to be taking responsibility,” said an angry PushpaUma, an official from the Water Board who is in charge of the water supply for both Ramamurthynagar and Horamavu said, “Those people who own 30 by 40 site were requested to pay Rs 5,000 while those have sites measuring 60 by 40 site had to pay Rs 10,000. We supply 60 per cent of water to the area as the available quantity is limited. By 2012 everyone will get Cauvery water here.”The residents of Kalakere are in severe distress due to drainage problems in the locality. The residents find it extremely hard to lead a normal life due to the hassles associated with an open drain. Adding to the woes is the lack of drainage pipes in a few areas. The drainage has been in the same state of neglect for the past 20 years, said the residents.BBMP started the work of laying the underground pipes a month ago with the assurance that the work would be completed within a few weeks. A member of the welfare association of the area also claims that Rs 2,000 have been paid to the authorities for the completion of the work.Garbage dumped in these drains is another issue. Flies, rats and stray dogs are a common sight in the area. With diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and malaria just around the corner, this requires immediate attention.The students of a school in the area are possibly the worst affected. Walking on the road has also become an adventurous task for these tiny tots. A drain running across the road was opened recently on the pretext of clearing blockage caused by the debris. It hasn’t been covered till now. The residents also asserted that during power cuts, walking on the roads have become a task, as there are no lights.Radha, a resident said, “Heaps of mud are thrown into the drain adding to the block already created. Living here has become a nightmare for us.” Another resident on the condition of anonymity added that the stench caused by the drain posed severe ill effects.Priya, a resident, said, “During the monsoon there is an overflow of drainage right in front of the Living Gospel Prayer Fellowship church. The narrow roads make it very difficult to walk. The entire residential area is also finding it very hard to commute using their vehicles due to the drains.” Another resident remarked that the time the BWSSB chose to do work was disturbing. Vijaya said, “Drainage stones are removed when the children have their lunch break. The proximity of the drains to the school seems to have been forgotten by the authorities.”The residents request the immediate attention of the authorities for their problems as they cannot continue to live with them anymore. Rajgopal Reddy, assistant engineer of BBMP said, “After completion of ‘END’ work, we will take further steps regarding the drainage. Yatseraj, the assistant engineer of BWSSB for the area, said, “The main road stretch will completed in the next 20-25 days.” He added that they were trying to ensure that the work is done as soon as possible. The local corporator of the area, Revanna, was unavailable for comments.