Workers demolishing buildings on lands acquired for the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project broke drainage pipes near Unkal. The pipes have been unrepaired for the last 30 days and sewage is flowing on the road. At another location, the remaining portion of an underground cable has been left uncovered beside the road and commuters have to take extra care while passing through this stretch.
These are a few examples how unscientifically the works of the BRTS project are being carried out, with scant regard for the public safety.
“When the drainage was broken, we told them to repair it. But the contractor said it was not his job. Even the municipal authorities have not yet acted,” said the residents. In some places, the drainage water flows on roads. Besides, no clearing works were being done in locations where the buildings were demolished. The half-demolished buildings, and debris spread all over present a sorry picture. An expert said that instead of shifting the utilities first, work of constructing the BRTS bus stands had been started first. In most of the areas where the roads were dug, they were not filled up and levelled properly. “If the utilities were shifted first, it was possible to provide temporary roads for smooth passage of the vehicles,” he said.
Hubballi-Dharwad BRTS managing director C.M. Noor Mansur had on an earlier occasion promised to take necessary steps in this regard, but no action has been taken yet.
