Deadline hits dead end

BANGALORE: Minister R Ashok had directed the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials to fill the potholes on or before July 30. It’s  August 1 and the roads still have plenty of potholes.In the beginning of July, Minister Ashok had said that as per the records available with the BBMP, there are more than 32,000 potholes. He had even informed the media that only 7,380 potholes have been filled. Directions were also issued to fill any pothole within 15 days after identification.Parijatha, a techie working in a private firm in Jayanagar said that one of the worst roads is the road that connects Ashoka pillar to RV teachers college circle. “I have to take the same route everyday. I see at least one person falling on this road due to potholes. The BBMP does not seem interested in filling potholes,” she said.There are a few potholes on Residency Road near the flyover. Srinivas, a senior citizen and a member of Bowring Institute tells that it is very difficult to use this road, especially during monsoon. “The road looks best for inviting accidents. We have lodged complaint with the BBMP. But nothing has been done,” he added.Harsha, a college student and a resident of Girinagar said that at 11th cross of Girinagar third phase there is a big pothole. “The road is too narrow. It is difficult to take our bike. We need to be more careful when we ride on this particular road. It is scary during the night,” he said.Minister Ashok who promised Bangalore of smooth roads was unavailable for comments.