Sep 23, 2005 09:34 PM
2598 Views
(Updated Sep 23, 2005 09:34 PM)
It may shock Bangaloreans, but I am writing this as a citizen of Bangalore for more than 5 decades. I have seen Bangalore since 1960's when it was really charming. The problem has been not uncontrolled growth but being capital city of one of the most corrupt states in India (4th after Bihar, J&K and others). And you will find most spineless citizens staying in these parts of the country.
There is hardly any protest from Bangaloreans if even their lives have been played around with some of the most corrupt officials you ever see. I will give just a few examples to prove the point.
While neighbouring states have excellent roads all over the state Karnataka & Bangalore in particular have worst roads you will ever find. And to think you pay highest taxes in India.Just fooling people with IT & BT , basic infrastructure has been utterly neglected. Visit Kerala, AP & Tamil Nadu to get a feel of their roads.
Metro Rail has been planned in Bangalore for past 20 years and cess has been collected on fuel for several years ( Incidentally petrol prices per litre are Rs10 more than that in Delhi!) . Right now some 100 odd traders on CMH Road , Indiranagar have been able to stop the savior of Bangalore so that they can enjoy fleecing the customers. But still people flock to CMH Road and buy things. Most shameful.
Autorikshaws , No.1 black spot on Bangalore and killers of citizens. Everybody knows that they tinkle with silencers and produce hell of noise. But I havent seen anybody protesting against them. Just to please 85000 odd autorokshaw owners our officials are sadly sacrificing every citizen including children to highest noise levels and inducing all sorts of complications like hearing problems, stress and other problems.
These are a few things I have mentioned. Unless there is a strong civic action by people Bangalore is doomed. The least citizens can do for Bangalore is write to everybody concerned about things that are bad and not suffer silently.
