Foul smell

morning walkers

Cubbon Park

sewage

has engulfed the entire area making it difficult for, joggers to step into the parkThanks to the callousness of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and heavy rains which lashed the city last week, a part of thepremises is filled with sewage. Foul smell has engulfed the entire area making it difficult for morning walkers and joggers to step into the park. The amount of filth andin the park poses a health risk to visitors. The horticulture department, which is the custodian of the park, has complained about the sewage problem to the concerned department. Authorities have also asked the BWSSB to act before the park turns into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.“On Friday, when I was there with my wife for a morning walk, there was a foul smell emanating. I went around and got to see a pool of sewer water on the lawn. I did not know whom to direct my complaint to. When I returned the next day, the scenario was same. The concerned authorities should look into the matter and do a check regularly within the park premises. But nobody has turned up so far,” said Ashish S, a businessman and a regular walker. Another walker Shiva Yogi, a store manager, complained that none of the civic agencies was ready to heed to the plight of the walkers even after complaining to the BWSSB.Authorites are just passing the buck, he alleged. “They would reply that it does not fall under their division. The stench has now spread to the surrounding areas as well. Those walking on the footpath from Hudson Circle to Kasturba Road can also smell it,” Yogi said. Mahantesh Murugod, deputy director of horticulture department, said the drains are clogged because of rains in the city.“This happens every time. A pipeline from Chalukya Circle to Kanteerava Stadium passes through the park. If the silt is not cleared, the pipe might get blocked and overflow. When we checked with the BWSSB, they were not aware of it. So I have asked them to rectify the problem at the earliest.” BWSSB executive engineer Kotikar said, “I got to know about the problem from the horticulture department only now. The reason was the overflowing sewage is not known yet. We have to first find out where the problem has occured, only then can we fix it. There is a sewage treatment plant (STP) and in all likelihood that is blocked.I have asked the STP department to look into it. We will rectify the problem soon.”