Garbage makes it truly Jeevan Bimar Nagar in Bengaluru

By Divya Shekhar

BENGALURU: Located in the CV Raman Nagar constituency of Bengaluru East, the Jeevan Bima Nagar ward primarily comprises Karnataka Public Works Department staff quarters, apart from landmarks like the Mini Bal Bhavan and the Sneha Trust. Whatever open space that remains is unfortunately filled with garbage not cleared for weeks.

Sixty-nine-year-old Jairaj, a resident of JB Nagar for the past 30 years, said the stench was becoming unbearable by the day. "It seems as if no authority is concerned about mosquito breeding and other problems that arise out of the garbage," he said, adding that the cattle that feed on the filth near bus stops are suffer in the long run.

Former Isro employee Jayasheelan pointed out another grave problem of the area ­ road rage. He told ET that bus drivers getting in and out of the bus stands speed on the narrow roads, often causing harm both to humans and animals. "I have been staying here for the past six years and have witnessed many accidents. Bus drivers often drive rashly and pay no heed to other vehicles on the road," he said.

Jeevan Bima Nagar's residents are most wary of the upcoming rainy season which they know will only add to their woes. Some of them say that it is time small-scale businesses in the area are sensitised towards keeping the area clean. "Retail fruit vendors and food sellers dump their waste on the road, adding to the accumulation," a resident said. "Although the main roads are often kept clean, the authorities do not bother cleaning the inside roads," she added.

Residents expressed discontent with the apathy shown towards the Mini Bal Bhavan and the fact that it is never maintained properly .

They were also concerned with shops selling tobacco and cigarettes right opposite the Indian Public School, which is against the law.