Copyright thehindu
While even a 20-minute spell of rain leaves Mamulpet, a textile hub in Chickpet, bylanes flooded with nearly two feet of stagnant water, the commercial hub has once again been left out of the 5.57-km road development and white-topping project recently announced in Chickpet by the State government. Traders argued that despite being among the city’s oldest and most economically significant markets, Mamulpet has been overlooked again while adjoining stretches such as B.T. Street and Rangaswamy Temple Street have been included in the project. “Mamulpet is a key centre of Bengaluru’s textile and garment trade, home to hundreds of wholesale and retail establishments that contribute substantially to the State exchequer. Yet, we traders and workers are forced to operate amid crumbling civic infrastructure with broken and mostly non-existent footpaths, outdated drainage that floods after even mild rain, and pothole-ridden roads that disrupt the movement of goods and customers alike,” said trade activist Sajjan Raj Mehta. He requested civic authorities to prioritise redevelopment with scientifically designed covered drains, properly paved footpaths, pothole-free roads, regular maintenance, and regulation of unauthorised hawking. While many traders acknowledge that white topping may not be feasible in Mamulpet due to its narrow and congested lanes, they insist the government should at least consult them before finalising development plans. “If white topping is not possible, there are other works that can be taken up such as proper drainage, better footpaths, and lighting but there has to be a meeting with traders before deciding what suits the area,” Dilip Kumar, another trader, said. Shop owners also mentioned that they have been repeatedly requesting the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials to desilt and repair the storm-water drains, which have not been upgraded in decades. “When we requested that the drains be cleaned, only a shoddy job was done. Within days, the drains were clogged again,” said a trader, questioning how the Budget was utilised if work was done like this. White topping near Chickpet metro station and the roadwork in neighbouring Sultanpet, which has been going on for nearly three years, have blocked access routes to Mamulpet, including connections to Avenue Road. Many said that customer footfall and trade volumes have reduced significantly due to poor infrastructure. Responding to the concerns, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao told The Hindu that some areas have been included in the first phase of works. “We have taken up a few stretches now, and once these are completed, the same model will be replicated in the remaining areas that are not included. It is not possible to cover all areas at once, but even the Chief Minister has said that the project will eventually extend to the entire Chickpet area,” he said, adding that the current grants will be used for basic improvements in the first phase.
