Hubballi localities lack amenities

Hubballi: For many years now, the residents of Morarji Nagar, Second Stage, and Ram Manohar Lohia Nagar, both of which fall under the limits of Ward 32 of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), have complained of either poor, or non-existent infrastructure in their respective localities, but their lament has fallen on deaf ears, with little being done to improve the situation. Poor roads, too few streetlights, faulty sewer lines, are among some of the problems that the residents have to cope with.
A garden developed to serve as a place for relaxation for the residents has, unfortunately, turned into an unofficial lavatory, with many people using the space for open defecation. Consequently, this has turned the garden into a foul-smelling place posing a risk to the health of residents. The other problem, equally hazardous to the residents’ hygiene, is the state of the drainage network in the two localities. In many places, sewage water from the drains flow into the roads, much to the disgust of the people. Furthermore, the scantily-lit streets present a foreboding sight for the elderly and the children, who are understandably frightened of venturing out after dusk.
The residents want the garden cleaned, and a community hall built in the area, but the utterly apathetic attitude of both the officials and elected representatives has left them a disgruntled lot.
The two residential localities are close to the airport, and roughly 7km from the Central Business District of Hubballi. Constituted 15 years ago, when there were 3,500 houses in the two areas, the localities still lack some of the most basic amenities.
President of Morarjinagar Welfare Development Association, Nagaraj Nadakarni said, “The lack of streetlights has been brought to the attention of the HDMC commissioner, and other officials several times. But none has bothered to remedy the situation. We have also complained to them about the park in the area not being maintained, and the poor drainage network, but these problems have not been fixed.”
Corporator for HDMC Ward 32, Satish Hangal said that the residents had intimated him of the problems they were grappling with every day. “I will raise the issue at the next general body meeting of the HDMC Council,” he said.
HDMC executive engineer (electrical) SN Ganachari said, “We will start installing streetlights once we funds are disbursed by the corporation. We have submitted a proposal seeking funds for the same.”