Bengaluru’s pothole woes deepen despite Rs 12 crore spend, 63% rise in affected areas
Bengaluru: Despite spending over Rs 12 crore on road repairs in 2024-25, Bengaluru’s pothole problem has worsened, with a 63% rise in the area affected by potholes compared to last year, raising serious concerns over the quality and sustainability of civic works.
According to BBMP data presented by the government in the Karnataka Legislative Council, cited by Deccan Herald on Tuesday, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) filled up 1.78 lakh square metres of potholes in 2024–25, compared to 1.07 lakh square metres in 2023–24. This represents a 63% increase, despite a significant jump in expenditure from Rs 7 crore last year to Rs 12.25 crore this year.
However, many commuters argue that the increased spending has not translated into lasting results.
“We did see BBMP taking up pothole filling works. However, just a few weeks later, we noticed that the same roads have again developed potholes. If the road is back in the same shape within a few days, this is a waste of effort and taxpayer's money,” DH quoted Murthy B, a resident of Mahadevapura zone, as saying.
Other citizens pointed to roads like Hosa Road and Bannerghatta Road, where potholes reappeared just months after BBMP carried out patchwork repairs.
A senior BBMP engineer, speaking to DH on condition of anonymity, mentioned that BBMP was only filling potholes and not addressing the root cause. “The potholes don't appear on any road. They develop only when water stagnates on roads. This is because of poorly maintained shoulder drains due to which water enters and stagnates on roads,” the engineer said.
BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao acknowledged the limitations of pothole repair work during the monsoon season. “We can only take up temporary fixes owing to rain. Hence, they might reappear. However, long-term measures will be taken after the monsoon,” Rao assured.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
