An appeal to CM Siddharamaiah about developing Mysuru

Sir,

This refers to KBG’s Abracadabra titled “Budget Bonanza for Mysuru” in Star of Mysore dated July 8. In connection with the two major problems (KBG has mentioned) our city is facing and which needs Government’s immediate attention, I would like to state as follows:

1. I had written an e-mail dated 15th January this year regarding Lalitha Mahal Palace to former Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai, to which there was no response. I once again wrote to the new Chief Minister Siddharamaiah on 10th June (last month) for which I received a response on 7th July (this month). My husband and I are also in touch with a few of the GM’s of Taj Hotels in India and one of the Directors and have requested them to push this matter with their higher-ups.

I had also written to Mr. Vikram Oberoi, Director of Oberoi Hotels and Ranvir Bhandari, General Manager of Trident, Mumbai, about Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. This wonderful Palace needs to be taken over by either Taj, Oberoi or ITC Hotels as soon as possible (ASAP) as it is in a very bad condition and is not looked after at all by the Government. Unfortunately I do not know anyone in ITC.

2. The vegetable and fruit market on MG Road poses a very big threat to health, hygiene, pedestrians and motorists. Due to all the discarded vegetables strewn around by the vendors, a lot of cattle roam around the entire area throughout the day and night. They feed on rotting vegetables, loiter around and create a nuisance for pedestrians and motorists. This is also a health hazard as a lot of garbage collects there, which contributes to mosquito breeding and insects.

The vendors and suppliers park their tempos and trucks in such a way that vehicles trying to drive through are totally obstructed. Since there is namesake median on that road, vehicles drive against the traffic and create more chaos and congestion. There is also a filthy nullah (nala) on this road. This market should be permanently relocated ASAP. There are many other issues plaguing our city. The number of stray cattle in the city has increased. They roam all over the city and create garbage, traffic snarls and they are very dangerous to motorists, bikers, buses and pedestrians.

Reckless driving, driving against traffic, overtaking, violating rules of traffic lights and driving while talking on mobile phones must be checked by 24×7 Police beat. Drivers just do not follow traffic rules. Mobile phone is the major cause of daily accidents and deaths. This is the most important cause of accidents and deaths on the new Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway also.

A lot of traffic lights are not functioning or are switched off. This is also another cause of accidents. Of course, even with the traffic lights working, drivers do not adhere to road discipline.

The condition of roads is absolutely pathetic. Most of them have deep potholes which makes it extremely difficult for motorists, buses and bikers, especially after dark. Pavement blocks too are fixed very unevenly which makes it cumbersome for pedestrians to walk on.

Having Disneyland at KRS is a very bad idea. The Deputy Chief Minister and others involved in this project should realise that it is extremely dangerous for the environment. Also, roller-coaster rides, if not engineered properly will be very dangerous. Disneyland requires highly skilled people to run it and look after it. We live near JSS Hospital where monkey menace is unbearable.

I have brought up ALL these issues in Star of Mysore but the authorities concerned have turned a Nelson’s eye. It is high time, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other authorities awaken from their slumber and realise that Mysuru is deteriorating every day. How can we emulate Indore when our own people do not care for their city.

– Phiroza Wadia, Mysuru, 11.7.2023

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