Title - Metro, mall congest Malleswaram

Bengaluru: Invariably, residents are happy to have a major landmark in their neighbourhood. But the location of Mantri mall and upcoming metro station (Swastik station) has left residents very unhappy as the landmark has brought a lot of problems to the residents of Malleswaram 5th Main.   Mahalakshmi A, resident of Malleswaram said that living in Mallesw­aram 5th Main was very peaceful till recently. Since Mallesw­aram is centrally located and close to the railway station and bus stand, my family moved in about 10 years ago to lead a peaceful life. They never thought living in Malleswaram will become a curse very soon.   Reaching the railway station or bus stand was just a hop skip and jump. Ever since the construction activity began, the accessibility and commute have become a challenge. The traffic has multiplied and reaching different places is a tough job, she said.   The backyard of Mantri mall and Swastik station which is the primary access to the area has literally become dumping yard. The residents of the area are falling sick and are vulnerable to communicable diseases. The BBMP is hardly taking any measures to clear the garbage and keep the access clean and neat.   The area has become unhygienic as the gods and cows will always be feeding on the garbage. Due to the recent rains the situation has worsened and the mosquito menace has multiplied. Though the BBMP has been making tall promises like taking measures like spraying pesticide and fogging, hardly any of such things are happening, she complained.   Mantri mall, one of the biggest malls in the city has been attracting people from nook and corner  for both shopping and window shopping. But the same has become kind of menace or curse to the residents. Especially, during weekends as vehicles will be parked on residential bylanes.   Residents of backyard of Malleswaram cannot move about freely. The residents of Malleswaram 5th Main will not get parking space in front of their houses. The peace of the area has been snatched as the vehicles will be moving. This has made movement of senior citizens and children difficult and impossible, said Mahalakshmi.    “Water supply has become erratic these days. Earlier, we were getting water every alternate day. But now, it is hard to get twice a week also,” she rued.