Any attempt at describing Bangalore would not be complete without the mention of a regular feature that happens to be the dug up roads of Bangalore. Every locality in Bangalore seems to have at least half of its roads dug up. What is worse is that most roads are 'opened up' around the same time that makes commuting a horrifying experience. The entire area looks disorganized and seems alien. But Bangaloreans have got used to this. In fact a stretch of complete and neat roads makes them feel confused and out of place.

The Corporation authorities do not seem to work within a time frame. The pipes were laid out a couple of weeks ago, maybe months ago. Now, they seem to sit back and rest easy. Why can they not make the concerned authorities fix this? They are neither closing up the roads nor are they going ahead with inserting the optical fibers in those pipes which must have become 'homes' for rats, insects and the like.

And the monsoon makes it worse. Bangaloreans can vouch for the unpredictable nature of rains in Bangalore. These huge ditches lie open even as the first 'round' of showers came and went. With slush and mud all over the place, vehicles received mud baths and so did the poor pedestrians. Pedestrians cursed as cars and mobikes callously splashed muck on the their clothes and even faces. Is this the fate of taxpayers in our beautiful city? If things continue at this rate, the Bangaloreans should stop paying taxes, till the authorities bring order to the chaotic state of issues.

One has wondered why the roads remain 'open' if the work has been stalled for God knows how long. Someone came up with an interesting tale. The Telephone Exchange authorities that have dug up the roads to lay down those pipes expect the Corporation authorities to close the ditches when in reality, the Corporation authorities maintain that it is none of their business to do others' tasks. It's a battle of wits between these two parties because of which the people of Bangalore seem to face the brunt. Pathetic roads, piles and piles of red (wet when it rains!) mud to greet us every morning and evening!!

Who is going to address this problem? Someone, please tell me!! Drop your opinions in the 'Banging it out Board' on Communiqué.