There is a term “Tirupati Chowra” (the Tirupati Shave) thats used in Kannada. Here, a barber shaving someones head does half the job and moves on to his next client. This ensures that the first guy doesnt leave (with a half shaven head). Seems like this holds good with our civic authorities as well.
Just a couple of months ago a brand new road had been laid in front of my house. I was surprised at that time because it was only a couple of years ago that a new road had been laid (there are roads in Bangalore that have not been done up since the Brits left India).
Imagine my surprise when I came back one evening and found one side of the new road dug up by the Sewerage guys. Apparently they are replacing all the drainage pipes (which is good).
Another example of bass-ackward planning.
In the process of digging, they cut the telephone lines much to the annoyance of our local BSNL lineman who isn’t used to doing too much work.
Lineman: “Waat Saar..these muttalas (idiots) have cut the line”
Me: “I barely noticed. I never use the land line these days” (I hoped I had injured his corporate pride. But no)
Then ex-NRI neighbour, a man in his 60’s who has comeback to the country after sweating it out as a lawyer in the USA joins in.
NRI-Neigb: “I tell ya.. vaat ve need is bedder coordination betveen aaal the endities”
Lineman (not understanding): “Yenu saar?”
NN: “Neevu ella you should use technaaalagies to tell each other vaat you are doing. You see in New Yaark this will never happen”
Lineman:”Waat technology shecknology saar even the chief engineer of the sewerage board does not know about this”
NN (turning to me): “I tell ya.. we’ll never progress” (shrugs his shoulders and leaves)
Anyway, net effect I am marooned..will be using public transport for the next few days.
UPDATE: The “Tirupati” effect seems to be holding. The roads been dug up in front of all the houses…and left that way…
What was the new song the Government is using in its election campaign? Jai Ho?? Jai Ho indeed…
Bangalore Blues 