‘Will remove footpath encroachments first’

Says BNR Reddy, new chairman, HSR Federation of RWAs

BNR Reddy (66) is a long-time resident of HSR Layout – 14 years and counting. He retired seven year ago as the Vice President of ING Vysya Bank and until recently, was its consultant on vigilance issues. Much earlier, Reddy played cricket for Mysore University in 1971-72.

Today, he is the new chairman of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association. So what are his top three priorities as RWA chief? “Removal of footpath encroachments and cleaning up (desilting) of storm water drains across HSR,” he says, almost immediately. “Filling up of potholes that have sprung up because of the recent rains. Removal of unscientific road humps and speed breakers. Restricting the movement of heavy vehicles within HSR, wherever it is feasible. Installing streetlights and CCTV cameras for safety and security wherever they are required.”

Ofcourse, this will be impossible with “proper coordination and help from the respective department officials and the elected representatives”. So everything he wants to do is dependent on them. But we can rest easy. Two years ago, when he was the Federation chairman, much was achieved due to the “the teamwork of the Federation and its members”.

Some of the them include playing a key role in getting a unified Police station for HSR Layout – earlier, there were two police stations governing different sectors. “We reclaimed the tree park in Sector 1 (behind Assetz Apts) that was wrongfully allotted to a private party,” says Reddy. “We relentlessly pursued the CCTV installation issue with the MLA and ensured coverage across HSR Layout.” Not to mention, he spearheaded the demand for a separate Traffic police station for HSR Layout and eventually made it happen. The Sector 2 playground case – where the state government allotted it to judges but eventually it went back to the residents when they petitioned the Karnataka High Court – happened during his tenure as the Federation Chairman.

“We were also instrumental in getting a notification issued for HTV ban within HSR Layout,” points out Reddy. “This time around, we will work on its implementation.”

MAN OF ACTION
No sooner did he assume office, Reddy was on the job. Meeting the ministers and government officials on the civic issues plaguing HSR.