Byadagi bus stand turns into urinal

HAVERI: Byadagi, most famous for the red fiery chilly in the country, is a town with probably the worst-maintained bus stand in Haveri district. This bus stand lacks basic amenities like urinals and proper water supply.
Traffic hums as thousands of farmers frequent the bus stand on their visits to the town to sell agricultural produce. Here, a sickening odour overrides the fresh smells of new crops — that of urine.
It is not unusual to see farmers board buses with towels smothering their nostrils, and many have complained of nausea.
The smell clings to the walls and open areas, which have been converted into a urinal as there are none provided. Many passengers board buses after a final `outing'' as they gird up for the long journey ahead. The stink, then, is by the people, of the people.
Two years ago, the government had opened a new bus depot for Byadagi taluka, which is yet to get into working order. Passengers heading for distant destinations spend much time only waiting for buses to arrive. The reason is said to be few routes attached to the depot.
District in charge and Transport Minister C.R. Sageer Ahmed had given his assurance on January 26 that five new buses would be sanctioned for this taluka. But authorities say only one is plying so far.
More than 40 per cent of the buses running to rural areas are badly maintained, and many a time, break down mid-journey and fail to reach the destination.
Byadagi now waits for August 15, its next date with Sageer Ahmed, to see if the promised buses turn up. The minister, though elected from Chikmagalur district, is in charge of Haveri district, which he visits twice a year without fail.