The unrestricted entry of wanderers and rough sleepers in large numbers to the KSRTC and Mofussil bus stands for sleeping has started creating huge disturbance and safety concerns for the other passengers. In the absence of any proper controlling mechanism, even the parking areas and vacant spaces near staircases are being occupied by these groups regularly obstructing the passengers’ ways.
The security guards appointed by the KSRTC are seemingly indifferent to the issue though the passengers have been demanding action for several months. Since the beginning of monsoon season, the number of such people has been witnessing a steady increase. There are also wandering families comprising elderly ones and children who even occupy the long veranda of the KSRTC terminal.
“It is not just rough sleepers, some casual workers are also finding it as their safe haven in the absence of any strong checking mechanism. The group of such people include drug addicts, mentally-unstable and people having other severe illnesses,” says V.B. Ratheesh, a hotel worker in the area. According to him, the KSRTC terminal and the mofussil bus stand are like relief camps after 9 p.m. with wanders who pose a safety threat as well.
