BDA’s CDP is red blot on its green plan, says Koramangala Initiative

BDA’s CDP is red blot on its green plan, says Koramangala Initiative
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The latest Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) mapped by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), hardly reflects ground realities.

And though its vision document for the city says catchment areas should be preserved and water tables recharged, Koramangala residents point out that the BDA does not seem to practice what it preaches.

The Koramangala Initiative, which is trying to wake up the BDA, has been complaining about rampant building activity in the valley for the last six months but to no avail.

‘‘The Sinivagulu area, starting from ST Bed layout to the Bellandur estuary, including the area behind I block is being filled with debris from construction sites, thanks to the BDA and BCC mindlessly permitting apartment and housing complexes. Now, the area in front of Agaram Tank bed (where Lemon Grass restaurant is situated) on Sarjapur Road, is being filled up and now it is above road level. The last rains led to waterlogging on that stretch,’’ a resident said.

Another resident said the last rains also flooded the ST Bed area and the drain began to overflow. ‘‘The water inundated low-lying areas like Ashwini layout, ST Bed and I block, he said.

For the last six months, the residents have been complaining to the BDA and the Bangalore City Corporation (BCC), which is in charge of desilting the drains, but to no avail.

Residents also allege that the authorities have thrown up their hands and blame private developers who own around 100 acres in the Koramangala valley.

‘‘They are not allowed to change the topography of the valley, but we have no one to turn to,’’ Koramangala Initiative members said.

Strangely, the private developers have also left the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) with no choice but to put on hold the proposed ST Bed area well. The area earmarked for this well is adjacent to a private layout and the developers are throwing their weight to shift it somewhere else.