For residents, Nagarbhavi is an ‘urban slum’

For residents, Nagarbhavi is an ‘urban slum’
The Times of India

Bangalore: When the BDA went to town with the inclusion of Nagarbhavi into its area map years ago, residents and businessmen of the area dreamed of an area with peaceful parks, tarred roads, safe garbage disposal system, etc.

However, many of those dreams remained as dreams. The residents there narrate tales of nightmare they
face day in and day out. Ask them about the condition of roads and this is what you will hear: “Don’t even ask about it. It’s a total mess. Almost every road including the Nagarbhavi Main Road makes driving stressful,’’ says a marketing manager S Rangaraj, who resides in the area.

The area, being on the bed of Vrishabhavathi Valley, has been witnessing some development in the last couple of years. The furious Vrishabhavathi flowing down the area is no more a fear. “Thanks to the initiatives taken by the area corporator and former deputy mayor Shantakumari. She was responsible of desilting of drains which have reduced flooding problems,’’ says Sheela Kumari, another resident.

The huge layout, spreading over nine stages, is located close to Bangalore University with some parts resembling an urban forest. “Rather, it is an urban slum. It’s unbelievable that an area in the country’s IT hub can have civic-related problems...,’’ complains Radhika.

Her whines are echoed by almost every other resident. “When we call up BMP officials, they want us to call the municipal council, who turn a deaf ear to our civic-related complaints,’’ said Ramesh.

While children complain of stray dog menace, students of National Law School University of India complain of lack of security for women. “We go out only as a group. There have been several times when girls have been harassed by eve teasers. In fact, most of us have begun to carry safety weapons for self-defence,’’ said a law college student.

However, garbage clearance is effective here. “Garbage is not piled up like other areas and the push carts come regularly to collect the muck. The corporator takes good care of the area’s health,’’ added another resident Subramanya.
ROAD TO PERDITION