‘Rural’ Banashankari has no basic amenities

URBAN BLIGHT TIMES CIVIC — 20 BANASHANKARI
‘Rural’ Banashankari has no basic amenities
The Times of India

Bangalore: In just a matter of 10 years, Banashankari has emerged from the inconspicuous Hoskerehalli and Katriguppe village to become a bustling residential hub. But several segments of the area still have the shades of the rural setting.

The once Katriguppe village has seen a turnaround in a very short time and today’s Banashankari aka BSK is yet another preferred residential colony in Bangalore South. Like the problems faced by every other old area coming of age, BSK too has its share of woes, specially bad roads.

The interior parts of Hoskerehalli situated near Mysore Road lack basic amenities. The area gets flooded during rains and many segments are yet to get drinking water connections.

“It still has to become a part of Bangalore. We are still in a village. No roads, water supply or drainage facilities. The politicians come here during elections and we see them only after five years,’’ rued Erayya Gowda, a farmer.

Vast patches of lands are lying vacant in the area resulting in mushrooming of slums. For instance, the Bank Colony main road has huge stretches of vacant lands which off late are being encroached upon by slums. As a result, the stray dog population in the area has increased which is becoming a menace to the night travellers.

The area suddenly got a facelift, thanks to the ring road connecting Bannerghatta Road and Mysore Road running via JP Nagar, Padmanabhanagar and Banashankari III stage, which also changed the real estate scene.

Earlier, Kamakya tent house situated bang on the ring road, now Kamakya/Ishwari theatre, used to be the last bus stop for passengers travelling towards Katriguppe and Mysore Bank colony.

Cut to the present. The ring road which cuts through the area has changed the face of areas around Kamakya. Though roads have to be developed, the stretch is dotted with a variety of factory outlets — be it lifestyle shops, food marts or branded garments showrooms.

Another plus point is the development of neighbourhood parks which has made the locality greener. “We have a lot of parks which have enhanced the beauty of the locality. But some of the plots allocated for developing parks are being encroached upon, which has to be checked. Many migrant families which are labourers have started living on such plots and gradually will bring their communities here. There should be constant monitoring of park areas,’’ explained Gururaj Hiremath, a resident of BSK III stage. Some localities newly added to the BCC in 1995 lack basic civic amenities. While parts of BSK enjoy wide roads, regular water supply, efficient street lighting system, some areas are in total contrast.

WOES IN A NUTSHELL
l Bad roads in residential areas. l Many vacant patches turning into slums. l Many Hoskerehalli areas resemble a village. l Water problems in boarder areas of BSK.