The median menace

The median menace

Fathima Sumaya Khan



Few medians below flyovers across Bangalore are decorated by ornamental plants and lawns to preserve space and make it look pleasant, but fact remains that medians below most of the flyovers in Bangalore are neglected and need immediate attention....


Traffic congestion is not new to Bangalore. The BBMP and BDA have come up with flyovers at different locations in the city to curb traffic menace, but does the responsibility of these civic bodies seize after the flyovers are thrown open to public? Who is suppose to take care of their maintenance?.

Few medians below flyovers across Bangalore are decorated by ornamental plants and lawns to preserve space and make it look pleasant, but fact remains that medians below most of the flyovers in Bangalore are neglected and need immediate attention.

The City Market flyover is a classic example which depicts the callousness and apathy of officials.
A long stretch of the median below this flyover remains unclean and encroached upon by vagabonds and beggars during the night time.









If you walk past City Market after 10 pm, you are bound to come across groups of men, women and children here.
They are often seen misusing this space either to smoke, indulge in drunken brawls or sleep. It’s their favourite hub to while away time and find shelter. By dawn they vacate the place and are back during night time.
A large portion of the median is not fenced which poses a major safety hazard as chances of these people being susceptible to accidents is more.

“Encroachment of medians is illegal. The police evicts encroachers and rehabilitates them at beggars colony, but they return after some time. This problem has been there for a long time but is under control now,” said Nanjunda Gowda, Police Inspector, City Market Police Station.

The BBMP however is yet to take concrete steps to carry out repair works or any upgradation activities. “The BBMP is planning to improve the flyover and the median in the coming days. We are preparing a project which is in its initial stage. The process of chalking out all the necessary development works that have to be undertaken is on” informed V Somashekhar, Superintendent Engineer Projects, BBMP.

Only time will tell how long will it take for this project to become a reality and if there will be an end to the encroachment menace.