KNOW YOUR CONSTITUENCY

KNOW YOUR CONSTITUENCY

SHIVAJINAGAR
One of the most crowded areas, with high density population, Shivajinagar, used to be under direct administration of the British Raj and still boasts some landmarks from the era — churches, hospital and schools.
Shivajinagar and the abutting cantonment areas had all the facilities like quality education, health centres, roads and transportation facilities. Cantonment was the epicentre of British administration, and was well connected by rail. However, over the years, with the growth of the city and influx of people, has rendered the area inadequate to accommodate growth.
Interestingly, the adjoining areas of Shivajinagar make up u p m a rke t colonies while this core of the constituency paints a sorry picture.
Russel market in Shivajinagar is a major landmark and a shopping hotspot for everyone. It represents the old concept of today’s shopping malls, where everything is available under one roof - from meat, vegetables, fruits and grocery, to clothes. The market is famous for its annual vegetable fest when exotic varieties are available.
When the commercial activities in the area increased, a road in Shivajinagar constituency was named Commercial Street.
Palace Grounds and Bangalore Palace in Vasanthnagar are equally famous and most film makers have at some time or the other shot at the palace and the rest of the locality.
Shivajinagar houses a large number of Tamil speaking people, besides Muslims. Around 50 per cent of the voters are from the Muslim community and make up a big vote bank here.
More interestingly, the residences of the chief minister, Raj Bhavan, chief secretary, ministers’ bungalow and VIP houses are part of the constituency.
Shivajinagar has been haunted with several infrastructure problems, which the civic authorities have failed to address over the years. Successive governments have been promising the people the moon, but nothing significant has been delivered.
Thanks to the innumerable butcher outlets in Shivajinagar, the storm water drain network has chocked and collapsed. Come monsoon, denizens of Shivajinagar have to keep their fingers crossed as they attempt to save themselves from the inevitable outbreak of epidemics like cholera.
Vendors rule the roost in and around Shivajinagar, occupying footpaths meant for pedestrians. Even the police and BBMP authorities have failed miserably in evicting them and making the pavements free for pedestrians.
Shivajinagar has narrow roads, which makes even the movement of autos difficult in some stretches. Several roads have not seen asphalt for years now and wear a battered look. Residents blame commercialisation for the increase in both human and vehicular population.
Riding through the area is a nightmare what with one having to negotiate the potholed road while fighting the erratic vehicular traffic.
Finding a solution to the garbage problem has become the biggest challenge for civic authorities as garbage is strewn all around - on the roads, drains, and open spaces, attracting dogs and rodents.
Major areas
Vidhana Soudha, High Court, Vikas Soudha, M S Building, Police Commissioner’s Office, Visweswaraya Towers and General Post Office (GPO), upcoming Freedom Park, Kanteerava stadium, Ulsoor lake, BBMP head office, Cubbon Park and others.
Landmarks
Palace Grounds, TV Tower, Mehkri circle, St Mary’s Church and Hudson Church, Central Law College, Bangalore University.
PROBLEMS
Earlier
Overflowing drains, narrow roads, poor disposal of garbage, footpath encroachment.
Now
Flooding, bad roads, poor water supply. SHANTHINAGAR
Shantinagar constituency has been one of the largest money-spinners for the BBMP in terms of property tax, with a large number of commercial establishments here. Shantinagar has been growing as one of the busiest commercial spots, thanks to proliferation of malls, multiplexes, shopping complexes and showrooms.
The volume of commercial activity can be gauged from the areas that fall under the Shantinagar assembly segment: the upmarket M G road, Brigade road, Residency road, Magrath road and some posh residential-cum-commercial localities like Richmond Town, Shantinagar, St Marks road, Ashoknagar, Airport road, Indiranagar, Domlur and Cambridge layout.
Over the years, Shantinagar has grown in leaps and bounds in terms of commercial activities, with people setting up a host of businesses. Even with so much in favour of Shantinagar, the constituency has by and large been neglected by the government.
The surge in
commercial activities has made the area congested, attracting people from various parts of the city. Software companies, boutiques and restaurants jostle for space along with industrial units in various parts of the constituency. The area has a large number of mosques and churches as the constituency comprises a substantial Muslim and Christian population.
Apart from posh segments, the area also has neglected slums in Viveknagar, Jogupalya, Murphy Town, Ejipura and Ulsoor. A large portion of the military area towards Intermediate Ring Road near Ejipura falls within the constituency.
One of the tallest and major landmarks of Bangalore city — the 24-storeyed Utility Building — and Mayo Hall are located in Shantinagar. Utility building houses commercial and government activities. Another towering landmark of the city is UB City, off Kasturba Road.
Johnson Market in Shantinagar becomes a hub of activity when Moharam is observed.
Shantinagar, which was a reserved constituency, has been made general for the ensuing Assembly elections.
The Infant Jesus Church is another major attraction of the constituency. Come Thursday, scores of devotees throng the church. St Patrick’s Church on Brigade Road is also an attraction.
St Joseph’s Commerce and St Joseph’s Arts and Science College, Baldwins’ Women College, Bishop Cotton’s Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, St Theresa’s School, Cathedral School and Baldwin Boys’ College are some of the important educational institutions.
St Philomena’s, Command, and Hosmat are a few important hospitals in the constituency.
The area comprises prime locations like Garuda Mall, Bangalore Central, Life style and other showrooms that attracting large crowds, especially during weekends. That apart it has two stadiums - hockey and football.
Though the areas takes pride in being the largest property tax-earning segment, this area too is not spared of infrastructure problems. Narrow roads haunt motorists and though major roads like M G Road, Brigade, Airport, and St Marks’ Roads have seen black-topping, there are others in the constituency which have not seen asphalting for years now, according to residents.
Garbage disposal has been one of the major concerns in the area with the locality dotted with slums. Even some posh areas like Richmond Town, Shantinagar and Indiranagar, Someshwaranagar and Cambridge Layout are hit by clogged drains and littered roads.
Drinking water woes have remained unsolved for years now despite protests by residents.
Major areas
Utility Building, UB City, Mayo Hall, Garuda Mall, Airport Road Flyover, Ista Multiplex and East Parade Church.
Landmarks
Richmond Town, Shantinagar, St Marks road, Ashoknagar, Airport road, Indiranagar, Domlur and Cambridge Layout.
PROBLEMS Earlier
Congested roads, poor garbage disposal and encroachment.
Now
Narrow roads, congested areas, booming land prices and over-flowing drains.