Saaku — Enough Is Enough
Malleswaram residents are tired of the unending work on their roads and other infrastructure
For the last many months and years, Malleswaram residents have been silently enduring the non-stop work on their infrastructure. There is practically no road that is not dug. BBMP, BWSSB, BESCOM, and even private telecom companies feel free to dig up any road at any time. When we leave our homes, we have no idea which roads are open, and which roads to avoid. Earlier the roads were unsafe for children and seniors, and we used to ask them not to venture outside the house. But now the roads are impassable even for adults. Pavements are in such poor condition that even walking has become a trial for residents. The dust from the works and all the rubble lying around makes it extremely hard for those with respiratory problems.
Some highlights:
- Practically every road is in a very bad shape in Malleswaram, with very few exceptions.
- Sankey Tank, the only large lung space in the area, has been inaccessible to senior citizens for much of the pandemic period, and it is still not ready.
- Many people are worried about construction work going in the 18th Cross grounds which is used by a large number of people from Malleswaram and surrounding areas.
- Margosa road was under construction for years, causing serious hardship. When it was finally completed, we found that the ramps were unusable, making the footpaths inaccessible to senior citizens.
- Now BBMP is taking up the Sampige road, which will take at least 2 years based on our previous experience.
- Both 17th and 18th cross, the main east-west transit routes, are in repair.
- Bus traffic from Sampige is being diverted to the 4th main, which is a residential street, and was also dug up recently.
- The narrow 8th Main road is already busy, and will now become even worse, with the additional traffic diverted from Sampige road.
The residents understand that most of these projects are necessary. But the lack of planning in executing these works is apparent to everyone. There is no consultation with residents. The authorities do not even inform residents about what is planned. The BBMP ward committee meetings do not happen on schedule, and when they happen, there is no information on ongoing projects. The residents of Malleswaram are tired of this unending disruptions to normal life.
Therefore we decided to undertake a peaceful walk to highlight these multiple problems. Primarily, we would like the municipal authorities to engage with residents, and to consider the welfare of residents while planning their works.
Here are some of our suggestions.
- Every project should display all the requisite information, such as description, municipal agency, start/end date, contact details, etc.
- Agencies must coordinate the works so that roads are not dug up again and again.
- Works should be sequenced so that one road is completed before another is taken up.
- When diverting traffic from a major road like Sampige or Margosa, the alternate routes like 4th Main should first be made ready.
- Residents MUST be consulted, and informed of upcoming projects and changes to traffic.
- BBMP, BESCOM, etc. should engage with citizens via ward committees, and must be responsive to citizens.
- Pedestrians are as important as vehicles. Footpaths, road humps, bus stops, etc. must be given as much importance as roads.
- Good quality materials like paving stones should be reused instead of of being thrown away.
Saaku, Enough Is Enough
A few days ago some of us said Enough is Enough, and started the process to organize a walk on Sunday the 6th of March. This was precipitated by by the authorities starting work on both 17th cross and 18th cross, the two major east-west arterial roads, simultaneously and without any warning.
On Saturday 5th March there was a Ward 45 committee meeting held at RTO, Yeshwantpur. The officials of BBMP, BWSSB, traffic police, ex-corporators of wards 45/65, and multiple representatives of the MLA’s office were present in full force. Having sensed the anger of the residents at the state of things in Malleswaram, they were making half-hearted attempts to improve the situation.
For example, we were promised that the17th cross road will be made ready in 5 days, and one half of the road will be open for use all the way through. We were shown one large poster with details of the project being executed, contact numbers, etc. These will be put out at the site. Of course it was on a flex board (which is not allowed officially)!
The MLA’s office has been in touch, and we were requested to stop Sunday’s event. The excuse being used is that media attention will cause official trouble to the BBMP/ BESCOM engineers who are doing the work. We in Malleswaram Social have worked closely with many officials in BBMP, BWSSB, etc. and we always appreciate those who do good work. We want to make it clear that the walk is not about any one particular project, or any agency. It is to bring an awareness among residents, and to bring a change to the system of how municipal agencies do things. BBMP and others must engage with residents, and keep them informed about works being planned.
The Walk on 6th March
It was heartening to see how many people turned up on time for the walk at the Malleswaram bus stand at 18th cross. Everyone had their own issues, but the common theme was that we can not let the situation continue in the same manner. Many residents made their own placards. We estimate that there were between 80 and 100 residents at the starting point.
Before the start of the walk, members of Malleswaram Social explained the purpose of this event. Those who were present at the Ward 45 meeting on Saturday explained to the residents about what happened. We also talked about various issues affecting residents, and the need to get out, organise and demand better governance. It was made clear that the walk was not against any particular person or agency, but to be heard, and to improve the system. Others explained about ward committees, and asked residents to join the ward groups so that they can be updated about ward committee meetings.
From the bus stand we walked toward the corner of 18th cross and 4th main, and then turned left along 4th main. We paused at the major culvert at 17th cross which has caused the road to be closed for weeks now. We then walked up to the MLA’s office near 11th cross. Once we reached there some of the residents took a few minutes each to give their perspective on the issues that are bothering them.
Seeing the enthusiastic response, we decided to make this a recurring event. Given the concern about the fate of the 18th cross grounds, we decided that next Sunday’s walk would focus on that location. At this point, police officers came over and asked us to disperse. We then left our placards at the gate of the MLA’s office for them to read, and left.
One thing this walk clearly illustrated is that it is not enough to sit at home and complain. We have to get out on the street and show that we care about things, if we want to bring change. We hope residents of Malleswaram will keep up their enthusiasm and show up for the next few events. We request all residents to continue to engage with the community, and with the local government and agencies through ward committees with the goal of improved governance.
About Malleswaram Social
Malleswaram Social is a group of active citizen engaged in citizen awareness campaigns and initiatives such as solid waste management, walkability, etc. Malleswaram Social, along with Sensing Local, was one of 10 groups selected by DULT for the SUMA challenge to promote non-motorised transport.
