Tavarekere: Choked by parking, sewage issues

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Ward Number 176, Tavarekere is a rapidly growing ward in Bengaluru.

However, it is also facing a number of issues, including sewage blockage, floods in some parts, illegal commercialisation, and on-road parking. The sewage blockage problem is caused by the old and outdated sewage system in the ward.

Some storm water drains turned sewage lines are even left open by the BBMP and are now a “mini garbage disposal area.”

This problem is compounded by the fact that the ward is located in a low-lying area, which makes it prone to flooding. The floods also worsen the sewage problem, as the sewage water mixes with the floodwater.

Long-term residents of the area have reported that a recent influx of "millions" of students and paying guests (PGs) has led to a sudden population boom that has overwhelmed the area's infrastructure.

They allege that this population boom is the cause of the area's frequent sewage blockages and flooding. The illegal commercialization problem in ward number 176 Tavarekere is a serious issue that is causing a number of problems for the residents.

The lack of enforcement of zoning regulations has led to a proliferation of commercial establishments in residential areas, which is causing traffic congestion, noise pollution, and public nuisance.

The influx of college students and bachelors has exacerbated the problem. These students often live in paying guest (PG) accommodations, which are often located in residential areas.

The PGs often have commercial establishments, such as restaurants and bars, operating on their premises. These establishments often stay open late into the night, even though they are not licensed to do so.

This has caused noise pollution and public nuisance, especially during weekends. A private school teacher who lives in the area said, "I work with children all day and I am exhausted after work. But at night, these youngsters have no regard for anyone but themselves. They play loud music, speak loudly, and drive their noisy bikes. How can we get any rest?"

She also added that there are senior citizens and children living in the area who are also fed up with these issues. The on-road parking problem is a major issue in the ward.

This is due to the lack of parking space, which forces many people to park their vehicles on the roads, blocking traffic. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many people who live in PGs and flats do not have access to parking spaces.

As a result, they are forced to park their vehicles on the roads, even though it is illegal. A government official who lives in a flat said, "I parked my car in the building parking, but there is a no-parking sign outside our gate. People still park their bikes there, making it impossible for me to take out my car."

He added that he lives with his elderly mother and is worried about what he would do in case of an emergency. He also mentioned that his wife and some of his neighbours have had to take taxis or autorickshaws because their vehicles were blocked by illegal on-road parking.

Potholes are a major problem in Tavarekere. They have caused inconvenience to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Potholes have damaged vehicles, making it difficult to walk or cycle and even cause accidents.