Tavarekere: Beneath bustling facade, the area struggles with infrastructure woes

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Nestled in the vibrant city, Tavarekere, BTM Layout, ward number 176 under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) presents itself as a bustling residential hub, hosting a diverse population, including students from nearby Christ University.

However, beneath the lively façade lies a community grappling with a myriad of infrastructure challenges that significantly impact the daily lives of its residents.

Navigating the streets of Tavarekere proves to be an arduous task for pedestrians. Designated footpaths, intended to provide a safe passage for walkers, have succumbed to encroachment by debris, shops, commercial establishments, and even vehicles.

This forces pedestrians onto the road, dangerously close to speeding vehicles. The rampant issue of onr o a d parking, including heavy commercial trucks, further exacerbates the situation, leading to near accidents and traffic jams.

Along the 1.1 km expanse of Tavarekere main road, a mere 10 ft of accessible footpath is available. This stretch accommodates a staggering 25 to 30 commercial establishments, including a few two-wheeler and bicycle service shops.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of these establishments either encroach upon the road or the sidewalk, with many lacking designated parking spaces.

As a consequence, customers are compelled to park on the road while patronising these establishments. Depleting groundwater levels in Tavarekere have given rise to a severe water scarcity issue.

With inadequate public water supply, residents are compelled to rely on private water tankers for their daily needs. Students residing in numerous PG accommodations catering to Christ University face water shortages, disrupting their daily routines and forcing them to seek alternative facilities.

A postgraduate student residing in a PG within the locality shared, "On most mornings, we face water shortages. Consequently, we resort to visiting nearby malls or cafes to freshen up before heading to college. "Occasionally, I find myself travelling to my relatives' house in Yelahanka to wash clothes and enjoy a refreshing shower."

A long-term resident of the area expressed, "There haven't been numerous complaints from the residents, mainly because a significant portion comprises students and temporary occupants. The locality, being densely populated, offers one of the most economical rental options in the city. Garbage collection in Tavarekere follows a haphazard schedule, with overflowing bins becoming a common sight. The irregular service not only results in a foul smell but also attracts pests, posing health risks to residents. The unhygienic environment detracts from the neighbourhood's overall appeal and livability.

One resident complained, “The irregularity in garbage collection is a persistent concern that significantly impacts our daily lives. "The haphazard schedule and overflowing bins have unfortunately become all too familiar, creating not just a foul smell but also attracting pests.”

The narrow roads of Tavarekere often witness severe traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The combined impact of on-road parking, footpath encroachments, and heavy vehicle movement contributes significantly to the chaos.

The influx of students and visitors further exacerbates the situation, creating frustrating delays and impeding the smooth flow of traffic.