Basavanagudi's woes: Parking chaos, rat infestation, shrinking green

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Basavanagudi, nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, is synonymous with upscale bungalows and swanky apartment complexes. Its leafy avenues and rich cultural heritage attract an affluent demographic, depicting “the dream” urban living.

But beneath the polished surface, Ward number 154 grapples with niggling issues that unravel this charmed existence.

One concern is the rampant encroachment of public spaces by cars. Narrow lanes choke with doubleparked vehicles, turning commutes into frustrating obstacle courses.

Residents complain of blocked fire exits and access to pedestrian pathways. One resident who has lived here for almost 4 years said, “Empty private properties become places for unauthorised parking. Ironically, these very residents, owning spacious garages, choose convenience over public order.”

The IT employee also added that this is because most residents have more than 2 cars which don't fit in their spacious garages. Lalbagh Botanical Garden has a problem with rats.

These rodents, boosted by the greenery, invade residential areas and damage things like food, car wires, and electrical cables. The chewed wires cause electrical problems and fires, making residents worried.

A manager of a private company said, “Just last week, a rat chewed through the wires in my car right before an important client meeting. It's frustrating and now I have to deal with getting the wires fixed. The rat problem around here is becoming a health hazard as well.”

Amidst the rapid construction boom, green spaces are decreasing. Once-lush gardens within individual houses are shrinking to accommodate extensions and swimming pools.

One student alleged, “This decline in green cover, is being compensated by one or 2 pots of plants. How can one destroy 20 to 30 fully-grown trees and replace them with small saplings that usually die within a week and be satisfied?”

The challenges faced by Ward 154 expose the contradictions inherent in urban development.

While economic prosperity creates a veneer of luxury, it can also exacerbate underlying issues like inadequate infrastructure and environmental degradation.

These concerns serve as a stark reminder that even plush neighbourhoods require sustained attention and responsible planning to maintain a truly livable and sustainable environment. Ward 154 has some problems that show the ups and downs of city growth.

Even though the area looks fancy because of economic success, it brings out other problems like bad infrastructure and harm to the environment. Residents express concerns about the effects of rapid city growth.

A local tender coconut vendor, says, "Sure, the place looks posh, but economic success paints a picture of luxury, but I worry about the trees disappearing. We need green more spaces, or at least preserve the green spaces that exist.”