Bengaluru's civic quandary: Challenges and calls for comprehensive solutions

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: As we approach the year 2024, it is important to reflect on the challenges faced by our city and the role played by our civic authorities - Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Water Supply And Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Bangalore Electricity Company (Bescom).

These agencies are responsible for providing essential services like waste management, water supply and electricity to the citizens of Bengaluru.

What should be BBMP’s focus? Solid waste management remains a major challenge for BBMP.

The city generates over 5,000 tonnes of waste every day, and the existing landfills are reaching capacity.

The focus should be on waste segregation at source and educating citizens on responsible waste disposal practices.

In October the city experienced a surge in construction projects, generating significant 'C and D' waste.

Initially, only 100 metric tons were sent daily to processing facilities in Chikkajala and Kannur. Increased vigilance and seizure efforts improved the situation, with 500 metric tons reaching the units.

BBMP needs to invest in improving sustainable transportation, creating more pedestrian and cycling lanes, and implementing effective traffic management systems.

The construction of flyovers and underpasses should be done in a planned manner to avoid creating bottlenecks.

Bengaluru should address pedestrian safety on key roads through a strategy—A safe systems approach, infrastructure enhancement, and speed management.

According to WRI, simple and effective elements ensure safer streets and overall road functionality. BWSSB needs sewage upgrade The city is often flooded during the monsoon season due to inadequate stormwater drainage infrastructure.

Inadequate drainage and infrastructure in Bengaluru lead to issues like flooding, power outages, injuries, and incomplete repairs, prompting residents to question BBMP's effectiveness; addressing this, activists suggest improving stormwater drains' maintenance, emphasising the need for proper cleaning, desilting, and structural enhancements.

Bengaluru is facing a water crisis due to increasing demand and depleting groundwater levels. BWSSB needs to find new sources of water, such as rainwater harvesting and treated wastewater.

Despite ample monsoon rainfall in Bengaluru, the city faces water scarcity due to an inadequate water preservation system and high leakage, with up to 40% water loss.

With well-designed rainwater harvesting, a 100-square-meter roof can save up to 2000 litres annually, yet only 10% of the city's buildings have such systems, according to BWSSB.

The city's sewage system is overstretched and often overflows during the monsoon season. BWSSB needs to invest in upgrading the sewage treatment plants and expanding the sewer network.

Bengaluru's sewer systems are ageing and clogged, causing overflow and pollution in lakes. Open sewage lines pose health risks and frequent blockages lead to flooding.

With a total length of 8387 kilometres, the outdated system struggles to cope with the city's doubled population since its 1960s construction.

Rapid growth strains the sewerage system, exacerbated by illegal dumping, and attempts to reach the BWSSB for comment were unsuccessful.

Bengaluru power woes demand solutions Frequent power outages in Bengaluru disrupt daily life and business operations.

Bescom must invest in upgrading power infrastructure and improving distribution to tackle this issue. Exploring renewable sources like solar and wind power is crucial to reduce dependency on traditional sources and ensure a more sustainable and reliable energy supply for the city.

A series of fatal accidents linked to Bescom's neglected loose wires have turned walking in Bengaluru into a perilous endeavour. The widespread presence of hazardous wires poses severe risks, transforming a simple stroll into a dangerous task.

Urgent measures for better power infrastructure maintenance are crucial to ensure pedestrian safety in the city.