Kumaraswamy Layout residents grapple with garbage and ageing stormwater drains from the '70s

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Kumaraswamy Layout in Bengaluru falling under Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ward number 181, has witnessed a remarkable surge in growth, transforming into a hub of posh individual residences and public parks.

With a burgeoning population of 71,751, the area extends beyond its appeal.

However, beneath the surface of luxury and sophistication lies a tapestry woven with challenges that often evade the casual observer.

One of the most pressing issues affecting the residents is the presence of garbage. The population boom experienced after 2011 has resulted in an exponential increase in waste generation, and the regularity of garbage collection fails to keep pace.

Residents lament the sporadic pickups, leaving them with no choice but to dispose of their waste haphazardly on the roadsides, creating unsightly and unhygienic garbage piles.

A senior citizen in the area said, “The unhygienic consequences of this garbage issue are deeply concerning.

"The potential health hazards associated with this loom large, and we find ourselves unable to breathe every time we cross this area and this is a situation that demands urgent attention.”

Adding to the concerns are the open stormwater drains, remnants of the 1970s development boom in this ward.

These drains, left unattended over the years, now stand as broken and clogged conduits, posing a threat to the overall wellbeing of the locality.

Although the elevated platforms on which most buildings rest mitigate immediate waterlogging concerns, the neglected stormwater drains have become breeding grounds for diseases and an unpleasant stench.

Another resident shared, “These stormwater drains are older than me and 40 years old. No maintenance has been done to my knowledge and whenever we file a complaint, especially during monsoon, the BBMP does some patchwork by clearing some garbage from the top, which is not enough.”

The polluted rajakaluve traversing the area exacerbates the situation, transforming into a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, tainted with sewage water.

A particular section of the open rajakaluve adjacent to a well-frequented park becomes a battleground between the park's serenity and the overpowering stench and mosquito infestation emanating from the water body.

Despite the park's meticulous maintenance and popularity among residents, the rajakaluve casts a persistent shadow over its charm. Onroad parking emerges as yet another major concern in Kumaraswamy Layout.

With the increasing number of vehicles, the limited parking spaces exacerbate traffic congestion and pose challenges for both residents and visitors.

The struggle for parking spots compounds the daily woes of the residents, adding a layer to the multifaceted challenges faced by the community.

Addressing the garbage disposal inefficiencies, rejuvenating the neglected stormwater drains, and finding sustainable solutions for the polluted rajakaluve are imperative steps towards preserving the essence of this rapidly growing Bengaluru enclave.

The residents' voices echo through the challenges, urging authorities to come up with solutions that match the area's allure.