Navigating challenges of waste, traffic congestion, and safety in Chickpet

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Chickpet Ward 109 in Bengaluru is a bustling hub renowned for its wholesale commercial activities.

Administered by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the ward holds a blend of residential buildings, wholesale markets, and thriving commercial enterprises.

With its status as a wholesale market precinct, Chickpet experiences a constant influx of shoppers and traders, contributing to heightened foot traffic and increased commercial transactions.

However, this also brings forth challenges, particularly in waste management, traffic congestion and on-road parking.

The concentrated commercial activities in Chickpet translate to a significant upsurge in waste generation.

The bustling wholesale sector, coupled with its proximity to prominent landmarks such as KR Market and Majestic, further increases the issue.

A resident expressed their fondness for the vibrant atmosphere of Chickpet but lamented the inconvenience of finding parking, especially for quick errands like buying vegetables or running other errands.

They highlighted the frustration of spending 30 to 45 minutes travelling short distances, even though major transportation hubs like the Majestic bus stop and railway station are within walking distance.

This delay is largely attributed to heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. Amidst the prosperity of the area lies a pressing issue: inadequate waste management.

Despite the area's economic prowess, the infrastructure and systems in place to handle waste fail to keep pace with the rapid pace of activity.

One frequent shopper said, “Walk down the streets, and you'll often see bins overflowing with garbage. This mess spills onto sidewalks and roads, making the area look dirty and causing health problems. Plus, litter like food wrappers and bottles clutter the streets, making Chickpet unpleasant for everyone.”

The presence of loose and unorganised wires in the ward poses significant safety hazards, amplifying the concerns of both residents and businesses within the area.

These wires, often dangling haphazardly from poles or strewn across sidewalks, create an environment “perfect” for accidents and potential disasters.

Residents complain that the risk of electrical shocks or fires is a constant worry, especially in densely populated areas where these wires may come into close contact with homes and pedestrian pathways.

One flower seller added, “Children playing in the streets or senior citizens walking to and from schools or religious establishments are particularly vulnerable to tripping hazards or inadvertent contact with exposed active wiring.”

Businesses operating in Chickpet also face heightened risks due to the presence of loose wires.

Whether it's retailers, wholesalers, or small-scale enterprises, the threat of electrical malfunctions or outages can disrupt operations, causing financial losses and compromising the safety of employees and customers alike.

Additionally, the potential for fire hazards poses a significant threat to business continuity and property integrity, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate these risks.

With the area's popularity as a shopping destination, finding a parking spot can often feel like a game of chance.

Faced with limited designated parking areas, many drivers resort to parking wherever they find space, be it on sidewalks, in front of shops, or even in the middle of narrow lanes.

A security guard at a complex nearby said, “This haphazard parking not only creates inconvenience for pedestrians but also contributes significantly to traffic congestion. The narrow lanes of Chickpet, already bustling with shoppers and vendors, become further clogged with parked vehicles, leaving little room for smooth movement of traffic.”