Chamrajpet: B’luru’s historical ward grapples with modern-day infra woes

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Chamrajpet, a bustling ward nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, is designated as Ward 140. Located in the southwestern part of the city, Chamrajpet holds historical significance as one of Bengaluru's first planned residential layouts.

This vibrant ward is home to a diverse population, encompassing a blend of residential, commercial and industrial establishments. However, rapid development and population growth over the years have presented several challenges here that require keen attention.

The infracstructure in Chamrajpet is under considerable strain. The narrow roads, originally designed for a smaller population, are now often congested with traffic.

This overburdening is not limited to the roads; the sewage system is also overtaxed, leading to frequent issues. The low-lying areas of Chamrajpet, particularly those near Kempambudhi Lake, are prone to waterlogging and flooding.

This is exacerbated by outdated storm-water drains that have not been cleared or upgraded in years, causing sewage overflow and significant inconvenience to residents. A long-time resident expressed her frustration by saying, "The traffic congestion has become unbearable. Additionally, the sewage system is constantly overflowing, creating a foul smell and unsanitary conditions. Storm-water drains are mostly clogged, leading to severe waterlogging during monsoon season."

Despite the efforts of NGOs and foundations to maintain and clean Kempambudhi Lake, the banks of the lake remain unclean, as reported by residents. When News Trail tried to contact the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike regarding the same, there was no response.

The lack of timely maintenance of storm-water drains and sewage systems continues to pose significant problems for the residents of Chamrajpet. One resident who lives in a thatched house near the lake said, “Even if it rains slightly, our roof starts leaking and water starts entering the house from the bathroom and ground. We are surrounded by water but have to wait in long lines to get access to Cauvery water every other day.”

Effective waste management is another critical issue in Chamrajpet. The ward has experienced a sudden population boom in the past five years, including commercial and residential establishments, leading to a substantial increase in garbage generation.

However, the waste collection systems have not kept pace with this growth. Overflowing garbage bins and inefficient collection systems have become common concerns for residents.

An auto driver, Saleem, said, “Almost every street corner is heaped with piles of garbage, attracting rodents, flies, mosquitoes, stray dogs and cattle.”

With a blend of residential and commercial spaces, parking limitations are a significant issue in Chamrajpet. The narrow streets and high-density construction leave little room for parking. Many buildings constructed on small plots of land with multiple floors lack sufficient parking space.

Consequently, residents and visitors often park their vehicles on the streets or sidewalks, exacerbating the congestion. Illegal parking and encroached building entrances further complicate the situation, leaving vehicles with minimal priority and causing frustration among residents, especially pedestrians.

The rapid development and population growth in Chamrajpet has also led to a noticeable decrease in green spaces.