Basaveshwara Nagar: Comfort meets challenges in posh yet problematic locale

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Basaveshwara Nagar, designated as ward number 100 under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is a prominent locality in west Bengaluru.

This ward is known for its blend of residential and commercial areas, offering its residents easy access to shops, schools, and hospitals. The roads in Basaveshwara Nagar are notably wide, facilitating smooth traffic flow.

However, the interior areas face a significant challenge due to limited parking space, especially as car ownership continues to rise.

This can pose a considerable inconvenience for residents who rely on street parking. On the surface, Basaveshwara Nagar appears to be a posh locality with well-maintained parks and a pleasant ambience. However, the area grapples with several underlying issues that affect the quality of life for its residents.

One notable problem is the undulating terrain, which contributes to waterlogging during the monsoon season. Many houses, particularly those constructed 10 to 20 years ago, are now situated in low-lying areas, making them especially vulnerable to waterlogging.

The undulating nature of the terrain exacerbates this issue, as water tends to accumulate in the dips and depressions, causing significant inconvenience and potential property damage. Another pressing issue in Basaveshwara Nagar is the lack of access to clean public toilets.

Although the BBMP maintains the parks well, with these green spaces being open all day, the scarcity of clean public restrooms remains a concern. This shortage forces many individuals to urinate on the roadside, detracting from the area's overall cleanliness and hygiene.

A local pourakarmika shared their frustration, stating, “We are on the road all day. We are not even allowed to use the toilets in hotels or cafes. Parks are open now where we can relax and have food, but there is still no place to relieve ourselves.”

The garbage management situation in Basaveshwara Nagar has been another point of contention for residents. Inadequate garbage disposal and irregular collection schedules have led to unsightly piles of waste accumulating in various parts of the ward.

Priyanka, a resident expressed concern, saying, “The garbage issue is getting out of hand. People just throw their garbage on the road wherever and it turns into a mini landfill. We see rats everywhere now, and it is becoming a health hazard. The BBMP hardly takes action and when they do, they just burn it."

The increase in waste has inevitably attracted rats, creating a rat menace that poses a significant health risk to the community. The population of stray dogs in Basaveshwara Nagar has been on the rise, creating a new set of challenges for the residents.

“The increase in stray dogs can be attributed to several factors, including inadequate sterilisation programs and the availability of food sources from the garbage piles,” added Priyanka.

While many residents sympathise with the stray animals, the growing number of dogs has led to concerns about safety and hygiene. Stray dogs roaming the streets, especially in packs, can be intimidating and pose a risk of dog bites. Another concern for residents of Basaveshwara Nagar is the lack of adequate street lighting.

Many interior streets remain poorly lit, making it difficult for pedestrians and drivers to navigate safely at night. This has raised concerns about safety and security, particularly for women and elderly residents who travel after dark.

On-road parking has become a significant problem in Basaveshwara Nagar due to the high number of cars owned by residents and the lack of sufficient parking space. As households acquire multiple vehicles, the available parking spots become increasingly scarce.

This situation forces many to park their cars on the streets, leading to congestion and inconvenience. The limited parking space also contributes to disputes among residents and can obstruct emergency vehicles.