Greater Bengaluru project can wait

The Karnataka government has acted with sagacity by referring the ‘Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024’ to a Joint Select Committee consisting of legislators rather than hustling it through the just concluded Monsoon session of the Assembly.

The bill envisages bringing several areas around Bengaluru under proposed ‘Greater Bengaluru’ which may encompass areas from Ramanagara district by expanding the city limits over a 1,400 sq. km. area, nearly double of the present territory under the BBMP.

Changes of such dimension in the character of the city which prides itself for being the global hub of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Aeronautics would need wider consultation with stakeholders. In 2007, the BBMP area was increased threefold by bringing in 110 villages into its fold from the vicinity.

They still await effective integration as sewage network still eludes them, roads remain unpaved and schools and medical facilities are still in a nascent stage. Solid waste disposal remains almost non-existent and BWSSB pipes are yet to be laid.

Mere extension of the Metro network should not be the driver for expansion of the city limits. It may serve the interest of land sharks and the real estate lobby but will push the existing home and landowners to penury as is being witnessed in and around the holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

Industrialisation and urbanisation go hand in hand. But any attempt to hastily push the process without prior planning will only lead to creation of new 'Dharavis' and the city losing its prime position as a global hub for new age industries.