Bellandur: Rapid growth amid lingering infrastructure, environmental challenges

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Bellandur Ward Number 150 is a dynamic area in East Bengaluru, well-known for its close proximity to the IT corridor and HSR Layout.

The rapid development in this region, spurred by the influx of IT professionals and the growing demand for residential spaces, has brought both opportunities and challenges for its residents.

While Bellandur has seen significant growth, it has also become synonymous with traffic congestion, infrastructure development delays, and environmental concerns.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s municipal body, plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, yet many of the problems persist, impacting the quality of life for those living in the area.

The problem at hand One of the most pressing concerns in Bellandur is the poor condition of its infrastructure. Potholes dot the roads, making daily commutes a nightmare for residents.

The traffic congestion in the area is notorious, particularly during peak hours when roads become choked with vehicles. Waterlogging is another major issue, especially during the monsoon season when poorly maintained drainage systems lead to flooding on the streets.

The polluted rajkaluve (stormwater drains) are a constant environmental hazard, affecting both the health and safety of residents. Another critical issue is the lack of public toilets in the area.

This is particularly problematic for people residing in small, hut-like houses near the rajkaluve, who are often forced to defecate in the open due to the absence of proper sanitation facilities.

A 13-year-old boy who lives in a small one-room building said, “We have only 2 toilets for the 38 houses in this stretch and my parents have told me that it is only for my mother and sister, which forces us to defecate on barren lands.”

The consequences

The cumulative effect of these issues has been significant. The deteriorating infrastructure and environmental hazards have made life difficult for the residents of Bellandur.

“The impact of these issues is felt every day,” said Praveen Kumar, a longtime resident of Bellandur. "The deteriorating infrastructure and environmental hazards have made life here incredibly difficult. Traffic congestion means our commutes are long and exhausting, affecting our work and personal lives. The potholes and waterlogged roads are not just an inconvenience—they're a real danger. And the polluted rajkaluve? It is a constant health threat to everyone living nearby.”

The lack of public toilets and proper sanitation facilities has had serious consequences, especially for the vulnerable sections of society living near the rajkaluve. The absence of these basic amenities not only affects their dignity but also contributes to the spread of diseases.

A cab driver in the area shared his frustration, saying, "I come from a nearby town where basic facilities are scarce, but even there, we have enough public toilets. When I moved to Bellandur, I was shocked to find that while you can get food, medicine, and anything else within 10 minutes, there's still no proper access to public toilets. It’s surprising and disappointing in a place like this.”

Recommendations for improvement

Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from both the BBMP and the residents of Bellandur. The first step towards improvement is the repair and maintenance of the roads.

Filling potholes and ensuring proper drainage systems will go a long way in reducing traffic congestion and preventing waterlogging during the monsoon season.

Additionally, the BBMP should focus on decongesting major roads by implementing better traffic management strategies, such as synchronized traffic signals and dedicated lanes for public transport. Environmental issues, particularly the polluted rajkaluve, need immediate attention.

Regular cleaning and desilting of the stormwater drains, along with strict enforcement of waste disposal regulations.

The construction of public toilets in strategic locations within the ward is another urgent need. Speaking to News Trail, Chief Engineer of East Zone BBMP said, “We have completed the longdemanded construction of the bridge and we are working on building up new roads and patching up broken roads as well.”

She also added that the BBMP is working diligently on all concerns and there are some issues with the inflow of funds in some departments.

NT impact

One of the major concerns in the ward was the half-constructed bridge connecting Bellandur and Yemalur. Initially intended to improve connectivity, the incomplete bridge left commuters at risk for months due to safety hazards like the lack of boundary walls, slippery roads, and inadequate street lighting.

Residents voiced their concerns on social media and to authorities, but action was delayed. Fortunately, the BBMP has since completed the bridge, addressing these issues by adding boundary walls, resurfacing roads, and improving lighting.

This not only enhanced connectivity but also restored residents' confidence in the authorities.