Ward 76 Gayathri Nagar struggles with infrastructure deficiencies

NT Correspondent Bengaluru :Ward 76 Gayathri Nagar, a lively area in Bengaluru, is currently grappling with several urban challenges that are affecting the daily lives of its residents. From infrastructure deficiencies to poor waste management, these issues have contributed to an overall decline in living conditions and quality of life.

Challenges in Ward 76 Gayathri Nagar
The residents of Gayathri Nagar are fed up with the state of their roads. After the recent move by the BBMP to eradicate potholes in the city, the residents allege that this is only an eyewash by covering up one or two roads while the rest remain in a deplorable state. This neglect has made commuting a nightmare, with residents facing daily traffic congestion, waterlogging, and air pollution.

One of the other major concerns is the lack of access to pedestrian paths. One street vendor told News Trail, “A couple of days ago everyone came in a group and redid the road, while the road right opposite it is plagued with potholes and inaccessible pedestrian pathways.”

With no safe sidewalks, pedestrians are forced to share the road with vehicles, putting their lives at risk. The roads are also poorly maintained, the drainage systems are insufficient, and there is a dearth of public transportation options.
Moreover, waste management in the neighbourhood is highly inefficient. Overflowing garbage bins, irregular waste collection, and improper disposal practices lead to environmental pollution, posing serious health risks to the community.

The impact on residents

The poor infrastructure in Gayathri Nagar severely affects the daily lives of its residents. Frequent traffic jams, particularly during peak hours, make commuting a nightmare. “It takes me an hour just to get to work, and the traffic is unbearable,” said a local resident. Waterlogging during rains worsens the condition of already damaged roads, leading to increased vehicle damage and accidents. “Every monsoon, our street turns into a river,” he added.

The lack of pedestrian paths puts lives at risk, as people, including children and senior citizens, are forced to walk on busy streets. “My kids have to walk close to the road, and I’m always worried about their safety,” shared a mother of two. Inefficient waste management leads to pollution and unhygienic conditions, increasing the likelihood of health problems.

Recommendations for improvement
Residents demand that the BBMP initiate a comprehensive overhaul of all roads in Gayathri Nagar, ensuring potholes are properly fixed and neglected streets are addressed not just a few roads. Proper sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including safe crossings, are essential to reduce accidents. Efficient waste management, with timely pickups and enforcement of proper disposal methods, is crucial to prevent environmental hazards and improve public health.

Upgrading drainage systems to handle heavy rains and prevent waterlogging should be prioritised, especially in flood-prone areas. Zonal Commissioner Archana, IAS, stated, "We have just begun the repair work, and it's progressing at full speed. We only need a few more days to ensure the work is completed effectively and efficiently." Chief Engineer Lokesh added that the asphalting of roads will be carried out in phases, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic as each section is completed.