Residents of New Thippasandra battle mosquitoes, erratic water supply&crime

NT Bengaluru: New Thippasandra residents face growing civic issues, including mosquito breeding from stagnant water, malfunctioning streetlights, and erratic water supply. They are calling on authorities to implement sustainable, long-term solutions for these problems.

Issues in the area One of the most pressing concerns is water stagnation in the stormwater drain (SWD) on the 2nd Diagonal Road. The stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The SWD, which is too small to handle the current flow of water, has not been upgraded or reworked in over 40 years, adding to the problem. "The existing SWD was built decades ago when the population in the area was much smaller," said KSN Raju, a longer-term resident and the President of the Residents' Association.

He further emphasised, "The increase in mosquitoes is alarming. Clearing the SWD and upgrading it to meet the needs of our growing community should be the BBMP's immediate priority to safeguard public health." Residents are advocating rejuvenation of the century-old Chinnappa open well located opposite Hanumangar BDA Park. The well, once a reliable source of water, has fallen into disuse. Kannan, Vice President of the Residents' Association, explained, "Rejuvenating this well would not only restore a piece of our history but also provide water for the park’s maintenance. It is a small but meaningful step toward water conservation." The residents have requested the BBMP to take action, but they claim that their pleas have been ignored for over five years.

The malfunctioning streetlights have led to a spike in crimes such as chain snatching, particularly endangering the safety of women. With many streetlights not functioning for weeks, residents feel vulnerable when walking outside after dark. "The lack of street lighting poses a real safety threat. We have seen an increase in chain snatching incidents, and it is time the authorities take action," said Kannan. Water supply has also become erratic, with no supply from BWSSB for the past five days.

This disruption has left residents struggling for necessities, relying on private water suppliers. "We constantly rely on water tankers, which are neither economical nor sustainable. The BWSSB must ensure regular water supply to the area," KSN Raju added. Footpaths around Hanumangar BDA Park are also in a state of disrepair. Broken slabs pose a significant danger to pedestrians, especially the elderly and children. "It is not just about aesthetics. These broken footpaths are a real hazard, and we are worried someone will get seriously injured soon," said Kannan.

Impact on the community: The combination of stagnant water, irregular water supply, and safety concerns has led to a decline in the quality of life in New Thippasandra. Residents are losing faith in the city's civic bodies and feel neglected. Rahman Quadri, a former president of the association and another long-term resident, expressed his frustration: "We have been asking for these improvements for years, but the authorities continue to provide only temporary solutions." The outdated sanitary lines in the area are another major concern. The 40-year-old, four-inch diameter lines are not equipped to handle the increasing population. As a result, sanitary water often backs up into homes and has polluted many of the open wells that were once used for domestic purposes.

Recommendations for improvement: Residents are calling for urgent action from the BBMP and BWSSB. They propose clearing the SWD to prevent mosquito breeding, repairing streetlights to improve safety, and ensuring a consistent water supply. Rejuvenating the Chinnappa open well and replacing the outdated sanitary lines are also crucial steps toward addressing the area's longterm needs. KSN Raju concluded, "We don’t want temporary fixes. We need sustainable solutions that will improve our community's overall well-being." When News Trail tried to contact the BBMP regarding the same, there was no response from the corporation body.