Ganganagar’s congested markets & roads, rising woes threaten livability

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Ganganagar is a residential locality located in Ward 20 of Bengaluru, India. It is situated in the northern part of the city, near the Hebbal area. Primarily known for its residential properties, and several parks and green spaces, the area also faces several urban challenges that tarnish its livability.

Problem at hand- Ganganagar, Ward 20 in Bengaluru, presents a paradox of urban development. On one side, its bustling market area grapples with overcrowding and congestion, while the quieter residential pockets face water scarcity, pothole-riddled roads, and a rising street dog menace. Unfinished infrastructure projects further add to residents’ woes. “The market area is so crowded that navigating it on foot becomes a nightmare, let alone driving, especially around peak hours,” said Prasad, a long-time resident. “Meanwhile, our residential streets suffer from poor water supply and crumbling roads.” On-road parking clogs already narrow streets and unattended potholes turn every commute into a test of patience and endurance.

“Driving here is a daily hazard,” said Kanamma, a local shopkeeper. She added, “These illegally parked vehicles and unnecessary road-digging projects also affect the greenery in the area.” She said the area used to be so green a few years ago and suddenly all the trees are either removed by constructors or get uprooted extremely easily during monsoon.

The consequences- These problems have far-reaching effects on the daily lives of Ganganagar’s residents. Overcrowding in the market area leads to safety concerns, with pedestrians forced onto busy roads due to limited footpaths. The water scarcity in residential areas adds to household stress, with many residents relying on private water tankers to meet their needs.

The street dog menace has also grown unchecked, posing a risk to pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. One IT employee who works from home on the night shift said, “These dogs from a group and bark all night which is extremely annoying and despite calls to animal control, no action has been taken yet.”

Path forward- Adding parking zones and limiting on-road parking can reduce market traffic. “To solve water issues, authorities must fix supply gaps and promote rainwater harvesting,” said Prasad. He added, “This requires coordinated efforts from both authorities and residents to bridge the divide.”