Richmond Town's colonial charm overshadowed by its civic woes

The locality now battles deteriorating infrastructure, posing safety and health challenges for its residents

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, Richmond Town, part of which is in Ward 111 - Shantala Nagar, it exudes timeless charm with its colonial-era bungalows and tree-lined avenues. However, beneath this facade lies a growing list of civic challenges that residents have been grappling with for months.

Problem at hand: Bad roads and potholes dominate the area’s infrastructure woes. Albert Street, which was dug up by the BWSSB for re-piping works, remains in ruins. The Richmond Town Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) has repeatedly sought repairs, but the blame game between the BBMP and BWSSB has resulted in seven months of inaction. Richmond Road, historically free from waterlogging, now floods within 20 minutes of rainfall, a consequence of poor planning under the Smart City project.

To add to the misery, the road has turned into a garbage disposal zone. At Nanjappa Circle on Langford Road, an overflowing sewage chamber creates pools of wastewater, making it hazardous for pedestrians and motorists. Similarly, the road opposite All Saints Church on Hosur Road, a key route connecting to a national highway, is riddled with potholes, endangering commuters daily. Meanwhile, Rhenius Street faces neglect as the wall of a historic hockey club is misused as a public urinal, and footpaths are encroached by food vendors. “We took an effort to clean all the garbage and paint the walls in the area but there was garbage the next day and people started urinating again,” said Floyd, an RWA member and added that the residents are now hopeless.

Issues of broken footpaths, insufficient streetlights, and rampant parking violations on Convent Road exacerbate the frustrations of residents. "These issues have made living here unbearable at times. It feels like nobody in authority truly cares," lamented Floyd, a member of the RWA management committee.

The consequences: The deteriorating infrastructure has had widespread consequences for residents and commuters. Broken roads and overflowing sewage chambers not only cause inconvenience but also pose serious health hazards. "For the elderly and children, navigating these roads is both unsafe and stressful. It’s not just about inconvenience; it’s about dignity," shared another resident. Waterlogging on Richmond Road is particularly alarming, as it creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue.

The encroached footpaths and non-functional streetlights leave pedestrians vulnerable, especially at night. The pothole-ridden roads near Vellara Junction are a frequent cause of vehicle damage and accidents. Additionally, parking chaos on Convent Road, worsened by one-way violations, leads to daily traffic snarls, frustrating residents and visitors alike. After receiving no response from the BBMP, the residents are now hopeless that any change will be brought to their area.

The way forward: Richmond Town’s RWA has been proactive, filing multiple complaints and seeking dialogue with the BBMP and BWSSB. However, tangible results remain elusive. The residents demand an urgent, coordinated response from civic authorities. "There needs to be better accountability.

A single agency should take charge and ensure work gets done," suggested another resident. Key solutions proposed include immediate road repairs, fixing the leaking sewage chamber, and installing monitored streetlights. Residents have also called for stricter enforcement against footpath encroachments and better parking regulations on Convent Road.