Civic apathy forces Sudhama Nagar residents to flee amid mounting woes

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Despite years of repeated appeals for action, civic apathy in Sudhama Nagar, located in the heart of Bengaluru, has reached alarming levels, compelling many residents to move to other areas. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has consistently ignored the area’s pressing issues, leaving residents grappling with health risks and deteriorating living conditions. Sudhama Nagar, formerly Ward 118 as per the old delimitation (198 wards), lies in the Chickpet Assembly constituency and Bengaluru South parliamentary constituency.

While the ward boasts upscale buildings and key government offices and is well-connected by various modes of transport, its slum areas urgently require the attention of civic agencies. The ward’s poor drainage infrastructure has been a longstanding issue, costing residents heavily. Last year’s heavy rains led to water entering homes, damaging property and, in some cases, important documents. “We have repeatedly requested the BBMP to address the flooding problem, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears,” said Varalakshmi, an NGO worker.

A slum located behind Urvashi Theatre, housing over 50 families in 3x4 sq. ft. homes, highlights the grim scenario. This low-lying area, near a stormwater drain, is highly vulnerable to flooding. “Even light rain causes the rajakaluve (stormwater drain) to overflow, flooding houses with garbage and sewage. This is a serious health hazard, especially for children,” Varalakshmi added. Encroachments due to unauthorised constructions have reportedly blocked water flow, exacerbating the flooding problem.

“This issue not only threatens the safety of residents but also harms the environment,” said Jancy, another resident. The lack of public toilets in the ward adds to the residents’ struggles, especially for women. The absence of basic sanitation facilities has led to open defecation, creating an eyesore and posing public health risks. “How are humans supposed to attend to nature’s calls without a basic toilet? The BBMP’s utter neglect is appalling,” Jancy said in frustration.

Other civic woes include poorly functioning streetlights that compromise women’s safety, waterlogged roads, and rampant illegal parking on narrow streets, worsening the already dire situation. When contacted, ward nodal officer Ravi Vadder was unavailable for comment. Residents of Sudhama Nagar are losing patience with the BBMP's persistent inaction, fearing that continued neglect will only deepen their woes and force more families to abandon the area.