JP Nagar residents demand urgent solutions to urban woes

Despite being a well-connected hub, the locality struggles with traffic, illegal encroachments and civic neglect, prompting calls for immediate action

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: JP Nagar, one of South Bengaluru’s prime residential and commercial areas under Ward 177, is often lauded for its connectivity and infrastructure. However, residents grapple daily with persistent civic issues that threaten the area’s livability. Traffic congestion, broken infrastructure, garbage, inadequate lighting, and waterlogging are among the top concerns that demand urgent intervention from city authorities.

Daily struggles: Traffic Woes, broken sidewalks and an influx of commercial establishments have significantly increased congested roads in JP Nagar, including small streets. Poorly planned road networks and unregulated parking make daily commuting a nightmare, particularly in high-traffic zones like 6th Phase and Bannerghatta Road. “Every evening, we get stuck in long, unmoving traffic snarls near main signal junctions. The problem is exacerbated by haphazardly parked vehicles, pedestrians walking on the road owing to broken sidewalks, making navigation even tougher,” said a software professional and JP Nagar resident.

The absence of designated parking spaces forces people to leave their vehicles along sidewalks and main roads, worsening congestion. “Ambulances often struggle to pass through these narrow roads. It’s a disaster waiting to happen,” shared a security guard who works at a cafe. Construction debris has taken over footpaths and public spaces, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads. This is particularly dangerous for senior citizens and children. “My daughter walks to school every day, but the footpaths are either occupied or broken,” said Priya, a mother. Despite repeated complaints, encroachment clearance drives remain sporadic and ineffective.

A local activist from the JP Nagar Welfare Association highlighted, “Whenever action is taken, the illegal structures reappear within weeks. We need sustained enforcement, not temporary fixes.” Inadequate Street Lighting and Safety ConcernsDimly lit streets and defunct streetlights have raised safety concerns, particularly for women and night-shift workers.

Residents report an increase in incidents of theft and vandalism in poorly lit areas. Waterlogging and Drainage IssuesMonsoons bring another set of challenges, with several low-lying areas in JP Nagar suffering from severe waterlogging. Poor drainage infrastructure leads to flooded streets, property damage, and disruptions in daily life.

What next? Residents and civic groups have been pushing for solutions, urging authorities to take immediate action. Possible measures include improving traffic management with synchronised signals, designated parking zones, stricter encroachment penalties, and the installation of modern street lighting. Additionally, revamping the stormwater drainage system is crucial to mitigate recurring flooding.