Garbage piles, crumbling infra, rodent menace plague Lalbagh neighbourhood

While the garden continues to draw visitors, the surrounding areas are an eyesore.

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Lalbagh, renowned as one of Bengaluru's most celebrated botanical gardens, stands as a symbol of pride for the city. However, the adjacent areas, particularly in Ward 143, Visvesvarapuram, are grappling with severe civic issues that have left the residents feeling exasperated. While the garden continues to draw visitors, the surrounding neighbourhood is plagued by issues such as inadequate garbage management, deteriorating infrastructure, and a growing rat population.

Rising concern: A major concern in this locality is the ineffective waste management system. Nearly every street surrounding Lalbagh is strewn with litter, with refuse accumulating at street corners to the point of causing road erosion. The problem worsens during the monsoon season, as the collected waste combines with rainwater, fostering an environment conducive to the spread of diseases. "I have been living here for more than 20 years, and the garbage issue has only gotten worse. Despite numerous complaints to the BBMP, there is no reliable waste collection, which is adversely impacting both hygiene and the overall quality of life in the community," remarked a local resident.

Another pressing concern affecting the ward is the rising population of rats. The close proximity to Lalbagh, with its abundant vegetation and available food sources, has resulted in a rodent infestation, especially during the monsoon period. These rats present not only a health hazard but also cause property damage by chewing through electrical wires, vehicle cables, and plumbing pipes. “Nothing seems to stop these rats.

We spent thousands replacing car wires and pipes at home, but they keep coming back. The authorities need to come up with a rodent control strategy before the situation gets out of hand,” said another resident.

Toll on residents: Apart from garbage and rats, the ward suffers from poor road maintenance, lack of clean public toilets, and inadequate pedestrian pathways. Several roads in the area have potholes and uneven surfaces, making commuting difficult. Pedestrian walkways are either encroached upon or in a state of disrepair, forcing people to walk on roads, which increases the risk of accidents. “The roads here are in a terrible condition,” said Reddy, a shop owner in the area.

“It’s ironic that a place with such a famous landmark like Lalbagh is neglected when it comes to basic infrastructure. We need immediate action from BBMP,” he added. For parents with young children, navigating the streets around Lalbagh is an everyday challenge. The broken footpaths make it nearly impossible for strollers or even carrying a child safely. Pavements are uneven, obstructed, or completely missing in some areas.

“As a mother of a toddler and an infant, even a simple grocery run becomes exhausting,” said a resident. “I have to either carry both my children or struggle with the stroller on broken footpaths. It’s dangerous and frustrating. We need safe walkways for pedestrians, especially elderly and differently-abled,” she added.