Bengaluru’s flyover spaces are being misused for garbage dumping
Bengaluru, a city known for its sprawling urban landscape and rapid infrastructure development, is facing a growing issue concerning the spaces beneath its 42 flyovers. These spaces, meant to be utilitarian, are increasingly becoming breeding grounds for pollution, clutter, and illegal activities, contributing to the city’s pressing waste management challenges. As civic authorities struggle to manage these underutilised spaces, residents have expressed outrage, pointing to the adverse effects on their quality of life, with some even questioning the priorities of the Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
One of the more bizarre uses of these spaces is at Nayandahalli flyover, where Mukesh Thomar, a Rajasthan native, has set up a horse stable for his three horses. He justifies his decision by citing a lack of available space, and with no objections from the local community, he has capitalised on the neglect of this space. Similarly, under the West of Chord Road flyover, the BBMP has designated the area for garbage segregation, with over 10 trucks and several garbage tippers parked there daily. The stench emanating from this dump has become a daily nuisance for nearby residents like Anand Rajagopal, who lament the unbearable odour that greets commuters, particularly motorcyclists. Pallavi Kannan, another resident, questioned the BBMP’s decision to convert such spaces into open waste disposal areas without consulting local inhabitants.
The situation worsens in Koramangala, a once-pristine, upscale neighbourhood that has become a victim of this growing problem. The unfinished Ejipura flyover has now turned into a private taxi parking lot, further cluttering the area. Residents are disturbed by the piles of uncollected garbage and vehicles strewn around, tarnishing the area’s reputation. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by local resident SaffronSunanda went viral, showcasing the flyover’s deplorable state. Her post, which criticised the deteriorating state of Bengaluru’s posh neighbourhoods, raised a pertinent question: “From Silicon Valley, it has become Slum Valley.”
The area beneath the Sri Balagangadhar Nath Swamy flyover in KR Market is similarly plagued by parked garbage tippers, which have been a source of continuous complaints from traders. Gangadhar Rao, a spice trader, shared that the stench directly affects his business, causing his sales to drop by Rs 10,000 per month. The situation is worsened by the constant blockage of roads, making it challenging for customers to park or even access the market. Residents, traders, and commuters alike are calling for urgent intervention from the civic authorities to address these issues that not only affect the city’s aesthetics but also its overall livability.
BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath acknowledged the problem but provided little comfort to the public. He explained that the garbage trucks and tippers were temporarily using these flyover spaces due to a lack of alternative solutions. However, he assured that plans are in place to transform these spaces. BBMP is working on covering these areas, ensuring they remain hygienic, and transforming them into functional spaces like parks with benches for public use. To mitigate the garbage management problem, BBMP also plans to establish 27 garbage transfer stations across various constituencies.
This situation highlights a critical urban management issue that needs urgent attention from Bengaluru’s civic authorities. The neglect of these spaces is not only contributing to environmental pollution but also hindering the overall livability of the city. While plans for transformation are underway, the challenge remains in managing the balance between rapid urbanisation and sustainable public space management. Flyover spaces, if properly utilised, could become community hubs, parks, or well-maintained green spaces, improving both the environmental and social quality of Bengaluru’s urban life. However, it is essential that these plans account for sustainable development, ensuring that these public spaces contribute positively to the city’s future.
