In a distressing reflection of urban decay, the abandoned ESI hospital on Haines Road has become a focal point for crime and unsanitary conditions, sparking significant community backlash. Positioned near the Bangalore Cantonment Metro Station and Abdul Bari’s High School, this neglected structure poses immediate risks to public safety. Residents express their concerns over increased incidents of drug sales and thefts in the vicinity, while the building’s crumbling surroundings have turned into an unsanitary dumping ground. Despite multiple appeals to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the lack of responsive action has left the community grappling with growing health and safety issues.
According to local resident Mohammed Fuaad, the building is notorious for criminal activities, especially at night, when the lack of security measures makes it easy for miscreants to gather. The resulting crime spike includes drug peddling and theft, which are aggravating safety concerns for local youths and commuters. This fear is compounded by recent robbery cases, leading residents to demand urgent intervention. Comparisons with other neglected urban sites underscore a recurring issue where abandoned properties become hubs for illegal activities, often creating a spiral of insecurity and degradation in surrounding neighbourhoods.
The issue extends beyond crime, with environmental and health repercussions impacting those living and working near the site. Debris and waste have accumulated around the hospital, and public urination is a recurring problem, allegedly exacerbated by metro construction workers. The resulting foul odour and unhygienic conditions present a significant nuisance for nearby students and local businesses, including visitors to the Shams Convention Centre. The situation raises public health concerns, especially with young children attending the nearby school, highlighting an urgent need for improved sanitation and waste management around public infrastructure.
Residents and local business owners have called on the BBMP and other authorities to take decisive steps. They propose securing the abandoned building with barricades to restrict access and installing CCTV cameras to monitor the site. In an effort to foster a cleaner and safer environment, they also recommend landscaping the area to discourage illegal dumping. Furthermore, they urge authorities to clarify the future of the property; if it cannot be repurposed, residents insist it should be demolished to eliminate risks. Given the site’s location across two constituencies, community members are appealing to MLAs Rizwan Arshad and AC Srinivas to collaborate for a sustainable resolution.
The abandoned ESI building’s impact highlights the broader civic challenges posed by neglected urban spaces, emphasising the need for sustainable urban planning. Addressing this issue would not only improve community safety but also contribute to a healthier urban environment. As Bengaluru continues to evolve, establishing strategies to manage unused public properties will be essential in promoting a safe, clean, and sustainable city for all
