Residents of Varthur, a suburb in Bengaluru, have voiced strong opposition to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) stormwater drain (SWD) project.
The community alleges that the project, under the guise of infrastructure development, compromises environmental integrity and prioritizes private interests over public welfare. Residents claim that BBMP officials have altered the existing SWD network by cutting through natural drains and covering them with concrete slabs to facilitate vehicular movement. This modification, they argue, disrupts the natural water flow between Varthur Lake and Bellandur Amanikere Lake, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
A local advocate highlighted that a 150-meter stretch of the drain near a prominent school has been compromised, allegedly to provide better connectivity to nearby apartment complexes. Such actions, residents argue, not only violate environmental norms but also set a dangerous precedent for future urban planning projects. Further fueling the community’s discontent is the alleged diversion of the CDP road from Thubarahalli to Kundalahalli. Residents believe this rerouting benefits certain builders by providing easier access to their properties, consequently increasing traffic congestion on Varthur Main Road. The secretary of the Varthur Nagarikara Hitha Rakshana Vedika pointed out that properties along the new alignment are owned by individuals with political affiliations, raising questions about the motivations behind the road’s diversion.
The BBMP’s proposal to construct a 1.92-kilometer flyover, with a budget allocation of ₹480 crore, has met with significant resistance from the local populace. Residents argue that the flyover, which includes ₹190 crore for construction and the remainder for land acquisition and utility shifting, is an ill-conceived solution to the area’s traffic woes. Community members suggest that instead of investing in a flyover, the government should focus on widening existing roads and completing the CDP road through Munnekolala and Thubarahalli villages. They believe this approach would offer a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to traffic congestion, aligning with broader goals of eco-friendly urban development.
The residents’ protest underscores a broader demand for transparency in urban planning processes. They advocate for inclusive decision-making that considers environmental sustainability and equitable development. The community urges the BBMP to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments and engage in genuine public consultations before proceeding with large-scale infrastructure projects. While the BBMP has yet to issue a detailed response to the residents’ concerns, the situation highlights the need for municipal authorities to balance infrastructure development with environmental preservation and community interests. As Bengaluru continues to grapple with rapid urbanization, the Varthur case serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable and inclusive urban planning practices.
The residents’ collective action reflects a growing awareness and willingness among citizens to hold authorities accountable, ensuring that development projects do not come at the expense of environmental integrity and public welfare
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