Residents of Bengaluru’s Balagere protest over lack of basic civic infrastructure

The residents of Balagere near Varthur on Sunday protested against the civic authorities for the bad conditions of Balagere main road and pending works of storm-water drains, which cause water to stagnate on the road, especially during rains.

The protesters said that there was no underground drainage system in nearby rural area, and there was no proper Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for apartments, due to which the situation has exacerbated.

They alleged that waste was dumped directly into the drain. Despite several complaints to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), there had been no action to rectify the situation.

Yogendran, a resident, pointing out to the lack of infrastructure in the area, asked the BBMP officials and political leaders, “Can you walk on this road? Can you construct your house in this area given the condition of roads and poor drainage. How do you expect us to stay here and still pay our taxes?”

The residents demanded the Bangalore Development Authority to stop giving approvals for construction in the area until basic infrastructure like underground drainage, storm-water drains, and road connectivity is established. They also demanded the establishment of a “tax payers’ board.”