Bangalore road widening rage goes online

Here’s a chance for those who wish to raise their objection to the BBMP’s proposed road-widening project.

An online petition — Say no to road widening in Bangalore —aims to take up the issue with the country’s top bureaucrats including the president.

The petition is addressed to the president, the Supreme Court,  the prime minister, the governor  of Karnataka, the chief minister, the commissioner of BBMP, the mayor, the Bangalore Development Authority, corporators, legislators, parliamentarians, chief secretary and ABIDe.

The petition had 105 signatures till the last checked by DNA. It highlights the misuse of transfer of developmental rights  (TDR) and also seeks answers from the government on the issues involved.

Prominent citizens have vehemently criticised the road-widening plan.

“TDR is not an instrument to remove the heritage buildings. Moreover, roads marked by the BBMP are not chosen wisely. They should have identified the arterial roads which need widening and chicken neck points which have to be addressed systematically to help smooth traffic flow. What is their aim after widening all 227 roads? Mobility cannot be solved by widening. In fact it gives scope for more vehicles on the roads,” said V Ravichandar, civic analyst.

“We expect justice from the courts for the masses. Courts should also understand people’s miseries and uphold their rights,” said Justice MF Saldanha, former high court judge.

The petition was created by Syed Tanveeruddin on July 5.