Facilities don’t expand with growth in Hebbal area of Bangalore

Hebbal’s importance is that the future growth march of Bangalore will invariably pass through it. All arterial roads and road networks leading to the international airport intersect here.

This northern end-point known for its lovely lake is today more known for the serpentine flyover connecting the outer ring road.

The lake has lost its sheen due to neglect and encroachments.
Hebbal stands 23rd in the list of 28 most liveable localities in Bangalore in DNA-AZ survey 2010, one number down from last year’s list.

Sudhir Kumar, secretary of Karuna Animals Welfare Association, Hebbal, says, “It has gone down in rank as it lacks good bus shelters, regular garbage collection, proper playgrounds and greenery.”

Residents have a plethora of complaints, most of them on official apathy to develop civic amenities in a place that is growing by leaps and bounds.

Hebbal’s amenities have not expanded to match its growth. Construction continues in full swing but its haphazard nature plays havoc with the amenities and ambience, residents say.

 “Water supply is erratic and there are no sewerage lines,” says Nanjunda Swamy, a resident of Hebbal village. “Power outage is more than the quota the rest of Bangalore has,” he says.

While the residents enjoy good connectivity from highway to the airport, interior roads are in bad shape. When it rains, one has to wade through knee-deep slush. Buses do not connect people to varied corners of the residential areas.

“There are no bus stops. Some of the main roads are too narrow for two vehicles to pass through. Some roads within smaller revenue pockets have not been widened properly and no footpaths have been constructed,” says Ramegowda R, a resident of Vishwanath Nagenahalli. 

“It is not bus stops alone. There are no playgrounds or parks for children and old people. Even the government schools in Hebbal do not have much play area within their campus. Most people who love walking have to go to UAS Layout ground. Children, on their part, play dangerously on roads. Civic utilities have failed in Hebbal and nobody is interested in improving its condition,” says Krishnan Kutty, secretary of Anandnagar Welfare Association, residing in SBM Colony of Hebbal constituency.

Receding greenery is another casualty of high growth, Kutty adds.
 But Hebbal is gaining popularity as a tech hub as IT units have come up on the outer ring road and in Kempapura. But the mounting garbage gives the area a shabby look.

“Hebbal’s population has increased due to many business opportunities around. But the basic amenities are inadequate,” says R Srinivasa Prabhu, a resident.