Hanumanthnagar locality of Bangalore: Rich in culture, poor in civic amenities

The cultural hub of Bangalore, Hanumanthnagar, retains its rank at 26th in this year’s DNA-AZ best localities survey.

It would seem nothing has moved in Hanumanthnagar, but it is not so. There have been some developments in the transport front and general ambience.

But this southern locality has its quota of woes which not many have bothered to solve.

Drinking water shortage is a major worry as Cauvery water has proved elusive. Everybody seems to be concerned over the growing incidents of chain snatching too. Streetlights keep blinking and roads are, therefore, not so safe for citizens at night.

Residents keep complaining about one corporator Sadashiva.  Incidentally, Hanumathnagar has two corporators since the area is divided into Hanumanthnagar and Sunkenally Layout.

Chandrashekhar, who represents Hanumanthnagar, is liked by residents as he helps in sorting out their problems.

As regards greenery and parks, the place is blessed, say people.

“We have three major parks and tree-lined roads and good footpaths. The connectivity from this area is not a problem as public transport is efficient,” says Abhishek, a student and resident.

But the narrow and curvy Vidyapeetha Road is a muddle during peak hours. At night, it is turned into a racing alley by some excited youth seeking adventure.

Most street lights don’t work in inner colonies. “We have two grounds to play and both are in neighbouring localities. A need not met so far is the availability of medical stores. Some were there but have recently shut down,” says Amith Pramod, a resident.

“People appear happy on two fronts — garbage collection and drainage. Both work well,” says Udyavara Gopal.

People bury their worries in art, it seems. This small locality has three theatres, one of them run by stage artist-dramatist, AS Murthy. They conduct musical events in parks on weekends where local talents hone their talents.

“I’ve conducted many street plays on  amenities to inculcate civic sense in residents,” says Murthy.

He is upset over the lack of facilities in the locality. “Leaders need to pull up their socks and fulfil the promises they made during elections,” says he. 

AM Prakash, principal of Kalamandir, is all praise for the locality.  “Hanumanthnagar breathes culture. I believe it is the nicest place to live in. People are also good-natured and very helpful,” says he.

Kalamandir is 100 years old and it is the first art institution in Karnataka. It was founded by AN Subha Rao.