Developing locality in Bangalore moves up the chart

Krishnaraja Puram (KR Puram), known for its landmark Hanging Bridge and large lake Vengyanakeri, is racing on the fast track of growth.

No wonder, it has climbed the rugs of the rating ladder from 27th last year to 20th this year. The answer to this steep rise is, of course, its fast-paced development. 

But the frenzied economic growth has claimed a lot of greenery. So what better way to counter it than planting trees? Residents’ associations and BBMP planted 865 trees in Bhattarahalli this year.

“Rainwater harvesting is the sure way to counter water scarcity that we face now. Recycling of lake water can be an option as using Cauvery water looks way beyond reach,” says Chandraiah, former councillor of KR Puram.

He is not happy with the way civic problems are being handled.
“While other civic issues are slowly being resolved, where are the officials or supervisors who should be here at least once a week for inspecting the building sites? The building activity is quite haphazard. All I can see is that shrines in this area have been given utmost importance. Is that all the government is supposed to do,” asks he.

Joseph Ravi, president of Varsidhi Vinayaka Welfare Association, says this area will perform better and improve its ranking in next year’s survey. He takes a positive view of developmental activities and is all praise for the corporator N Veeranna.

The best thing about this area is that one can’t see garbage strewn on the roads as in many areas in the city. Dust bins are kept on all roads and autos come regularly to collect garbage, says Dr Rangaiah, president of Lions Club of Bangalore Gardens.

“Civic amenities have surely improved. But construction activities have messed up the roads. An underground drainage work is in progress. Regarding water, most residents buy it for Rs400 per tank,” says Akshaya, a student of a leading institute and resident of Thimaraj Shetty Layout.

The locality may have improved its ranking but that does not put a gloss over the problems, say residents. 

Water shortage has been acutely felt for quite some time and borewells have not been of much help as water table has gone down further. While power supply is tolerable, the non-availability of government land is obstructing growth.

Work on improving bus shelters is going slow because of highway development.

“We have even sent a letter to the Highway Authority to come up with a skywalk in school zones as children find it risky to cross the roads. But the authorities have not responded to our request so far,” says Akshaya.