The price of breathtaking growth
|
Bangalore became the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the East by making strides in information technology. But what are the disadvantages for city residents?
|
CONGESTION: The ideal conditions have deserted Bangalore.
Sleepy Bangalore became nationally and internationally famous all of a sudden. But at what cost? Bangalore became the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the East because of the strides it made in the field of information technology and in comparatively cheap service to clients in the U.S., Europe and even Singapore and China. What is the price we pay for the progress and prosperity? What are the advantages and disadvantages for the citizens of Bangalore? What has happened to
their aspirations of leading a peaceful and pollution-free life? Are they destined to a sub-standard living for the rest of their lives? Is the talk of improving transport, reducing air pollution, provision for decent living conditions within their means going to materialise within a reasonable period of time?Even a couple of decades ago, Bangaloreans enjoyed the pleasures of small towns such as independent bungalows, horse-drawn carriages, ‘one-by-two’ coffee and jay walking through Mahatma Gandhi Road and neighbourhood. But today things are different.
The roads are congested and one faces overcrowding.
The pedestrians find inadequate footpaths and what little of these still left free are full of hawkers and subjected to onslaughts from two-wheelers despite the bumpy rides during peak hours if they are not otherwise ‘occupied.’
The cost of living has increased manifold. Rentals have doubled and even trebled in many localities. Land costs have multiplied. Property prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of ordinary people and there is no indication of the price rise abating in the near future. In fact, the rising inflation and consequent interest rates will only push the property cost upwards.
The major developments which contributed to the present state of affairs have been:
The haphazard growth of the city and suburbs.
Mushrooming developers making merry using the ever increasing demand for housing, without ensuring basic amenities such as roads, transport, water supply, sanitation, drainage, and waste disposal facilities, which are left to the government agencies unable to match the ever-increasing requirements of the facilities.
Sanctioning private housing layouts, townships and multi-storeyed apartment buildings without sufficient backup services.
Unbridled speculative investment in land and buildings, cornering land in anticipation of a price rise in the short and medium terms.
An increasing number of two- and four-wheelers on the roads creating traffic jams on the already congested thoroughfares.
Sorry state
Why the sorry state of affairs? The worst thing has been the lack of preparedness on the part of the authorities who are responsible for the forward looking ‘planning for development of infrastructure’ to match the demands from the ever growing population.
What should have been done to prevent the present mess?
Some of the steps which would have stemmed the rot are: implementation of the Urban Arts Commission under the chairmanship of the late T.P. Issar for retaining the heritage of Bangalore, clear demarcation of residential and commercial zones, strict guidelines for constructions and administrative vigil on deviations from sanctioned plans, deterrent punishment for encroachment on government land and so on.
Advance completion of key arterial and ring roads and highways and connecting roads with special emphasis for identified ‘future growth centres’ for residential, commercial and industrial needs.
An administrative setup for the city to effectively deal with planning, implementation and review.
De-linking of Bangalore from the State administration to create a Bangalore Metro Authority which would also have powers to raise funds for development purposes.
K. SUKUMARAN
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Property Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Kochi
Malabar
Thiruvananthapuram
