The heavy price of growth
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Bangalore became the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the East because of the strides in information technology. But what are the disadvantages for city residents? An observation by K. SUKUMARAN
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Nostalgia: The ideal conditions are gone forever?
Sleepy Bangalore, nay, ‘Bengaluru,’ 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. What is the price we pay for the progress and prosperity? What has happened to our aspiration to lead a peaceful and pollution-free life? Are we destined to a sub-standard living for the rest of our lives? Is the ta
lk of improving transport, reducing air pollution, providing decent living conditions turn into action 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 M.G. Road and neighbourhood. But, today things are different. The roads are congested and one faces overcrowding in almost all thoroughfares. The pedestrians find inadequate foot paths and what little footpaths still left free are full of hawkers and vendors and subjected to two-wheeler onslaughts too.
The cost of living has increased manifold. Rentals have doubled and even trebled in many localities. Land costs have multiplied, so have property prices. In fact, the rising inflation and interest rates will further push up prices.
What’s wrong?
The major developments which contributed to the present state of affairs have been the haphazard growth of the city and suburbs; developers catering to the ever increasing demand for housing without ensuring basic amenities; government agencies unable to meet the demand for adequate roads, transport, water supply, sanitation, drainage, and waste disposal facilities; sanctioning private housing layouts, townships and multi-storeyed apartment buildings without sufficient back-up services; unbridled speculative investment in land and buildings in anticipation of price rise in short and medium term; and increasing number of two- and four-wheelers on the roads creating traffic jams on the already congested thoroughfares.
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 development of infrastructure.
What should have been done to prevent the present mess? Some of the steps which would have stemmed the rot, even at the cost of being dubbed ‘hindsight,’ are:
Implementation of the proposals of the Urban Arts Commission under the chairmanship of late T.P. Issar for retaining the heritage of Bangalore. These include:
“No high-rise buildings zones,” clear demarcation of residential and commercial zones, strict guidelines for constructions and administrative vigil on deviations from sanctioned plans, deterrent punishment for encroachment of government land etc.
Advance completion of key arterial/ring roads/highways and connecting roads with special emphasis for identified ‘future growth centres’ for residential/commercial/industrial needs.
Administrative set-up for the city to effectively deal with planning, implementation, and review.
Delinking of Bangalore from the State administration to create a Bangalore Metro Authority which would also have powers to raise funds for development purposes.
Almost everyone agrees to the fact that rot has set in. Urgent steps are to be taken to correct the position. The quality of life of the citizens needs to be raised to retain the image of our favourite city. We should preserve the heritage and greenery. Pollution should not be allowed to unleash health hazards.
Preventing migration
We must usher in development and growth to other cities such as Mysore, Hubli- Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Shimoga and Mangalore so that further migration from other towns can be prevented. We must also increase the contribution from Bangalore to the national product.
What can be a package for ‘namma Bengaluru’? The workshop held on June 28 wherein the key stakeholders such as BBMP, BDA, KSIIDC,BMTC,BWSSB, BESCOM, KHB, BMRCL and B-TRAC presented their Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructural Development (ABIDE). The Chief Minister too gave out his mind on the vsion for development of major cities and towns under the PPP model.
Many discussions took place at the ABIDE. It was decided to set up a high powered Committee for Bangalore to review the projects under implementation at monthly intervals.
The Chief Minister said funds will not be a problem. The State has sought an assistance of Rs. 5,000 crore from the Centre immediately for taking up priority projects. Bangalore being a prestigious centre, the Centre is likely to come to the State’s aid irrespective of political conflicts. Let us watch the developments with interest.
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