Protests have erupted in Bandemutt KHB Layout, Bengaluru, over glaring infrastructure deficits and irregular water supply. Despite the allocation of INR 10 crore for development works since the area came under BBMP jurisdiction six months ago, residents assert that little progress has been made beyond road excavation. The residents, now resorting to public demonstrations, also express safety concerns due to rising housebreaking incidents. Their calls for increased police presence in the area remain unanswered, adding to the growing dissatisfaction among the community.
Over half a year ago, the Bandemutt KHB Layout was placed under the jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), with INR 10 crore earmarked for infrastructural development. Yet, residents argue that no discernible progress has been made aside from some road excavation.
Tired of approaching numerous parties—including elected representatives, BBMP officials, and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) engineers—for fundamental necessities, the locals have been forced to take more direct action. Residents are now left with no choice but to either engage with the relevant authorities personally or organize demonstrations in a bid to voice their unmet needs.
Recently, the local community staged a protest demanding improved roads and a consistent water supply. “The construction of drains by the contractors was abruptly halted with the onset of the model code of conduct for the State Assembly election. We're yet to see any resumption of work, even after the election of a new government. Meanwhile, we're lucky if we get water once every four days," said TM Sateesh, General Secretary of the Bandemutt KHB Residents' Welfare Association (RWA).
The layout's condition has noticeably deteriorated, according to RWA President B Ramakrishna Gowda. Drain construction work began on April 3 but ceased after just one week. "Poor road conditions have led to accidents, and our homes are frequently flooded during heavy rain. Despite our complaints, the BBMP engineer has been unresponsive," Gowda explained.
Water scarcity is another critical issue for the community. Resident Nandini Vishwanath spoke of the hardships: "We get water sporadically, every four to eight days. We received a bill of INR 2,500 last month, despite the insufficient water supply from BWSSB. Consequently, we have been forced to rely on private water suppliers."
Safety concerns have also emerged, with housebreaking incidents adding to the residents' distress. The community has appealed to Kengeri police for the deployment of constables in the area, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, says Sateesh.
In conclusion, Bandemutt KHB Layout residents continue to face mounting hardships due to poor infrastructure, inconsistent water supply, and rising security concerns. Their repeated pleas to authorities have so far yielded no tangible improvements, leading them to take to the streets in protest. The local government must act decisively to address these valid concerns and restore trust and quality of life in the community.
This story was first published by ET Realty
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