BENGALURU: The state and the civic authorities have failed miserably in solving the civic issues plaguing Whitefield area. This despite the fact that it is one of the major IT corridors in India. From frothing lake and bad roads to burning garbage and non-functional streetlights to notorious traffic jams, issues are aplenty.
Though active citizens groups in Whitefield have been able to build some pressure on the civic authorities and push a few projects, a lot still needs to be done. Several civic issues have not seen any substantial improvement on the ground despite promises and inspections by the authorities.
One of the prime examples of bureaucratic negligence and absence of political will is the Varthur Lake which continues to froth even after 10 years. The promise of a functional sewage treatment plant (STP) is yet to be fulfilled, let alone fencing of the lake and survey.
“Despite repeated requests, millions of litres of sewage water is being dumped into the city’s two biggest lakes -- Bellandur and Varthur. No action has been taken by the authorities to tackle the menace,” said Whitefield resident Elan Kulandaivelu.
“BWSSB has been announcing that it will build a STP. But what about the STPs that are build but remain non-functional?” adds Kulandaivelu, who is also a member of Whitefield Rising.
Everyone in Bengaluru is familiar with the infamous Whitefield traffic mess. Traffic management continues to be poor and a comprehensive plan is the need of the hour. Hoodi railway station and the MEMU services are welcome wind of change. But problem persists at Doddanekkundi Flyover, Metro site and Hoodi junction. Hardly any zebra crossing or lane markings are present anywhere, putting life and limb of pedestrians at risk.
Many interior roads are dug up. Darkness engulfs several streets in Whitefield area after dark. In terms of civic infrastructure and development, Marathahalli and Kundanahalli have seen some significant positive changes.
Zibi Jamal of Whitefield Rising points out, “Majority of the places are yet to be connected to the sewer system. Several areas are yet to get Cauvery water. Though there are borewells, they may not last for long.”
“Garbage burning is rampant here,” says Jamal.