Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, recently spearheaded his ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ initiative, sparking an impressive turnout. On Sunday, over 500 concerned residents converged at J.P. Park in North Bengaluru, eager to share their long-standing grievances directly with the minister.
This public engagement prominently brought to light the persistent civic and law-and-order challenges plaguing North Bengaluru. These are issues that have unfortunately lingered for too long, continuing to impact the lives of countless city residents.
Mahantesh Reddy, a resident from Mohan Kumar Nagar, boldly accused the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) of widespread corruption. His allegations were quickly echoed by many other residents, who shared their own frustrating experiences. Responding decisively, Mr. Shivakumar promptly summoned BWSSB engineers, issued a stern reprimand, and ordered immediate action to rectify the problems.
Pedestrian safety emerged as another critical concern. Premanand of Mathikere and Sreedevi from Muthayala Nagar emphasized the alarming lack of proper infrastructure, which has tragically contributed to numerous accidents. Specific examples cited included the missing pedestrian walkway on the flyover between Mathikere and Gokula Extension, along with a complete absence of safe crosswalks or foot overbridges on MES Ring Road.
Road conditions were also a major point of contention. K.C. Ashok from Dasarahalli specifically highlighted the dangerous stretch from Gangamma Circle to Jalahalli Cross. He noted that this road has severely deteriorated with countless potholes, leading to more than ten reported accidents.
Adding to the frustration, Srinivas revealed that numerous complaints lodged through the ‘Gundi Gamana’ app regarding civic issues had gone completely unaddressed.
Further concerns included Mr. Ashok’s plea for a hospital in the Abbigere area. Meanwhile, a senior citizen bravely filed a complaint against the Hulimavu police inspector, alleging direct involvement with the land mafia.
Regular visitors to J.P. Park shared disturbing reports of a section of the park being exploited by anti-social elements. This illicit activity reportedly began after a fence was removed, leaving the area vulnerable.
In response to these security concerns, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the inspector to promptly install surveillance cameras, increase police presence, and implement stringent measures to combat drug abuse in the vicinity.
Complaints Against Autorickshaw Services
Residents of Muthayala Nagar expressed urgent demands for more frequent bus services from the Chowdeshwari bus stop in Mathikere. They highlighted the predatory practices of autorickshaw drivers who frequently refuse short trips or demand exorbitant fares—sometimes ₹100 to ₹150 for just two kilometers. An elderly resident lamented, “For senior citizens, this bus stop is vital, yet very few buses operate from here.”
RTI activist Vincent Bernard brought to Mr. Shivakumar’s attention the fact that approximately 40 civic development projects, previously tendered, had still not been executed. The Deputy Chief Minister offered assurances that these overdue works would commence shortly.
Additionally, Mr. Bernard raised environmental concerns, noting that nearly 1,200 trees had been illegally felled in the area over the last few years.
A poignant request came from Preetham, a Sundar Nagar resident and brother of Bharath Bhushan, a victim of the Pahalgam attack. He asked for a local park to be named in his brother’s honor, stating, “We were promised a park in his name, but it has not yet materialized.”
Finally, a civic contractor recounted his distressing experience of not receiving payment for work completed a decade ago, adding another layer to the community’s frustrations.