Citizens reclaim playgrounds while BBMP remains aloof

Until a week ago, a 100-square-metre plot at the KSRTC Layout in the upmarket JP Nagar was a dump yard. Since it is a government-owned site, few bothered about its upkeep. Then, a group of people removed the garbage dump, re-painted compound walls and built infrastructure with tyres and recyclable materials to create a functional playground. Local residents, the users of the space, also participated actively.

“Bengaluru’s unplanned growth has been consuming playgrounds while open spaces are being replaced by smartphones and gaming consoles. There are many dead spaces across the city that can be transformed into activity hubs,” said Pooja Rai, cofounder, Anthill Creations.

The nonprofit builds accessible, affordable and sustainable playgrounds. It worked on the JP Nagar playground along with nonprofit Let’s Be The Change and employees of fintech firm Zerodha, who participated as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.


“Since the government is not proactive about playgrounds, citizens can take the lead. We can convince officials to change their mindset and convert unused spaces into urban commons,” Rai added.

Bengaluru has only two square metres of open space per person, falling short of the 10-square metre standard recommended by the Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (2015) guidelines. While the BBMP allocated Rs 165 crore towards parks and playgrounds in 2017-18, a survey by Janaagraha on open spaces last year indicated that 70% of the 192 playgrounds under BBMP limits are littered with garbage and 49% lacked basic lighting facilities.

Despite the findings, playgrounds continue to rank low in the BBMP’s list of priorities. Citizens, therefore, are coming forward to either clear garbage themselves or relentlessly pressure government officials to maintain these urban commons. Community-led initiatives have been conducted in localities including Banashankari, JP Nagar, Vasanthnagar, Gandhinagar and Nallurhalli. In areas like Indiranagar, residents are also protecting playgrounds from getting encroached.

“The sole playground in our locality was first encroached for a cricket academy. Then, the government wanted to build an indoor stadium there. We have moved the high court to obtain a stay,” said Swarna Venkataraman, secretary, Indiranagar, 1st Stage League Resident Welfare Association. “We realise that this is a constant battle. If not for citizen vigilantes, no square inch of open space will be spared by the government. There is no political will to save urban commons.”

Sapna Karim, head, Civic Participation, Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, said that with increasing community pressure, local councillors are beginning to work with citizens. “There is, however, a need for holistic understanding of urban commons. The immediate focus should be improving infrastructure in existing playgrounds.”

A BBMP official admitted that citizen groups make their work easy and that the corporation will support maintenance of open spaces. “We are also working to enhance security arrangements in some of these playgrounds.”