Karanataka Elections 2018: Garbage mopup, green spaces top people’s agenda

BENGALURU: Malleswaram, the third oldest residential extension in North Bengaluru created in the 1880s, has probably changed more than most in terms of development, voter aspiration and demography. The once Tamil-Kannada-Konkani Brahmin stronghold is home to heritage structures like CV Raman’s home, the Kadu Malleshwara temple, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the BJP state headquarters, bustling markets and traditional eateries.

The constituency which traditionally supported the Janata Dal favoured the BJP in the 2008 elections. This was following a sympathy wave for the Yeddyurappa-led government as the 20:20 sharing governance model between the BJP and the JD(S) fell apart when HD Kumaraswamy refused to relinquish his chief minister’s post and the state went to polls.

With a two-term incumbent MLA, the quiet locality now hosts technology and emerging business companies and has a strong shopping mall culture. According to residents, the widening gap between people and their political representatives should be addressed immediately.


“Malleswaram was not traditionally designed to handle such large traffic volumes and authorities have failed to plan and devise solutions for this problem,” said Malleswaram ward resident Gokul S, 26. “We need more CCTVs, skywalks, street lamps and footpaths for the safety of women, children and senior citizens.”

Other residents point out how the constituency with tree-lined boulevards — where roads are named after flowers and trees like Mallige, Sampige and Margosa — was once at the forefront of garbage management (with the presence of organisations like the Solid Waste Management Round Table) but not anymore.

“There is no public consultation whatsoever. Structural infrastructure is growing but greening has stopped. Footpaths are bad and street hawking is unregulated,” said activist Dr Meenakshi Bharath. She has fought to protect trees along Sankey Tank that would have been cut for a roadwidening project.

Bharath was the Lok Satta party candidate in 2013. “If only authorities believe in collaboration, people in this constituency would love to put their brains behind it.”

MLA Ashwath Narayan said creation and utilisation of public spaces remain top priority and that he is providing platforms for people to participate in the waste and water management processes.