Bengaluru: Rowdy raj in Koramangala

Bengaluru: Lots of illegal commercial establishments have come up in Koraramangala’s 5th block, leading to an increase in noise and air pollution. In addition, the residents have to face the rowdy menace, as most of them hang out near these shops and smoke in public. They threaten local residents if they raise any objection. Most residents are scared to complain to the police, lest they invite the rowdies’ wrath.

The coming up of illegal commercial establishments in residential areas has not only led to increased noise and air pollution, but has intensified rowdyism in the Koramangala Block 5. Local residents complain that vehicles are parked on the footpath and tea stalls encourage smoking near houses.

“The commuters park their vehicles near the houses, which are a breach of privacy. During the weekdays in the afternoon, a huge traffic jam is witnessed in the area and continuous honking disturbs the peace, “said Badriah, a senior citizen staying in the area.

The residents in the area claim that despite repeated complaints to the police, who perform their duty, hardly any improvement can be seen on the ground. 

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “The private building where Muthoot Finance runs its office is disturbing. Their vehicles are parked on the footpath which has made it impossible for us to walk. This locality is a residential area and there should not be any commercial establishment.” This resident also said the rowdies say they will continue to do what they want, and despite putting placards to put an end to smoking there was no positive result.

Despite being fined, the unauthorised tea stalls continue to thrive in nearby alleys. This has lead to an increase in number of people coming for a smoke, which disturbs the senior citizens. Most of the residents here fear that complaining to the police may lead to rowdies threatening them.

Rakesh, a resident of Koramangala Block 5 contends, “There is no use of complaining to the authorities. The problem of the residents is well known to everyone. Cars are parked near my house and I cannot move my two-wheeler out of the house.” “The illegal commercialisation in the residential areas has led to immense air pollution, which is not good for anyone and especially the senior citizens. Even the roads are in a dilapidated condition,” he pointed out. 

Badriah also said that once he saw some people videographing outside his house.

We will inspect the area and action will be taken: BBMP chief engineer Prabhakar
Are you aware that footpaths in Koramangala are being used to park vehicles?
I have not heard about the problem, but I will definitely send my men to inspect the area. I cannot divulge any detail before taking the stock of the situation. Once I come to know about the problem, I can ensure that action will definitely be taken in this regard.

The residents have complained that illegal commercial establishments have risen exponentially in the area. What can be done to stop it?
Yes, it is a residential area. I will send my men to inspect the entire locality and if residents are getting troubled by the increased incidents of smoking and pollution, we will take punitive action.

The road in the nearby alley is in a dilapidated condition. What is BBMP doing in this regard?
We know about the bad roads in the area and by the year end, they will be repaired. The developmental works have already been undertaken by us and by next month we will start the work.