The government intent on widening more roads in the city could have a fight on its hands as several citizens’ groups and resident welfare associations have come together to form a united front against the project. Tuesday saw the launch of the Bengaluru Transportation Projects Impacted Communities (BATPIC) which made it clear that it will not accept unscientific road widening without protest.
Accusing the BBMP of flouting norms in the Transfer of Development Rights offered to people forced to give up properties for road widening, BATPIC said it is planning to come out with progressive solutions to the city's infrastructure troubles. “Not just the BBMP, but the BDA, Directorate of Urban Land Transport and the Urban Development Department of the state government, which are required to offer progressive and inclusive solutions that work for all, are also peddling projects that are disastrous,” said members of the network, drawn from the Bengaluru South Residents Welfare Association, Citizens Support Group, Janpahal, Citizens Action Forum, Save Trees, Save Malleswaram, We Care for Malleswaram, Alternative Law Forum, Hasiru Usiru and Environment Support Group.
“Mega projects are announced and decisions taken without consulting citizens. Projects are conceived without intimating citizens who stand to lose their properties in the process. The practice continues though the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, the BDA Act, the Constitutional 74th Amendment (Nagarpalika) Act, the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, the Karnataka Parks and Open Spaces Act, and several more, mandate that agencies must consult people in decisions that affect their lives, livelihoods and their futures,” deplored Mr Leo Saldhana of the Environment Support Group.
BATPIC members alleged that communities affected by road widening had been denied their fundamental right to compensation by the BBMP and government. “The TDR scheme is unpopular as even those who accepted it way back in 2006 have not yet received the certificates. The government is imposing the scheme on citizens while executing its road widening projects, in scant regard for court orders,” Mr. Saldhana charged.
The BATPIC said it would only support road improvement and urban transportation projects that fully secured the rights of the communities, minimised their displacement and destruction of greenery. It would like the government to encourage walking, cycling and economically viable and appropriate public transport modes "to ensure that mobility for all is cost effective and climate friendly.”