Bengaluru: Indiranagar residents took to streets for the second time against illegal commercialization. On Saturday night they formed a human chain and a silent protest on the pavement from 6th Main to KFC Junction of the area.
"What we have to say is on the placards we hold. This protest is to show the disconnect between Governance and Resident Welfare," said Hariharan, a resident of Indiranagar.
The RWAs alleged that there are over 60 places to get a drink in Indiranagar. The area is witnessing an increase in crime rate, traffic gridlocks, late night drunken revelry. They claimed even access to their own homes were getting blocked by valet parking by various commercial establishments.
Their primary concern is the mushrooming of illegal pubs and eateries in the area. They also alleged that offices and commercial establishments have come up in various streets, violating zonal regulations and High Court order.
"A rooftop restaurant opens and then another one follows. This is a pattern and has become stressful for residents. BBMP offices close at 3:30 or 5 pm. The pubs start their nuisance at 6:30 pm carrying on till 1:30 am," said Hariharan.
The residents complained that party continues on the streets till 3 am, with screaming and howling by inebriated customers. Next day, the streets are strewn with broken bottles.
In addition the area has to contend with the problem of illegal garbage dumping by commercial joints like eateries. Residents complain these dumps attract rodents. Local breweries and kebab joints release their liquid waste into storm water drains, which leads to clogging, they added.
The citizens lamented that though they have approached the BBMP many times little has been done. Hence they are now resorting to protests.
