From poorly planned infrastructure projects to fighting against over-commercialisation of residential areas, this urban crusader has been fighting for the cause of citizens’ rights.
It was around four years ago that Nitin Sheshadri, a resident of Koramangala, got involved in civic movements. When the Bangalore Development Authority proposed to construct a series of underpasses on Sarjapur Road, residents of nearby areas came together to oppose the project.
“It was illogical and just poor planning. I was forced to join a movement with the other residents to protest against the proposed underpasses. Our demand was for better projects that took citizens’ opinions into account,” he recalled and said that the government finally set up an expert committee, which found that the suggestions made by the citizens’ group made sense.
“The alternatives that we suggested were approved and tenders for a few of them are likely to be called soon,” he said.
Mr. Sheshadri was also involved in the fight against over-commercialisation of residential areas. Stating that he “entered the fight quite late”, he said that the High Court of Karnataka made a series of interim rulings in a petition filed by residents of various areas. “After the Siddaramaiah government came to power, we met city in-charge Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy, who facilitated a meeting with the town planning officials of BDA. Ninety per cent of our suggestions were considered by the authority and gazetted as well,” he said.
The other major issue that he is now involved with is the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) coming up over 80 acres between Belandur and Agara lakes. The case is now being heard by the National Green Tribunal.
“We are also working with civic authorities on bringing in road and traffic solutions in and around Koramangala, besides protecting public land in the area from land sharks. We have also proposed installation of CCTV cameras for complete perimeter coverage in Koramangala 3 Block.” Currently, there are four cameras and 15 are proposed to be installed.
Projects he is working on Legal case against SEZ coming up in Belandur wetlands
Pushing government agencies to act against commercialisation of residential areas
CCTV surveillance in Koramangala 3 Block
Suggestions for government Invest in infrastructure
Take inputs from citizens before executing projects
Bring in a mechanism to ensure projects implemented within time frame
Suggestions for citizens 1. Don’t be apathetic to civic issues
2. Do your part to help the government.
3. Build more community associations.
Web chat Discuss over-commercialisation of residential areas and associated problems with Nitin Sheshadri during a webchat on Saturday at 5 pm. >here
