Over a hundred residents, including senior citizens and school and college students, gathered at 12th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, on Saturday evening to protest against the rampant commercialisation of the neighbourhood. Eight residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) in the neighbourhood joined the protest led by the 12th Main HAL 2nd Stage Civic Amenities and Cultural Association. The residents bemoaned how their once-peaceful neighbourhood has become one of the noisiest in the city.
“Residents of Indiranagar have been protesting against the rampant commercialisation of the neighbourhood for a long time,” said Vinoo Thimmaya, who has been living here for 35 years. “If the guidelines allow restaurants on 100 Ft Road, officials should at least ensure that other matters are done right — that restaurants comply with sound limits, ensure parking for customers, and that garbage is managed,” he added. Another resident said he and his neighbours had been suffering for long with restaurants staying open sometimes till even 4 a.m. Customers block our gates to park their vehicles, sometimes the party goes on even after the pubs are closed, he said. “Officials look the other way when these restaurants and pubs flout all laws. If we complain about noise, the police do not turn up. Sewage lines are getting blocked. Crime rates are increasing. We will explore every option in our arsenal if officials do not pay heed to us,” he added.
