Residents of Indiranagar took to the streets on Saturday evening to protest against the redevelopment of BDA Complex in the area, which they say will come at the cost of 171 trees. They also demanded that the authorities take action against commercial establishments in the neighbourhood that are violating zonal regulations.
The protest by over 150 residents also saw the participation of P.C. Mohan, MP, Bengaluru (Central), Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Rajya Sabha member, and S. Raghu, MLA for C.V. Raman Nagar.
I Change Indiranagar and United Bengaluru, which led the protests, demanded public consultation over the redevelopment of Indiranagar BDA Complex. The complex, spread over 6.03 acres, will be redeveloped under the PPP model at an estimated cost of ₹657 crore.
The Bangalore Development Authority has already issued tenders for the project. While sources say that 171 trees, most of them as old as 70 years, will be felled, the BDA has not been forthcoming with information, even those sought under RTI.
The complex also lies within the 75-metre buffer zone of the adjoining Kadirena Palya Lake where any development is banned as per NGT order of May 2016, said protesters.
At the protest, several residents felt that the complex should be refurbished without damaging the trees. Mr. Raghu suggested that it be converted into a multi-level car parking facility, which he said will solve the parking problem in the area. However, not everyone agreed to this.
Sneha Nandihal, president, BM Kaval Residents’ Welfare Association, said the space should be converted into an ‘urban jungle’ to make up for the paucity of lung space in Indiranagar.
Battle continues
At the protest, residents expressed anger over the lack of action against commercial establishments violating zonal regulations, as some of the shops shut by BBMP recently had already re-opened.
Recently, Mr. Raghu had been caught in the crosshairs after being accused of intervening when the civic body closed 13 commercial establishments at HAL 2nd Stage and getting the shops reopened.
Ms. Nandihal said that a false narrative was being built, pitching residents against traders.
“The BDA Master Plan has zonal regulations. BBMP has to implement them and there are even High Court orders over the same. Why are residents being blamed for implementation of law?” she questioned. However, Mr. Raghu insisted on another inspection to identify violators.
Mr. Chandrasekhar said the illegal commercial activities in the area were at the expense of the residents. “These activities must be stopped immediately. Meanwhile, the BDA should provide clarity on the redevelopment of BDA Complex,” he said.
