Letter to Chief Minister of Karnataka

October 30, 2013

Dear Shri Siddaramaiah 

Subject: Involve residents if you are to keep your promise of good governance 

I have received representations from various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) expressing concerns over the proposed Integrated Underpass from Forum Junction to Sarjapur Road Junction on Hosur Road. They have brought to my attention a potentially serious deficiency with the design of this project, and most importantly its failure to address concerns of the local residents and businesses. Residents have pointed out that the proposed underpass project disrupts the neighbourhoods because it is riddled with inadequacies, which include lack of planning and accessibility issues for traffic bound to Koramangala, loss of space affecting local movement of traffic and lack of adequate space at or near the entrance of major commercial zones. The design neither facilitates pedestrian crossings nor has bus-stops. 

I wish to draw your attention to the Kaushik Mukherjee report in the aftermath of the issue of the construction of the underpass on Sarjapur Road, which asserted the importance of public consultations of all stakeholders in the run up to any development project. The Committee had stated that any integrated underpass solution at Forum Mall must be linked to the immediate deepening of the Madiwala underpass and the widening of slip roads. The current proposal does not take into account these recommendations by the Committee, which was mandated by the state High Court and was accepted by the government. 

RWAs and residents are frustrated that they have been excluded from decisions concerning their neighbourhoods and the development of areas in their vicinity. As a government that has made a promise of Better Governance, citizen involvement in key decisions that affect growth and expansion of their neighbourhood are of utmost importance. You will agree that this model of development - where local residents are neither consulted nor their views taken - is inconsistent and incompatible with the objectives of a Government that has been elected on a promise of better governance. I caution you that instead of increasing confidence and faith in government, such projects will raise questions about vested interests and motivations and indeed cause residents to approach judiciary to intervene. 

As I have repeatedly stressed, Any solution to Bangalore's myriad problems must necessarily follow a comprehensive Planned approach and also take into account the aspirations of their residents about changes and developments that impact  neighbourhoods, including in the case of this proposed underpass project. 

I urge you to direct the BBMP to stop processing the tender for the project and to engage with RWAs and other stakeholders to finalize the plan. Only this will increase people's confidence and support for the various development projects of your government. 

Look forward to your intervention and action on this matter. 

Yours sincerely,
RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

 Shri Siddaramiah
Chief Minister
Government of Karnataka
Bangalore