The neglected ESI hospital on Haines Road near Bangalore Cantonment Metro Station has become a hotspot for crime and unsanitary conditions, sparking community outrage. Despite repeated pleas to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the structure continues to deteriorate, posing significant risks to public safety and health.
Local residents, including Mohammed Fuaad, report increased criminal activity around the site, particularly at night when the area is poorly lit and unmonitored. Drug sales and thefts are common, creating a climate of fear among nearby students, youths, and commuters. In addition to crime, the hospital’s surrounding area has turned into a dumping ground, with waste and debris accumulating, further exacerbating health and hygiene concerns.
Environmental issues are also prevalent, with public urination and foul odors becoming daily nuisances, affecting nearby businesses and the Shams Convention Centre. This unsanitary environment, especially near the school, poses a risk to public health.
Residents and local business owners are calling for urgent action. Proposals include barricading the building to restrict access, installing CCTV for monitoring, and landscaping the area to deter illegal dumping. They also urge authorities to address the property’s future—whether to repurpose or demolish it—and to work with local MLAs Rizwan Arshad and AC Srinivas for a resolution.
The situation underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning to ensure public safety and a cleaner, healthier environment. Addressing the issue of abandoned properties like the ESI hospital is crucial to preventing further urban decay in Bengaluru.
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