‘Brand Bengaluru’ has recently taken a reputational hit due to repeated road rage incidents, language-based conflicts, waterlogging caused by heavy rains, relentless traffic woes, and the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11. The city, often in the media spotlight, represents a vibrant democracy with constant debate and dissent — but this buzz sometimes veers toward negativity.
One major issue is uncontrolled urban sprawl. Bengaluru’s population, currently estimated at 1.6 million daily (including commuters), heavily strains its outdated infrastructure. With nearly one vehicle per adult, traffic is unbearable, worsened by poor planning, rampant on-road parking, and roads that haven’t expanded in decades.
The last well-designed layout, Jayanagar, dates back to 1948. Since then, expansion has been vertical and unregulated — driven more by greed than planning. As a result, basic amenities like water supply are lacking in newer areas. Come summer, the city relies on water tankers; come monsoon, it floods. Daily garbage output touches 6,300 metric tonnes, exposing the limits of civic infrastructure.
Beyond criticism lies a call for action. The city’s problems can’t be outsourced to government bodies alone. Citizens must actively participate in shaping solutions. Bengaluru houses some of India’s brightest minds — they must be empowered and included. Governance must be people-first, not profit-first.
In essence, Bengaluru is a “rented city” — used but rarely nurtured. To heal its cracks, we must move from loving in words to belonging through actions.
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