Bengaluru: Nearly two months after the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), citizens and environmental activists have raised concerns over the lack of clarity on whom to approach for civic grievances, especially related to lakes and environmental issues.
Following the administrative restructuring under GBA, several departments that were previously managed centrally under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have been divided among five new corporations. However, the absence of appointed engineers and clear lines of responsibility has left citizens frustrated and confused.
Lake activists seek accountability
Several lake conservation activists have voiced concerns about the difficulty in identifying officials responsible for maintenance and grievance redressal.
Balaji Ragotham, an activist who has long been involved in the revival of lakes in the KR Pura area, shared his recent experience:
“Recently, we encountered a lake filled with sewage after being revived by the then BBMP. I wanted to check with the engineer responsible and get it cleaned, but I don’t know whom to call. The engineer I was in touch with says he is no longer in that role,” he said.
Ragotham’s concern is echoed by many other volunteers who had established working relationships with zonal engineers under the previous BBMP system. With the restructuring still incomplete, activists say there is no official communication channel to raise complaints or coordinate maintenance work.
Confusion after GBA restructuring
Before the GBA’s formation, BBMP managed civic departments such as lakes, horticulture, and stormwater drains through a centralised engineering structure, with specific engineers assigned to each zone. Citizens could easily identify the concerned official and report issues.
However, with GBA dividing the city into five corporations, each under a separate commissioner, the departments have been fragmented and engineers have not yet been reassigned.
A GBA official, speaking to The Times of India, confirmed that the reshuffling of engineers has left several departments in limbo.
“In departments like lakes, horticulture, stormwater drains, and OFC management, the restructuring hasn’t been completed yet. We’re waiting for senior officials to finalise new assignments,” the official said, adding that updates are expected once the state caste survey concludes.
Lakes suffer from neglect
In the absence of clear oversight, several lakes across the city are reportedly suffering from neglect and poor maintenance.
At Vengaiah Lake, which was renovated recently at a cost of ₹4 crore, residents have reported sewage inflow that has reversed months of rejuvenation efforts. “People have been trying to clean it manually, but no one knows how sewage entered the lake,” said a local resident who frequents the area.
The lack of technical supervision has made it difficult for citizens to file complaints or ensure accountability. “The CE (Chief Engineer) for lakes no longer exists, and staff are being deputed for surveys. I went for permission to organise a children’s visit to the lake, but no one could confirm who’s in charge,” said Raghavendra B. Pachhapur, another lake volunteer.
Citizens demand clarity and transparency
Environmental groups and citizen collectives are now urging the GBA to expedite the appointment of engineers and restore a clear chain of command for public grievance handling. Many have suggested setting up a centralised helpline or digital grievance platform until the reorganisation is complete.
“Lakes are community assets, and delays in administrative clarity can undo years of conservation work,” said a senior volunteer from a city-based environmental forum.
Officials have assured that new engineering assignments will be finalised soon and that the transition will ultimately help improve accountability through decentralised governance once fully operational.