Bengaluru: A citizens’ collective from East Bengaluru has appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to direct the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to suspend property tax collection from residents until civic agencies complete long-pending infrastructure works. The residents alleged that “unscientific and incomplete” road and drainage works have worsened flooding and road conditions in their neighbourhood.
Forum cites severe flooding, unfinished civic works
In a letter dated October 13, the Individual Tax Payers Forum, representing residents of the Varthur-Balagere-Panathur area, stated that the locality continues to face frequent flooding and road damage, especially during the recent heavy rains on October 10 and 11. The group blamed the situation on poorly planned and disconnected stormwater drainage systems that fail to channel rainwater into Varthur Lake and nearby water bodies.
The forum, which claims to represent income tax payers advocating for civic accountability, said that despite the Chief Minister’s visit to the flood-affected localities on September 27, civic authorities have “ignored planning and resorted to shortcuts.”
“Drainage first, roads later,” residents tell CM
The residents’ letter criticised municipal authorities for prioritising white-topping and pothole repairs before completing the essential stormwater drainage network.
“Instead of first completing the drainage network, which is the foundation for road stability, authorities have hastily started filling potholes and white-topping works in Varthur-Balagere-Panathur. Such half-measures will only lead to rapid deterioration of the new roads, wasting public funds and taxpayer contributions,” the letter stated.
It added that Panathur Main Road, which was recently repaired, already shows waterlogging and poor gradient alignment, demonstrating “the consequences of unscientific planning.”
Call for audit and accountability
The Forum urged Siddaramaiah to order a scientific audit of the ongoing drainage and road works and ensure that stormwater networks are properly completed and interconnected before any further road construction begins. It also sought accountability from municipal officials and contractors, demanding that recurring planning failures be prevented.
The residents further emphasised that safe and durable footpaths must be provided for pedestrians, calling it a basic civic right in a city that contributes significantly to India’s economy.
“Brand Bengaluru” under strain
Highlighting the deteriorating urban image, the letter said,
“Namma Bengaluru is globally recognised as India’s IT hub, and such civic negligence erodes the pride and credibility of Brand Bengaluru.”
The Forum lamented that the city’s historic reputation as the “Garden City” and “Silicon Valley of India” was being replaced by unflattering labels like “Pothole City” and “No Footpath City.”
“If the GBA continues to ignore taxpayers’ requests for basic public infrastructure, we request you to order the GBA not to collect property tax from us. Give us good public infrastructure and collect tax,” the letter concluded.
Broader debate over Bengaluru’s infrastructure
The latest citizen appeal comes amid renewed public discourse on Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure. Recently, Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw shared comments from an overseas executive criticising the city’s poor roads and garbage management, prompting Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to call for collective action rather than constant criticism.
State Ministers Priyank Kharge and M.B. Patil have also acknowledged the infrastructural shortcomings, saying that long-term solutions will require time and coordinated efforts between civic bodies, policymakers, and citizens.