GBA chief’s public meeting draws huge crowd; citizens welcome the initiative

Public meeting by GBA attracts citizens eager for change, addressing local issues and enhancing accountability in Bengaluru.

Greta D’Mello, a senior citizen suffering from pneumonia, has repeatedly complained to civic body officials about the pigeon menace caused by constant feeding near Johnson Market. At least ten residents in her apartment complex are senior citizens with health issues. However, central corporation officials had turned a deaf ear to her neighbourhood’s concerns.

Ms. D’Mello was among over 50 citizens who attended the public meeting held at the Bengaluru City Central Corporation head office on Thursday. “At least now, with the Chief Commissioner hearing our issues, some change may come with the initiation of action,” she told The Hindu.

Like her, several others raised concerns over issues including fallen leaves on pedestrian pathways, illegal dumping of waste, building violations, haphazard parking, and footpath encroachments.

In what officials described as a first-of-its-kind meeting, participation exceeded the corporation’s expectations. The entire 10th floor of the Utility Building was occupied by citizens waiting for their turn to meet the commissioner.

Vidya Ramachandran, a member of the RWA Social Amenities Association in east Bengaluru, said that while many street vendors occupy space, which is acceptable, the real problem lies with those who encroach upon substantial portions of footpaths, especially those who set up mini nurseries on walkways.

She said corporation officials are well aware of such micro-level issues but fail to act on them. “We don’t get solutions to issues like this at the junior officers’ level, so it is good to hold public meetings with top officials who can direct their officers to take action,” she said. “We should see if there will be any outcome; otherwise, all this will go in vain,” she added.