A growing coalition of concerned Bengaluru residents has launched a campaign against what they describe as “opaque, unplanned, and unsustainable infrastructure projects” being pushed by the Karnataka government without proper public consultation or environmental consideration.
The citizen-led initiative, which began in December 2024 through a partnership between Jhatkaa.org and CIVIC, aims to redirect taxpayer funds from controversial developments like the proposed sky-deck, tunnel road, and elevated corridors toward more pressing needs: making Bengaluru climate-resilient and improving public transport and civic amenities.
“These projects will drain the public exchequer for years to come,” explains campaign coordinator from Jhatkaa.org. “At a time when government authorities should be prioritizing climate resilience and public transportation, they’re instead committing massive resources to projects that lack transparency and sustainability.”
The campaign’s legal strategy focuses on enforcing the implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment of 1992, which mandates democratic urban governance, and establishing statutory bodies like the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA).
To fund this legal battle, organizers are raising INR 5,00,000 to cover litigation expenses, including lawyer fees and court costs. As of May 20, 2025, they’ve collected nearly INR 80,000—16% of their target.
“When people come together, change becomes inevitable,” says a campaign spokesperson, referencing how Bengaluru citizens previously saved the city’s last remaining grasslands from development. “We can save Bengaluru from unplanned development too, but we need support from concerned citizens.”
Jhatkaa.org offers various monthly membership tiers for supporters, ranging from INR 500 to INR 10,000, with benefits including campaign updates, exclusive event access, and sustainable merchandise. All donations are eligible for tax exemption under 80G.
“This isn’t just about stopping problematic projects,” the spokesperson adds. “It’s about ensuring that Bengaluru’s infrastructure development becomes planned, participatory, and purposeful for generations to come.”
Want to do your bit? Head over here to take responsibility for Bangalore’s future. Jhatkaa.org is a Bangalore-based NGO that harnesses digital technology to empower citizens to address pressing social challenges. Your contribution will directly fund their development of innovative tools and impactful campaigns, helping create a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive India for everyone.
