Corner the BBMP to act!

OPINION

By ZAHID H JAVALI

For the last two years, Indiranagar residents are protesting rampant commercialisation. Last month, eight resident welfare associations did something more drastic when nothing seemed to work. More than 60 people cornered the BBMP Joint Commissioner and asked him to come on an inspection to their area.

There are 25 rooftop restaurants and bars that are creating noise and parking issues in their neighbourhood. Thanks to netas and even one high ranking cop being part of the bar managements. But when residents demand, the authorities have to deliver. On the day of inspection, two rooftop bars were shut and the BBMP official promised to shut them all down within a fortnight.

The best part? The residents asked their MLA to keep quiet and not interfere with the proceedings. They are not sure if he did keep quiet, but they got their job done with the least obstruction. However, the traders association threatened one RWA chief, but she didn’t budge and the cops provided her protection. The residents have also filed public nuisance cases in the lower courts to take the establishments to the cleaners.

Something like that is the need of the hour in HSR Layout. There are eateries operating from basements which is in violation of the High Court order. There are offices and schools in residential areas. There are bars and clubs playing loud music at night. It’s time the residents cornered the corporator, MLA and the BBMP Joint Commissioner to deliver justice. It’s about time.

Wish you a rocking 2018!