Citizens resolve to campaign against the introduction of new flyovers.
Story so far: Activists and mobility experts have expressed grave concerns regarding CM Basavaraj Bommai’s announcement of constructing 11 new flyovers in the city. The CM had emphasised the novelty of sanctioning 11 flyovers at once and said that overpass constructions would alleviate traffic congestion. Remembering the success of the Steel Flyover Beda campaign, a civic activist pledges to spearhead a ‘Flyover Yaake’ campaign too.
- Green and civic activists expressed shock at the CM’s decision to introduce more flyovers when the construction work of existing projects is embroiled in environmental concerns and efficiency debates.
- Members of civic groups threaten to hold massive protests if the said projects are greenlit for construction. They believe that citizens’ concerns should be addressed before implementing infrastructural projects.
Accumulated concerns: A majority of the apprehensive activists are part of civic groups that are currently up in arms against the BBMP regarding the Sankey Flyover Project. While the project is with BMLTA for further evaluation, Citizens for Sankey, a collective of residents from Malleswaram, Sadashivanagar and Vyalikaval, is determined to celebrate Valentine’s Day by hugging trees on Sankey Tank Road.
Why it matters? Residents argue that constructing flyovers is a redundant measure to ease traffic congestion. It has been historically proven ineffective, if not completely counterproductive. Flyover constructions adversely impact the environment too, and new projects must avoid depleting the area’s green cover.