Residents Protest Reduction in Park Area in Bengaluru’s NPKL 4th Block

BENGALURU: Residents of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) in Bengaluru are up in arms over the reduction in reserved park and open spaces in the revised layout plan proposed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). According to the 2014 approved plan, 40 acres were earmarked as park area in the 4th Block. However, the revised plan has reduced this to 35 acres, causing significant concern among the residents.

The allottees argue that the original 2014 layout plan, which was in place when the sites were allotted, clearly designated around 40 acres of park and open space in the 4th Block. This area was deemed crucial for the health, welfare, and environmental needs of the residents. The reduction to 35 acres in the revised plan has been met with strong objections.

Residents have pointed out that the 4th Block already has one of the least usable open spaces in the layout due to the presence of drain alignments and high-tension power lines. These features make large portions of the area unsafe or unsuitable for residential use. They further noted that park and playground areas are being counted from non-ideal zones such as drain buffers, high-tension line buffers, areas around sewage treatment plants, and near a graveyard.

Manjunath BS, an allottee, alleged that the BDA is planning to reduce existing park space in the H Sector of the 4th Block for road widening, even after the initial five-acre reduction. This has raised suspicions that the changes could benefit real estate or vested interests. Manjunath also claimed that prime park land has been converted into civic amenity (CA) sites for commercial use, while park reservations have been shifted to less usable zones.

The allottees have submitted a formal request to the BDA, urging the restoration of park and open spaces in the 4th Block and other blocks in accordance with the approved 2014 layout plan. They have also brought the issue to the attention of the BDA commissioner, seeking a resolution that aligns with the original plans and meets the community's needs.

The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle between urban development and the preservation of green spaces in rapidly growing cities like Bengaluru. As the city continues to expand, the need for well-planned and accessible public spaces becomes increasingly important, not only for the physical and mental well-being of residents but also for the overall sustainability of the urban environment.

The residents of NPKL 4th Block are determined to protect the green spaces that are vital to their community. They hope that the BDA will reconsider the revised plan and restore the park areas to their original size, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the benefits of these essential communal spaces.