Horamavu Residents Urge Civic Action Over Damaged Road and Encroachment

Residents of 1st Cross, Water Tank Road, near the Thimmarayaswamy Temple and Gandhi statue in Horamavu, Ward 25, have urged the Greater Bengaluru Authority to clear an alleged road encroachment, remove piled construction materials, and restore a long-neglected damaged road.

According to local residents, the temporary dumping and storage of stones and mud along the road for foundation work has severely narrowed the carriageway. The obstruction has created difficulties for vehicles navigating turns and poses safety hazards for pedestrians, children, and women.

While a BESCOM electricity pole was previously removed from the site following complaints, the road continues to remain blocked and uneven. Residents reported that the debris has also triggered severe public health problems, as rats have begun nesting within the piles of stones and mud. Many rodents are run over by vehicles at night, leaving unattended carcasses that cause foul odours, attract flies, and raise concerns regarding disease outbreaks.

The stretch has suffered further structural damage from repeated civic digging. Workers excavated portions of the cement road to lay a Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) water line, while subsequent drainage work damaged the adjoining mud road. Agencies failed to repair or restore the dug-up surface despite repeated complaints from locals, even as neighbouring roads were repaired.

The road serves as a crucial daily route for around 30 households and residents of an adjoining 345-flat apartment complex, whose rear gate opens directly onto the stretch. This setup generates frequent two-wheeler traffic, adding further pressure on the narrow lane.

Residents also alleged that individuals controlling the entrance have demanded money from motorists under the claim that the civic body developed the road, prompting residents to question the legality of such collections. According to locals, the road was originally about 20 feet wide before property adjustments.

Having lodged complaints with both the police and local civic authorities, residents have urged the GBA, ward officials, and utility agencies to inspect the site, verify official ownership and access records, remove the physical obstructions, fix the road surface, and provide a written timeline for cleanup and repairs.