Maharani Cluster University Demands Removal of Makeshift Slum near Freedom Park

Students, faculty of Maharani Cluster University, and local civic groups have urged municipal authorities to intervene after an unauthorised makeshift slum came up on vacant land between the university compound and Freedom Park in Bengaluru.

The settlement houses workers engaged by contractors for ongoing roadworks. Students and staff reported that the site has turned into a health hazard and disrupted daily campus life due to foul odours, open urination, a lack of basic amenities, and frequent garbage burning.

VHD Home Sciences College Principal Wajeeha Sultana said residents of the settlement often set waste on fire, forcing college staff to step in and douse the flames because the smoke was unbearable. She noted that the vacant space is also being used as an open urinal by people visiting Freedom Park for demonstrations, and urged authorities to enforce cleanliness, provide basic amenities, or relocate the settlement.

Prof KV Narayana Swamy, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Maharani Cluster University, said he would write to the Bengaluru Central City Corporation (BCCC) regarding the unhygienic conditions around the college premises.

Gandasi Sadanandawamy, president of the Save Freedom Park Committee, called on the local MLA to relocate the workers to a suitable site. He stated that the lack of facilities forces women to bathe in open spaces, while the presence of drug addicts in the vicinity poses additional safety risks to both residents and pedestrians.