Quo vadis Bangaluru.
I came to Bangalore in the spring of 2003. The reason was a long due job switch.
So here was I in a new city with lot of apprehension and optimism. Before I landed in Bangalore I have this image of the city based on what you read in the newspapers and see in television. Therefore the initial reaction was that of disappointment. After having worked in Delhi and Kolkata, Bangalore felt like a wannabe metro. The city can be compared to a teenager trying to act like a grown adult but not able to control her angst. Narrow roads yearning to be wider. Bullock carts wandering in MG Road. Open drains trying to cover their nakedness under stone slabs.
However since then I have got used to this city. The weather is fabulous. People are courteous and accommodating. Roads are shaded with evergreen trees. The work I am doing here is getting appreciated. What else does a man wants from his environment. Swalpa adjust madi is all it needs to be in sync with this city. In fact I am seriously house hunting and plan to settle in Bangalore.
As always when you get attached to something you start feeling bad when that thing do not live upto your expectations.
The issue here is the way Bangalore is treated by the political parties ruling Karnataka. The worst happened when the election result was determined by the uran rural divide. As always after election the politicians are all busy consolidating their position and bank balance instead of any constructive action to elevate this city. There just does not seem to be a political will to solve problems. The only sound bytes you hear is that there is a problem. So what the hell are we doing to get over them.
For the last two and half years I see a simple flyover being constructed in perpetual slow motion. I just hope it get completed before I die. The city is huffing and puffing in the waist. But the way it is trying to stretch it limbs now might be injurious to its health. Every modern city worth its salt plan its growth. Bangalore is still planning to get a Master plan in place. The way it is going power cuts, traffic snarls and water logging will only become more frequent. I am really worried the way it is going now. Hope the men who matters realise that their inaction now will be disastrous for the future.
Kumbhakarna still woke and fought bravely. If nobody wakes up Bangalore fast there would not be a war to fought.