BENGALURU: Residents of Raghavendra Layout, near Gubbalala Lake in Uttarahalli, south Bengaluru, are up in arms over the rise of what they say are unauthorised factories and workshops in their locality.
Operating out of a designated residential area, these industrial units have caused severe air and sound pollution, groundwater contamination and traffic congestion, they said, adding that despite repeated complaints, BBMP has failed to act.
Multiple factories, including plywood units, automobile workshops, mattress warehouses, spray-painting workshops and carpentry shops have sprung up in the layout over the past few years. Residents claim these businesses are not only illegal but also hazardous to public health. “The spray-painting workshops release fine paint particles into the air, making it difficult for us to breathe. My son is experiencing persistent coughing, and doctors say it could be due to air pollution,” said Ravindra R, a resident of Gubbalala. Another resident, Uma S, highlighted the unbearable noise caused by heavy machinery. “From early morning till late at night, we hear the constant whirring of machines. The pollution and noise are making life miserable. Why is BBMP turning a blind eye to this?” she asked.
Apart from air pollution, residents are also worried about the discharge of chemicals such as grease, paint and oil into the drainage system, which could impact groundwater. “These factories are dumping chemicals into drains. We fear this will contaminate our borewell water. The govt spent crores of rupees for rejuvenating Gubbalala Lake, but all this pollution is putting it at risk again,” said Rajeshwari K, who takes a walk there daily.
The increased industrial activity has also worsened traffic congestion on the already narrow Gubbalala Main Road, creating daily commuting nightmares for locals.
Residents alleged the lack of enforcement is suspicious. “When we approached BBMP, they assured us they would look into it, but nothing has changed. Are they waiting for a major health crisis before acting?” said another resident, who requested to remain anonymous.
With frustration mounting, citizens are now planning to escalate their concerns to the higher authorities and, if necessary, pursue legal action to protect their neighbourhood.
However, BBMP officials said they were unaware of the matter but would immediately act now. “Once, about two months ago, residents complained and we issued notices to over 27 industries, workshops and small factories. But now again there is a problem, so we’ll address it, and in case they don’t abide, we’ll take stringent action,” said a senior official.
