This Bengaluru Citizen ‘Adopted’ a Street To Transform It & You Can Do It Too!

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in collaboration with citizen collective—The Ugly Indian (TUI), is urging residents and corporates to take charge and clean up their own neighborhoods through a novel initiative called ‘Adopt a Street’. Launched earlier this month, the initiative has seen more than 40 applicants.

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Under this initiative, the first activity will be a ‘Basic Clean-Up’, which will be conducted immediately, following which, the cleaning will be done at regular intervals in consultation with the BBMP.

Chirag Arora, is one among the residents of S T Bed Layout in Koramangala, Bengaluru, who participated in the initiative with gusto, “This announcement to adopt-a-street was made on all social media platforms and popular dailies. We started with 8th cross in S T Bed Layout.”

Chirag and group started the cleanup drive under the guidance of BBMP and TUI, in early September this year. The volunteers intend to cover a large area within S T Bed layout, and are planning to make the entire street poster-free, especially the poles and trees. They paint the lower part of the tree red, which, according to them, restrains people from sticking posters on the trees.

“In all these streets, there are what we call dark spots, usually a vacant plot, where residents start dumping their garbage,” says Chirag.

Sharing Chirag’s enthusiasm for the initiative are Vikram Ponappa and Geeta Nadkarni along with other residents of ST Bed Layout who have also ensured that each vendor in the area has been apprised about the importance of keeping the street clean. They have also been asked to refrain from using single-use-plastic items. “It has been fruitful and we are seeing great traction. As a vision, BBMP and TUI want to ensure that this becomes an intrinsic part of a residents lifestyle. Having made it so beautiful no resident would like to let it go back to the state it was in,” says Chirag.

We have started with first cleaning it out and then decide on how to improve the aesthetics of that space.” They have also used artwork, installations, and even planted trees to ensure that no one dumps garbage there.

For all those arm-chair critics, here is a chance to make a real difference. Adopt a street and set an example worthy of following.

How can you apply?

• Individuals, companies, and resident associations can apply under this initiative.
• Fill in the form available here.
• The form has details such as the ward details and the name of the street among others.

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Scope of Activities

Cleanliness
A. Street Cleaning:
Augmenting BBMP Solid Waste Management Street cleaning efforts by:
a) Conducting clean-up drives on a regular basis (at least once a month)
b) Removing or reporting illegal flexes, banners, posters and cables
c) Eliminating & Transforming Garbage Vulnerable Points
d) Supporting an additional daily shift of street-cleaning through own staff

B. Street Greening:
Augmenting BBMP Forest Dept efforts by:
a) Protecting and maintaining all trees and plants on the footpath and median
b) Planting new trees and shrubs as per approval
c) Reporting dead trees and branches that need trimming

C. Street Walkability:
Augmenting BBMP Engineering & Electrical Dept efforts by:
a) Identifying and executing minor repairs to damaged footpaths
b) Assistance in removing minor obstructions from the footpath
c) Repairs to prevent water-logging and facilitate water flow into SWD
d) Reporting non-functional street lights and supporting their repairs

D. Street Facilities (optional):

Supporting the addition of street furniture and facilities like waste bins, benches with specific prior approval of the departments concerned.

“This is a people’s movement and the support that the residents have shown is tremendous. While you are speaking to me, I must reiterate that each resident in S T Bed layout has contributed meaningfully to this change,” concludes Chirag.

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(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

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