BENGALURU: Bengaluru, often hailed as the Silicon City and Garden City, is currently struggling due to a severe lack of basic infrastructure. No BBMP elections have been held since 2015, and for nearly four and a half years, the city has been under the sole administration of officials without any elected representatives. Here is a detailed look at how this 'democratic vacuum' has stunted the city's growth.

1. Lack of Accountability

When there is a corporator or a ward-level representative, citizens can directly question them regarding local roads, drainage, or garbage issues. Currently, the administration is entirely in the hands of officials. There are widespread complaints that officials are often unresponsive to the calls of common citizens. As a result, even minor issues remain unresolved for months.

2. Deteriorating Roads and Pothole Menace

The quality of Bengaluru's roads has declined sharply over the past decade. Funds earmarked for road repairs at the ward level are not being utilized effectively. In the absence of oversight by representatives, contractors often carry out substandard work without being held accountable. This lack of proper supervision is the primary reason Bengaluru’s roads turn into virtual lakes during the monsoon.

3. Setbacks in Waste Disposal and Sanitation

Waste management remains one of Bengaluru's biggest challenges. Ward Committees are not functioning effectively. Without corporators to monitor garbage truck movement and overall cleanliness in each ward, piles of trash have become a common sight in various corners of the city.

4. Allegations of Mismanagement of Funds and Corruption

Despite thousands of crores of rupees being released for the city's development, there are allegations of discrimination in fund allocation. It is observed that constituencies held by MLAs of the ruling party receive more grants, while other wards face neglect. Without elected representatives, public control over the expenditure of these funds has diminished.

5. Encroachment of Lakes and Flooding

Efforts to protect the city's lakes and desilt the Rajakaluves (stormwater drains) appear to be happening only on paper. In the absence of corporators who understand local issues, illegal encroachments are continuing unchecked. The Bengaluru floods of 2022 were a direct reflection of this systemic failure.

6. Halt of Ward-Level Planning

Ward meetings play a crucial role in city development, where projects are designed based on the actual needs of the people. However, since no elections have been held, these meetings have come to a standstill. Consequently, projects are being implemented based on the interests of officials rather than the fundamental needs of the citizens.

While Bengaluru strives to remain a global city, it has become weakened at the local level. Administration by officials alone cannot capture the pulse of the city. As per the Supreme Court’s directive, development in Bengaluru can only gain new momentum if elections are held by June 30 and representatives take charge.