The Irony of Public Spaces Without Public Amenities
Doddabommasandra Lake is a beautiful and well-maintained
water body located in the Byatarayanapura constituency of Bangalore North. It
features a serene walking trail, a children's play area, an open-air gym, and a
tree park—making it a popular spot for hundreds of local residents who come
daily to walk, jog, relax, or spend time with their families.
But here's the catch—how do these people commute to the
lake?
Those living nearby may walk. But for others who travel by
two-wheeler or four-wheeler, there’s a glaring issue: there is no designated
parking space. The public is left with no choice but to park their vehicles
either along the roadside or directly in front of the gate.
To make matters worse, recent placards on the gates now
prohibit parking in front of the entrance. So, where should visitors park? The
only remaining options are either to encroach on the footpath or squeeze onto
already narrow roadside spaces. (Refer to photos below.)
Has this solved the problem? Not at all. In fact, it's created a new one.
When footpaths are occupied by vehicles, pedestrians are
forced to walk on the road—risking their lives. The already narrow road becomes
even more congested, increasing the likelihood of accidents, both for
pedestrians and motorists.
So, who takes responsibility for this chaos? Who will be
held accountable if a mishap occurs?
This raises a fundamental question: Why don’t
government-owned properties provide adequate parking for the public? Isn't
it the government's obligation to ensure essential infrastructure is in place
when creating public spaces? Is there no provision in our urban planning to
accommodate such basic needs?
According to BDA (Bangalore Development Authority) by-laws,
every residential building in Bangalore is mandated to provide parking.
Even houses built on a modest 30x40 ft plot must include parking. If a resident
violates these rules, the structure is deemed "Akrama (ಅಕ್ರಮ)"
(unauthorized).
Yet, when it comes to government-owned properties, these
rules seem conveniently forgotten. Doddabommasandra Lake spans over 120
acres, and yet not even a quarter-acre has been allocated for
parking. Isn't that unfair and ironic?
As the government sets its sights on a vision for Greater Bangalore, it's imperative that we address such fundamental issues. Urban development is not just about expansion—it's about thoughtful, inclusive, and responsible planning.