Bengaluru: The Supreme Court’s directive on completing civic polls in the city by June 30 has come as a welcome relief for resident welfare groups. Reason: Bengalureans hope the political and bureaucratic machinery will move at breakneck speed to fix potholes, make pavements more pedestrian-friendly, sort out garbage issues, and ensure streets are illuminated now.“We’re sure the city will get a much-needed facelift in the run-up to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) polls as political functionaries and corporator aspirants will walk the streets again to campaign,” chorused representatives of different RWAs. Greater accountability, long-term urban planning, and meaningful local representation are at the top of citizens’ demands. TOI spoke with a cross-section of city enthusiasts and here’s what they had to say:Naresh Sadasivan, a member of Bruhat Muthanallur Residents’ Forum, said: “This is a much-needed breather for citizens.
GBA must be prepared to build a Bengaluru that is ready for the next 20 years. Handling climate-related challenges is the need of the hour, yet the city is witnessing drastic changes while continuing to ignore them. We need integrated public infrastructure to reduce mobility needs and traffic congestion, with essential services available in one place.
GBA must invest seriously in urban planning and infrastructure. Councillors should understand citizen needs such as last-mile connectivity, bus shelters, footpaths, and toilets.”Swarna Venkatraman, core member, I Change Indiranagar, said: “We’re very happy that elections are finally being held, and there’ll now be ward-level representatives to raise local issues. Ward committee meetings will finally come into the spotlight. However, our biggest expectation is that these committees function meaningfully and not turn into mere grievance forums where citizens speak, but the govt remains silent.
Local functionaries must be made accountable at these meetings.”Sasikala Polishetty, president, Shantinagar RWA, said: “It is a relief that elections are finally being held. One of the key focus areas must be waste segregation and structured governance. Despite having elected govts earlier, there was a clear lack of responsibility and ownership over development, and that must change. Road and infrastructure works need to move faster, and governance must be better controlled.
“Parvathi Sriram, former president, Koramangala 4th Block, said: “This election, we want to see new faces. Those who already served 2-3 terms should step aside and allow others to run the ward — this will bring greater accountability. Councillors must focus more on environmental issues and ensure lapses of previous govts are not repeated. Councillors should be treated like employees of a private organisation, with fair salaries, so they are motivated to work sincerely for the system.
“Vasantha Chandra, member, Malleswaram RWA, chimed in: “The electoral rolls must be updated and GBA polls should be conducted transparently. Voter turnout also needs to improve. There should be a stronger local connect, with candidates understanding ward-specific needs such as sub-arterial roads and improvements to footpaths and internal roads.”Poornima Shetty, president, United RWAs of Konena Agrahara, said: “Ward committees must comprise capable, responsible members who genuinely represent residents, govern effectively, and are held accountable for their decisions. Ward budgets should be discussed with citizen representatives before being finalised. Engineers must be made accountable for quality, transparency, and execution of all development works.
“
