Towards better footpaths in Bangalore

Ashwin Mahesh, the brain behind the Big 10 buses, speaking to students during TEDx at the BNM Institute of Technology in Banashankari, said, “It is possible to build world-class footpaths in Bangalore. But what is needed is dedication and participation from not just the government but each individual.”

Sharing examples of how he went about starting the cycle-sharing programme at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus, creating exclusive cycle lanes in Jayanagar and re-building a footpath into a walkable strip with the BBMP’s money, Mahesh coaxed the youngsters—many of whom will graduate this year—to actively participate in re-shaping and renovating their city. “The footpaths at Vittal Mallya Road are truly walkable. This happened after the local business community came to the BBMP and said let’s build it. If one stretch of road and footpath in the city can be safe and stone-free, so can the other patches of stone that go under the guise of footpaths,” said Mahesh.

The civic expert went on to describe the ‘Wake the Lake’ initiative, which he is spearheading to review 183 lakes in the city.“

We got the local community involved in maintaining the Puttenahalli lake. It is possible to be a citizen and still propose ideas and solutions. People should be producers of the outcomes they actually want to have,” said Mahesh.

For the students, listening to Mahesh provided the much needed inspiration to get involved in urban planning in their own little ways.

“After the garbage and water issue, several people and societies are involved in composting and rain water harvesting techniques. We have to slowly participate in infrastructure upgradation also,” said a student.

@DNA