Bengaluru: Notwithstanding a massive outlay on infrastructure works and focus on various issues that affect people daily, the BBMP budget has received a mixed reaction from representatives of residents. TOI spoke with associations from each of the eight zones. While some gave it a thumbs up, others expressed apprehension over the lack of proper planning and fund allocation in some sectors.
“The city has experienced the impact of climate change for several years. Unfortunately, those in power continue to turn a blind eye. Green cover has declined from 32% to around 20%. However, this budget fails to address this critical issue. The maintenance of newly planted saplings is virtually non-existent, which has little impact on green cover promotion. There are numerous instances of trees falling due to choking of their bases, an issue that remains unaddressed,” said BNS Ratnakar of HSR Citizen Forum.
“The BBMP 2025-26 budget appears overly optimistic, relying on unrealistic revenue projections such as Premium FAR, advertising, and OTS. There is no focus on improving revenue through proper law enforcement and penalties. For the third consecutive year, BBMP continues to promote eight unimplemented city programmes, while the city’s failing infrastructure urgently needs attention. The proposed mega projects, funded by loans and state guarantees, risk draining public resources and quality of life for years if not halted. BBMP has admitted its inability to manage these projects, with no mention of decentralisation, ward-level allocations, or necessary devolution. Once again, it seems like a futile effort as we await the outcome of GBA (Greater Bengaluru Governance Act,” said R Rajagopalan, founder & convener, Bengaluru Coalition.
Venkatesha H, secretary of AECS Layout Welfare Association, Bommanahalli, said: The budget sees a 50% increase from last year, with a large portion allocated for development, but it lacks clear development plans. Additionally, the budget for lakes and parks lacks proper planning and allocation.”
Shiva Prasad, of Kendriya Vihar Apartments Owners Association, Yelahanka, opined: “Roadside cleaning isn’t happening, and lack of elections has led to poor administration, resulting in a shortage of essential city amenities such as public washrooms and drinking water facilities, which are crucial in the summer. A budget alone won’t solve these issues without proper administration and elected representatives to oversee fund allocation. The current budget fails to address the construction of washrooms and other basic infrastructure.”
“The proposal to prioritise pedestrians with a 1,000-km footpath and increase the stilt height of new buildings to 4.5m is a positive step, discouraging on-road parking. However, the budget’s target for reusing treated wastewater (TUW) for parks is disappointing, with only 125 storage tanks planned. BBMP currently maintains 1,280 parks and plans 14 new ones under the ‘Brand Bengaluru-Green Bengaluru’ initiative. It’s a positive move to transfer the maintenance of borewells and RO plants to BWSSB for improved water security. However, the proposed solid waste management fee, added to property tax from 2025-26, will burden residents. The alignment of building bylaws with Karnataka Energy Conservation Code (2018) aims to improve efficiency,” said Satish Mallya, vice-president of Bangalore Apartments Federation.
“There have been no elections for a long time, and ward committee meetings aren’t functioning properly. Funds should be allocated directly to wards for residents to address local issues. Basic infrastructure like roads and lakes remains in poor condition, with funds either misused or unused. The real question is not the budget announcement, but whether the funds are being spent correctly,” said Pavithra Holla, an active member of Namma Mahadevpura.
Raghu Rajagopal, president of Koramangala fourth block RWA, said: “Bengaluru has lacked a master plan for 10 years, yet continues to grow without clear limits. Despite this, tunnel roads are being planned without a master plan in place. The budget mentions 243 wards, though BBMP previously had 198 — has ward delimitation been approved? Similarly, the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill proposes 400 wards and five corporations, but this seems at least a year away. The Climate Action Cell, despite strong leadership, lacks dedicated funding and is ineffective.”
Swarna, of I Change Indiranagar, said: “While thousands of rupees have been allocated for new roads and flyovers, only Rs 667 crore is set aside for improving footpaths, safety infrastructure, and law enforcement in Bengaluru — a minimal amount for a busy city. The budget also lacks provisions for rainwater harvesting infrastructure, despite growing water scarcity. It is unfortunate that the govt doesn’t prioritise sustainable water use. We await the implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan this year.”