The Individual Tax Payers Forum (ITPF) — a civic group representing income tax-paying residents — has raised a strong protest against the “unscientific and incomplete” road, white-topping, and stormwater drainage works being carried out in the Varthur–Balegere–Panathur region of Bengaluru. In a detailed representation addressed to Karnataka Chief Minister Sri Siddaramaiah, the Forum has demanded immediate corrective action and called for suspension of property tax collection by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) until the government provides basic public infrastructure.
The ITPF, which began its social activism campaign in September 2024 to promote taxpayer rights, submitted a letter on October 13, 2025, highlighting the severe civic distress faced by residents of East Bengaluru. The Forum said that despite the Chief Minister’s recent visit to the locality on September 27, 2025, the municipal authorities, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the GBA, have failed to implement his directions on flood mitigation and road planning.
Recurring Flooding, Poor Planning Blamed
The letter pointed out that the area witnessed one of the worst flooding incidents on October 10–11, 2025, attributed to the absence of a functional stormwater drainage network. According to the ITPF, instead of channeling rainwater into natural water bodies like Varthur Lake, stormwater has been diverted into manholes not designed to handle large volumes — leading to severe waterlogging across residential and commercial zones.
The Forum accused civic agencies of taking “half-measured, poorly coordinated, and unscientific” approaches, citing several unresolved issues:
- Stormwater diversion into manholes, causing recurrent flooding.
- Sewage inflow into Varthur Lake with no effective control mechanism.
- Encroachments blocking drainage checkpoints, disrupting water flow.
- Culvert wall leaks that spill water onto newly laid roads.
- Absence of flood mitigation structures in low-lying stretches.
The Forum noted that authorities have begun filling potholes and conducting white-topping on roads without first completing the underlying drainage infrastructure. “Such half-measures will only lead to rapid deterioration of new roads, wasting public funds and taxpayer contributions,” the letter stated, adding that even Panathur Main Road, recently repaired, is already witnessing water accumulation due to improper gradient design.
Demand for Scientific Audit and Accountability
Calling for immediate government intervention, the ITPF urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to:
- Order a scientific audit of all ongoing drainage and road works in the affected areas.
- Ensure proper interconnection of stormwater networks before further road construction.
- Establish accountability among civic officials and contractors for planning and execution failures.
- Guarantee construction of quality roads and pedestrian footpaths to ensure public safety.
The Forum emphasized that Bengaluru’s civic neglect has tarnished its reputation as India’s IT capital. “Namma Bengaluru is globally recognized as India’s technology hub. Such casual civic negligence erodes the pride and credibility of Brand Bengaluru,” the letter read.
“No Infrastructure, No Tax” – A Call for Civic Justice
The ITPF’s appeal culminated in a direct demand to the Chief Minister: if the GBA continues to neglect taxpayer concerns over basic infrastructure, the government should instruct the authority to halt property tax collection in the Varthur–Balegere–Panathur region.
“Give us good public infrastructure and then collect tax,” the Forum declared, underscoring the principle of accountability in governance and taxation.
The letter also expressed concern over Bengaluru’s fading legacy:
“Bengaluru was once known as the Garden City, Silicon Valley, and a retiree’s paradise. Today, it risks being labeled the Garbage City, Pothole City, and No Footpath City. We urge your decisive leadership to restore our city’s pride.”
About ITPF
Founded in September 2024, the Individual Tax Payers Forum is a collective of salaried professionals, residents, and civic activists advocating for taxpayer rights and responsible governance. The Forum has been actively engaging with authorities to promote transparency, infrastructure accountability, and equitable public service delivery in urban Bengaluru.
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