Residents and plot owners at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) in Bengaluru have raised serious concerns over critical infrastructure gaps that threaten to make the new development uninhabitable. Despite the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) accelerating work, allottees from Blocks III and IV warn that fundamental design and planning failures need immediate correction.
Missing Footpaths and Incomplete Roads Hamper Livability
While acknowledging improved pace under the current administration, allottees state the layout is far from liveable. A major issue is the complete absence of proper footpaths across the layout. Madhu Sudhan V, an executive committee member for NPKL III Block allottees, criticized the BDA for passing off utility ducts as footpaths, which removes safe pedestrian space when ducts need maintenance. This lack of walkability, they argue, will force residents to use vehicles for short distances, worsening traffic and pollution.
Key road projects remain unfinished, including a crucial 60ft road linking III Block A Sector to the 300ft major arterial road. Furthermore, another road near a stormwater drain in a buffer zone has allegedly been encroached upon, disrupting the movement of construction material.
Boundary Errors and Utility Delays Spark Future Worries
Allottees have also raised alarms over boundary demarcation errors, where misaligned markings have led to structures spilling into neighbouring plots. This, they fear, could trigger lengthy legal disputes in the future.
The absence of basic amenities like electricity, water, and sanitary connections has discouraged early settlement. Compounding the problem is a rise in theft of electrical and construction material, highlighting the urgent need for streetlights and temporary police outposts. Yathish Chandra, a techie with a plot in IV Block, pointed out that transformers placed dangerously close to houses pose a safety risk.
BDA Response and Allottees' Demands
In a review meeting held on December 24, the allottees submitted a representation urging the BDA to revisit the entire layout design. They have called for the involvement of mobility experts to ensure NPKL does not repeat the urban planning mistakes seen in other parts of Bengaluru.
BDA Chairman N.A. Haris, however, presented a more optimistic view. He stated that progress at NPKL is very good, with approximately 78% of work completed and the remaining 22% expected to be finished in the next five to six months. He acknowledged minor technical issues like sanitary pipeline work but asserted that overall development is smooth and other raised issues will be addressed.
Allottees remain unconvinced, comparing NPKL unfavourably to other upcoming BDA layouts that feature well-planned footpaths, plantations, and streetlights. They insist that since NPKL is still under development, there is a critical window to correct the design flaws now, or future residents will be forced to live with permanent inconveniences and hazards.
