A recent clean-up initiative in Malleswaram drew sharp criticism from entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and many Bengaluru residents after the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) highlighted the work online as a success.
The authority had circulated a video showcasing the clearance of a long-standing black spot near the BBMP School Road in Malleswaram. The effort was carried out by the Bengaluru West City Corporation team under the supervision of Assistant Executive Engineer Rekha.
In its social media post, titled “Blackspot Removal & Beautification Update”, the GBA described the task as accomplished and urged the public to help maintain the area. The post stated, “The blackspot at Malleswaram BBMP School Road has been successfully removed and the area beautified… Let’s keep our surroundings clean and beautiful.”
However, reactions on social media were predominantly critical.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon, challenged the authority’s portrayal of the work. Sharing the video, she wrote, “Are you really proud of this? You reclaimed the footpath but it’s still shoddily finished. Full marks for effort but please ensure good quality finishing.”
Her remarks set off a series of negative responses from citizens who felt that the project fell short of basic standards.
One user commented, “The finish is worse than any poor country in the world. Couldn’t digest that GBA is this bad. Horrible work. The workers who did the job should never ever be given any job. There is no pride in their work.”
Another citizen remarked on the frequency of such exercises, stating, “It feels like an achievement when you do what you are paid to do once in three months. That pavement is still hideous looking.”
Others questioned the need to publicise such initiatives at all. One post read, “Are we really celebrating this? Is this called beautification?” Another added, “The situation in this country is that even basic things need to be celebrated, which are actually part of the authorities’ regular work.”
While most of the responses expressed disappointment, a small number acknowledged the intent, though they found the outcome insufficient. One person summed up the sentiment by saying, “Your efforts are good, but not enough.”
The GBA has yet to address the wave of criticism that followed its post.
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