GBA to revive 194 unused public spaces across Bengaluru

Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao on Friday called on citizens to actively participate in reviving unused public spaces across the city, stressing that a more livable Bengaluru can be built only through collective cooperation between the government and the public.

Speaking during the Open House meet at the Town Hall, Mr. Rao encouraged citizen involvement in the revitalisation of public spaces within GBA limits.

Based on initiatives and public surveys undertaken, the GBA found 194 locations feasible to revitalise, and a phased implementation plan has been prepared across the five city corporations. Of these, 43 locations are in Central Corporation, 49 in North, 21 in East, 31 in West, and 50 in South.

The GBA Chief said that there is a need to replicate such measures – where public spaces can be used effectively — across all city corporation areas, requesting citizens to reduce dependence on private vehicles and adopt public transport. While developing local public spaces, he said, safety must be a priority, particularly for women, and environments should be created where women can move freely and safely even during night hours. 

Mr. Rao directed officials to organise similar programmes in all five city corporations to gather suggestions from citizens, startups and institutions. He said unused public spaces should be converted into safe, citizen-friendly community areas by facilitating corporate CSR partnerships and pilot urban development projects. Public participation, he added, is key to building a better and more inclusive city.