Kadalekai Parishe: Basavanagudi residents slam poor sanitation arrangements, urge intervention

Bengaluru

Residents and heritage advocates have raised urgent concerns over sanitation, public safety, and the protection of heritage sites at the ongoing Kadalekai Parishe in Basavanagudi. The Parishe, which commenced on Monday, will continue until Sunday.

The Heritage Basavanagudi Residents Welfare Forum’s Secretary, Guruprasad R K. has formally written to the Commissioner of Bengaluru West City Corporation Rajendra K V. The letter was written on Wednesday (November 19, 2025).

In a detailed complaint addressed to Rajendra, residents expressed dissatisfaction over the continued unhygienic conditions despite prior assurances. The letter notes that the Executive Engineer, Dharinendra Kumar, had promised twice-daily cleaning, but only a single cleaning shift is being carried out. 

Toilets remain unhygienic, and coordination between AEE, AE officials, and Sunkenahalli Ward staff has been inadequate. Residents underscored that social media clips documenting garbage dumping and poor sanitation have generated public concern and tarnished Basavanagudi’s image.

The letter also emphasises the neglect of heritage sites, including Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Dodda Basavanna Temple (birthplace of River Vrishabhavathi), and historical city border pillars built by Kempegowda. The forum warned that unregulated public access and lack of protective measures could damage these monuments.

Another communication, addressed to Ramalinga Reddy on November 12, outlined specific suggestions and objections to ensure safety and order during the Parishe scheduled from 17–21 November 2025. 

Key recommendations included the removal of unauthorised flex banners and structures, deployment of adequate marshals and security personnel, and regular garbage disposal at least three times a day. 

Additional measures suggested include PA announcements for crowd control, barricading conservation roads, scheduling separate queues for VIP and general darshan, and adherence to food waste management regulations by stalls. 

The residents also expressed objections regarding prolonged road diversions, potential disruptions to traffic, and the need to restore public areas and roads post-event. They offered to volunteer during the fair under authorised supervision to help maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and safety. It appears these suggestions were not implemented by the authorities.