This is my seventh post since April 18th 2012, the day I started this blog. I really do not know why it took such a long time for this post.
Right now, every day's travel inside the city of Bangalore has induced me to write this piece. Those friends who have been seeing this metropolitan from the past 20 years might agree with what I am saying.
It is never good for a city to grow vertically instead of growing by area. Here, vertically' means the city loading up with tall buildings.The number of skyscrapers emerging today makes any common man debate. People who have been in Bangalore for years now, can see a phenomenal change in the past 10-15 years.The growing population, increasing number of vehicles, malls, theaters, apartments, IT sectors etc honestly terrifies me (Please don't judge me). Of course! You might call, all of these changes as 'Development'. But what it actually is, is quite subjective isn't it?
Now, all one needs to think about is whether what is happening currently, is a positive or a negative change. Firstly, let us find out the reasons for this high-rise boom.
Bangalore has always been a welcome city for outsiders and she never says NO to anybody who wants to settle here. That is how me and you have landed up here right! Reason why the silicon valley has drew people from across the nation is the job opportunities and economic growth of the city. There is a 47% increase in population from 2001 - 2011, the highest compared to other metros. Growing demand for accommodation has given a boom to real estate in the city. Space crunch in all the areas has given way to vertical development of buildings. Hence, the increase in IT spaces, huge apartments, malls, commercial complexes etc.
Right now, every day's travel inside the city of Bangalore has induced me to write this piece. Those friends who have been seeing this metropolitan from the past 20 years might agree with what I am saying.
It is never good for a city to grow vertically instead of growing by area. Here, vertically' means the city loading up with tall buildings.The number of skyscrapers emerging today makes any common man debate. People who have been in Bangalore for years now, can see a phenomenal change in the past 10-15 years.The growing population, increasing number of vehicles, malls, theaters, apartments, IT sectors etc honestly terrifies me (Please don't judge me). Of course! You might call, all of these changes as 'Development'. But what it actually is, is quite subjective isn't it?
Let me give you some facts:
- There are around 40 skyscrapers in the city today, keeping 70 meter (21 floors) high building as the minimum.
- 50 more buildings are under construction where 153 meter (46 floors) building is the tallest.
- 10 more are approved but are on hold for various reasons.
- One of the projects that is approved is estimated to be 660 meter (156 floors) high. Good Lord!
Bangalore has always been a welcome city for outsiders and she never says NO to anybody who wants to settle here. That is how me and you have landed up here right! Reason why the silicon valley has drew people from across the nation is the job opportunities and economic growth of the city. There is a 47% increase in population from 2001 - 2011, the highest compared to other metros. Growing demand for accommodation has given a boom to real estate in the city. Space crunch in all the areas has given way to vertical development of buildings. Hence, the increase in IT spaces, huge apartments, malls, commercial complexes etc.
Threats we foresee:
Starting with water; Cauvery being the main source, it definitely cannot provide water only for Bangalore when 4 states depend on it. Even after the Govt. of Karnataka announcing that the builders should find their own source of water and not depend on the corporation for it, I am sure they will twist and tweak the rule, give bribe and some how manage to still construct the building unlawfully. Water problem is followed by electricity problem, increase in the number of vehicles, pollution, accidents, health hazards and a total rise in temperature due to cutting down of trees. Reports say that the glass facades in the high-rise buildings reflect heat and hence cause the temperature to increase by 2-3°C in the city. Phew!! At last the other crises we could face after considering so many elements are fire accidents, crime, terrorism etc.
I am sure most of you are well versed with the above information but how we act upon it is one thing which is debatable. I will leave it to you to ponder upon these issues for the night. See you soon with my next post.
I am sure most of you are well versed with the above information but how we act upon it is one thing which is debatable. I will leave it to you to ponder upon these issues for the night. See you soon with my next post.
agreed.. mostly on space constraint and water issues..
ReplyDeleteAny solution ?
ReplyDeletewhats the solution???
ReplyDeleteThank you Sushi.
ReplyDeleteSac & May, This article throws a light on what the issues are with some facts. However, solution is debatable and makes way for further discussions. It can be an article for itself.
Yay! you started blogging again! This has inspired me to start writing & yes come up with ideas for our blog too !
ReplyDeleteOn that note, I could not agree more with what you said. I strongly believe that prosperity of a city is not directly related to the vertical heights of its buildings.. It is a topic which needs more attention , however the glitz & glamor associated with it casts a dark shadow on reality behind it.
I applaud you , as you did notice the issue & put in so much efforts to lay out the facts.
We can surely discuss & come up with a post of possible solutions :)
Love you!
The exorbitant real-estate prices will ensure that the city will grow vertically.And, if people want to live in high-rises, 'supply' will cater to 'demand'.
ReplyDeleteIf the government can bring super-fast trains (Japanese have Bullet trains that travel at 300 KM /Hour) then we can look forward to horizontal growth (actually, the city is growing horizontally too..). Super-fast trains, as we both know, is a pipe-dream, :)
Where will the builders find their own water? I suggest we find Sage Bhagiratha and humbly ask him to bring River Ganga to Bangalore too? :)