HSR Layout residents opposed to sports stadium planned in the vicinity

By Ritika Srivatsan

A bid to convert the 7.18-acre BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout into a full-fledged multi-purpose stadium, with accent on cricket, has drawn flak from residents. In a meeting held on 27^th August 2020, representatives from various Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) in HSR in addition to members of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Associations largely opposed the proposed construction in the lung space of the neighbourhood. The past record of BBMP is another reason for the major disconnect between the wants of the residential needs, and the commercial aspect of this upcoming facility.

 A disagreeable past

This isn’t the first time the playground has created controversy. In 2008, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Karnataka High Court by the HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association, opposing the proposal to build a Judges Colony by the then HD Kumaraswamy-led JD (S) government.

The increasing commercialisation of HSR Layout has led to more pollution, encroached footpaths, increased traffic and the lack of free space. Therefore, the residents decided that the only playground in the neighbourhood had to be protected at all costs. After five years and 52 court hearings, the case was won by the RWAs and the playground was ordered to be restored to its original condition, barring the illegal structures that were existing earlier. “Water and power are important but this is also an important matter concerning the welfare of citizens,” says RS Murthy, one of the petitioners who attended 48 of the 52 court hearings and vouched for an open ground.

Why is a sports ground problematic?

A modern sports ground with emphasis on cricket and futuristic facilities sounds like a dream. However, it’s highly disastrous for HSR inhabitants as it will be surrounded by residential homes in an area already suffering from over commercialisation, and traffic jams. The plan for BBMP Grounds has some semblance to the Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore. At a meeting on August 31, M Ramakrishna, Joint Commissioner (Bommanahalli), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) informed the residents that the first phase of works worth Rs 20 crore would be for a free-for-all open stadium with dedicated spaces for cricket, volleyball, kho-kho, basketball, and jogging track, with a three-step seating area all around the activities. Schools can pay a nominal fee and conduct their sports functions. A tender for this was called by the BBMP in February 2020. In the second phase when a further Rs 20 crore will be allocated, the plan is to build an indoor stadium measuring 9000 sq. feet (45×200) for facilities like a library, meeting hall, and courts for table tennis and badminton. These amenities will be rented out for a nominal fee. The ultimate plan is to have an international standard stadium that can accommodate 5000 people and have parking for 200 cars. A citizen committee of about 50-members will also be formed to oversee the stadium activities, with one person from every sector of HSR Layout. The joint commissioner said that there will be no fees for watching any games. The playground will be open only in the morning and evenings and the cricket pitch will be made of clay not grass. There will be three entrances to the stadium. The chief minister is to attend the bhoomi puja for the stadium sometime next week when he comes to inaugurate the Silk Board bypass road. In 20 years, they want to make it into an international-standard stadium as they don’t have the budget for it right now. The first stage will be completed in 15 months.

The residents find the idea to be impractical for a small neighbourhood. “If they wanted a state-of-the-art sports stadium, they should do it outside the city, not inside a predominantly residential area,” says resident Kavitha Reddy. “For this playground, they should let affiliated sports associations run it while the resident welfare associations ensure that there is no concrete structure or encroachment of any kind. This is how it is being done in Jayanagar with Madhavan Park, National College Grounds in Basavanagudi or VET Grounds in JP Nagar.”

Environmental concerns stand high as during and after construction, a high-tech sports ground will only lead to enormous air, noise, heat and light pollution. In addition to that, vehicular footfall will increase massively and roads will be cramped further if there is no adequate parking space.

Once a quiet neighbourhood with acres of lush greenery and broad roads, HSR Layout has now become a highly urbanised locality. “This is the only huge lung space in a concrete jungle,” says Murthy. “If it is tinkered with, it will generate a tremendous amount of heat. After we won the last case, it was such a beautiful sight; children were playing in gay abandon; senior citizens were taking a leisurely walk, and laughter clubs were in full flow every morning.”

His statement captures the essence of the playground. It’s free and open for all regardless of age, gender, caste or creed. If a cricket ground is built in its place, what happens to the hundreds of residents and the variety of activities which take place?

HSR has no shortage of commercial grounds where an individual can pay to play. However, the BBMP Grounds is the only large free space and part of the appeal, lies in its freedom. “If the stadium comes up, it will surely remain out of reach for ordinary residents,” says another resident NR Ranga Rao. “The security guards will drive us away. HSR Club, for example, is of no use to most residents. This is yet another attempt to make use of public space exclusively for a handful of influential and super rich people.”

The HSR Club membership is priced at Rs 10-15 lakh and a common consensus is that most residents are afraid the cricket ground will amount to far too many problems with no benefits for most.

Suggestions for the future

In the meeting conducted on 27^th August, all members concurred on the importance and necessity of maintaining the ground as it is. However, certain modifications such as planting trees around the perimeter, placing benches, adding a higher fence for security and setting up a citizen committee were proposed. These additions could improve footfall and create a sense of community.

Both Murthy and Reddy expressed the need for more residents to join and fight for what is rightfully theirs. “This is a team effort. One person cannot do all the work,” says Murthy, who urged more youngsters to get involved in this fight. “We want an open space with greenery and no stone structures.”

There are many lessons to learn from the BBMP’s flawed past of maintaining stadiums. In an RTI, one citizen group found that there were more exhibitions and conventions being conducted at Kanteerava and Koramangala stadium than sports activities. Indiranagar residents went to the Karnataka High Court and ensured that no indoor stadium came up in their vicinity as the court found that the new facility would rob the local children the right to a playground, among other things. In 2015, BBMP spent Rs 25 crore on the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium in Jayanagar that did not address the needs of the residents. Two years ago, the state government had announced five new stadiums within the city, including HSR Layout. Will the BBMP abort the idea or will the residents have to go to court again remains to be seen.