Varthur residents demand infrastructure before tax collection

Residents and taxpayers from Varthur, Balegere, and Panathur localities near Bengaluru’s tech hubs have written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding better public infrastructure before taxes are collected. The Individual Tax Payers Forum (ITPF) expressed concerns over poor roadwork, white-topping, and drainage systems in these areas. The letter stresses that Bengaluru’s image as India’s IT hub is being damaged due to poor civic planning and infrastructure, leading to issues like traffic jams, flooding, and unsafe roads.

The forum has urged the CM to instruct the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to halt property tax collection until basic infrastructure improvements are made. It also highlighted that ongoing infrastructure work is incomplete, with poor drainage leading to flooding, and hastily conducted road repairs that are already deteriorating. The residents expressed frustration with the lack of action despite prior visits from the CM and local officials. They called for more scientific and sustainable planning to restore Bengaluru’s reputation.