The question should be whether we should let it become one or not? The answer for this should be a 100% No. A study done by IISc reveals that it will be a dead city in the next 3 years. By 2024, Bangalore will barely have 6.46% greenery which was once 63%, way back in 1973.
Now, let’s talk why this happen? We all are aware of the popularity of Bangalore, for its culture, urbanization and being an IT hub. People are coming here to live from all the states as well as countries. It’s not easy to accommodate all the people, developing industries.
Everyone is focused on getting the praise but don’t want to face the consequences of their actions. To avail more space, we have cut down thousands of trees, destroyed several parks, turned the water bodies into apartments and the industries are polluting remaining water bodies.
What are the reasons?
Don’t be shocked; there are more reasons which will show why soon Bangalore will become the first dead city if appropriate measures are not taken, at the right time.
Once the city was known as the most sought out city amongst all the metros, having a pleasant climate, easy availability of land, low-key politics and a decent economy. But now it’s a tedious task to find property in Bangalore. Unplanned urbanization or uncontrolled growth in real-estate has severely affected the human health as well as the environment. To avail space for buildings, metros, apartments, flyovers, etc. trees are cut.
Various studies have shown that the groundwater table had decreased so much in the recent 20 years, just because of the disappearance of wetlands. The city has 31 lakes as of now, out of which only 14 are in excellent condition. Most of them are polluted because of dumping solid waste and disposal of sewage. In 2000, there were more than 80 lakes in the city. People are wasting water since they are using bathtubs, showers, swimming pools, etc.
Pollution has increased a lot due to development of industries, urbanization, more vehicle on the road, etc. Trees are gone; fresh air is vanished, to give space to the buildings.
We are playing with fire, spoiling fresh air, water, food, which are necessities of life, just for the sake of civilization and development.
What are the solutions to prevent it?
Governing bodies as well as locals, need to put joint effort to overcome the situation. Government can limit the number of industries in the city or have a ban on constructing new industries in the city.
Use drastic corrective measures to balance the aquatic ecosystem to prevent the death of the city. Rainwater harvesting should be implemented. Protect the water bodies; rules should be there so that industries also take care of the water bodies, and no more water bodies should be converted into construction sites.
Start planting trees and stop cutting trees or destroying the parks. Control the air pollution by taking preventive measures.
Don’t let our garden city just vanish into thin air or let it become a concrete city. Put your efforts too along with the government to save the city. After all, we are the ones living here.