BENGALURU: Residents of several previously neglected Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layouts are on the verge of gaining democratic involvement. The government has started transferring major BDA-developed areas to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and its respective city corporations. For the first time, residents will have the ability to hold the GBA accountable for developmental activities.
The initiative includes significant residential areas such as Banashankari 6th Stage, JP Nagar 8th and 9th Phases, Anjanapura Township, and Sir M Visvesvaraya Layout, which were under BDA governance for many years—a body not designed for everyday civic management.
Residents have expressed that this lack of proper governance resulted in deteriorating roads, neglected civic amenities, and an absence of accountability. “Finally, we will have an answerable administration,” stated Krishna Murthy, a resident of Jnanabharathi Layout.
HK Gowdaiah from Sir M Visvesvaraya Layout echoed similar feelings, saying, “With GBA and the five city corporations, we are hopeful for improved governance and tangible benefits for citizens.”
Experts in urban governance have noted that inclusion under GBA will not only provide elected representation but also offers structured municipal budgets, ward committees, mechanisms for grievance resolution, and legally enforceable delivery standards.
For those who have lived for years without councillors, ward offices, or civic representation, the GBA elections signify a long-awaited acknowledgment of their roles as full citizens in Bengaluru’s governance structure. This transition, expected to take about one to two months to finalize, will empower residents to hold the GBA accountable for their civic needs, according to a BDA official.
