Terrace landscape turns wasteland

The terrace landscape, created by Bangalore Development Authority atop Gangagondanahalli-Nayandahalli underpass, which was considered pride of City, is now neglected and abandoned.

The landscape garden constructed in 2010 was to be a model for City's green initiative encouraging people to green up their terrace and go eco-friendly. Designed at a cost of Rs 84 lakh, the terrace landscaping, first of its kind in City was done to maintain cool climate under the bridge and provide stability to the side walls of the tunnel.
It was a classic example of best utility of space. Just three years ago this1.5 acre patch with 172 metre long and 42 metre wide was considered a beautiful initiative by BDA, but now it is an example of how tax payer's money is wasted. The lush green grass patch,  was to be converted into garden. Small trees and shrub of flower and ornamental trees were to be planted here to make it more attractive and beautiful as per BDA's plan.

A Bangalore One centre and toilet complex were planned in a portion of this structure, while solar panels to illuminate the tunnel and rain water harvesting was to be installed to water plants and lawns in the garden and cool the tunnel.

Broken bottle pieces and other garbage is now dumped here. The lawns have disappeared. The place is also utilised as open toilet by residents around, while Sulabh toilet and Bangalore One centre is yet to come up. The tiles between the lawns are no more there and fountain is filled with debris.

"There was grass lawns a few years ago, We don't know what happened," said Gangagondanahalli resident Illiyas Ahme. “I heard about the landscape and visited the place three years ago. I don't know what happened. I never come here now. This place stinks,' said local trader Manjunath. Though a BDA official said a Bangalore One centre will come up later on once BDA work is complete, he was unable to react on the terrace garden, stating he is not aware of it as he has just taken charge.