BBMP invites public to spot unused spaces for green makeovers

Benaluru: Do you often pass by a neglected corner or an unused plot in your neighbourhood that could be turned into a vibrant public space?

You now have a chance to suggest such spaces for a nature-based transformation.

With open spaces shrinking, especially on the city’s outskirts, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched an initiative to revitalise underused areas by seeking suggestions from the public. The civic body has partnered with Sensing Local, a not-for-profit, and the Institute of Urban Designers, Karnataka.

Residents can nominate potential spaces through the BBMP website or at www.blrpublicspace-revival.in. The last date for nominations is June 19.

Suggested locations can include traditional community gathering spots like katte or urban village squares, leftover spaces under flyovers, metro lines, infrastructure buffers, multi-functional streets such as food streets, shopping areas, walking zones, market streets, school access roads, and transport zones like bus stands, metro junctions, and traffic islands.

M Lokesh, Chief Engineer, BBMP (Projects Cell), said that public suggestions would help the civic body increase public spaces. “We have already developed spots like Maurya Circle, Race Course Circle, Anand Rao Circle, and BHEL Circle on Mysuru Road. Similar projects are underway in Doddanekundi and Banaswadi. We welcome more such locations,” he said, adding that funds are being allocated under the Brand Bengaluru programme.

Once suggestions are received, the BBMP will evaluate sites based on feasibility and impact. A select number of locations will be developed each year with innovative design ideas.

Sobia Rafiq, co-founder of Sensing Local, said that the initiative aims to build a comprehensive database of underutilised spaces across Bengaluru. "Once the repository is ready, the BBMP can classify each site, identify ownership, and assess feasibility. These spaces have potential for nature-based solutions,” she said.

“The project also hopes to engage architects, colleges, and designers — especially in smaller, overlooked neighbourhoods.”

How to go about it? 

Residents can nominate potential spaces through the BBMP website or at www.blrpublicspace-revival.in. The last date for nominations is June 19.