<p class="bodytext">A group of journalists on Thursday performed a ‘Squid Games’-themed skit to draw the BBMP’s attention to the abysmal condition of the city’s footpaths. </p>.<p class="bodytext">It was spearheaded by artist Badal Nanjundaswamy, who is known to use art to innovatively highlight civic issues. Four journalists from the city were part of the team that presented the skit, which was staged near St John’s Medical College Hospital, Koramangala. The entire performance was recorded and the video is currently going viral on social media.</p>.<p class="bodytext">At one point in the video, photojournalist Anantha Subramanyam K unintentionally falls to the ground <br />while trying to navigate a tricky stretch — driving home their message. It sparked concerns from several social media users. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Pointing to a drain at the location, Subramanyam told Metrolife, “In this particular spot, the BBMP has removed silt from the drain and left it as is. The footpath has been open for a month. It is very difficult for pedestrians and it gets worse during peak hours.” </p>.BBMP chief visits three waste processing plants.<p class="bodytext">Anusha Sood, one of the other journalists who featured in the skit, shared that they were “happy to help the civic authorities to arrive at solutions but we should not grab their attention through such skits for them to do their job”. She elaborated that the city’s major civic issues are never solved. “Two wheelers need to be more mindful and stay away from footpaths,” she added. </p>.<p class="bodytext">However, BBMP chief commissioner M Maheshwar Rao stated that the civic body has been focusing on ensuring footpaths are safe for pedestrians. “We have addressed encroachment issues and fixed broken footpaths at minimal cost. Almost all zonal commissioners have been given instructions to improve walkability in their respective zones. We are also attempting to develop 150 km of footpaths in places where there is high pedestrian movement,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The video gained immense traction on social media. Netizens took to the comments sections to express their disappointment at the worsening condition of the city. “Funny to watch but embarrassing overall, considering the helplessness common man is forced to endure. Price of Democracy, one must say to the least. No accountability, No shame to the authorities, No action will be taken ever, No hope,” (sic) one of the users posted. Nanjundaswamy had created another viral skit in 2019 comparing walking on Bengaluru roads to walking on the moon.</p>
<p class="bodytext">A group of journalists on Thursday performed a ‘Squid Games’-themed skit to draw the BBMP’s attention to the abysmal condition of the city’s footpaths. </p>.<p class="bodytext">It was spearheaded by artist Badal Nanjundaswamy, who is known to use art to innovatively highlight civic issues. Four journalists from the city were part of the team that presented the skit, which was staged near St John’s Medical College Hospital, Koramangala. The entire performance was recorded and the video is currently going viral on social media.</p>.<p class="bodytext">At one point in the video, photojournalist Anantha Subramanyam K unintentionally falls to the ground <br />while trying to navigate a tricky stretch — driving home their message. It sparked concerns from several social media users. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Pointing to a drain at the location, Subramanyam told Metrolife, “In this particular spot, the BBMP has removed silt from the drain and left it as is. The footpath has been open for a month. It is very difficult for pedestrians and it gets worse during peak hours.” </p>.BBMP chief visits three waste processing plants.<p class="bodytext">Anusha Sood, one of the other journalists who featured in the skit, shared that they were “happy to help the civic authorities to arrive at solutions but we should not grab their attention through such skits for them to do their job”. She elaborated that the city’s major civic issues are never solved. “Two wheelers need to be more mindful and stay away from footpaths,” she added. </p>.<p class="bodytext">However, BBMP chief commissioner M Maheshwar Rao stated that the civic body has been focusing on ensuring footpaths are safe for pedestrians. “We have addressed encroachment issues and fixed broken footpaths at minimal cost. Almost all zonal commissioners have been given instructions to improve walkability in their respective zones. We are also attempting to develop 150 km of footpaths in places where there is high pedestrian movement,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The video gained immense traction on social media. Netizens took to the comments sections to express their disappointment at the worsening condition of the city. “Funny to watch but embarrassing overall, considering the helplessness common man is forced to endure. Price of Democracy, one must say to the least. No accountability, No shame to the authorities, No action will be taken ever, No hope,” (sic) one of the users posted. Nanjundaswamy had created another viral skit in 2019 comparing walking on Bengaluru roads to walking on the moon.</p>