How To Fix Bengaluru's Civic Problem? Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Speaks To NDTV

Bengaluru's deteriorating civic infrastructure appears headed for coordinated improvement, with Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw calling for shared responsibility between officials and residents to restore the city.

In conversation with NDTV following a high-level review session led by Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, the Biocon chairperson described it as the "first comprehensive meeting" where all stakeholders assembled with a defined strategy.

The Bengaluru entrepreneur disclosed that authorities have developed a 90-day initiative focused on city sanitation, debris removal, and combating illegal waste dumping.

What is the action plan for potholes in Bengaluru?NDTV's Reethu Rajpurohit (@reethu_journo) speaks to Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw), for perspective pic.twitter.com/ATxnMgeVUn

— NDTV (@ndtv) September 24, 2025

"We aim to apprehend those illicitly and illegally dumping garbage and debris. Citizens must remain vigilant. Police must stay alert because without fear of legal consequences, people in this city simply aren't following proper practices," she stated.

She noted that municipal agencies also bear responsibility. "Pourakarmikas (civic workers) frequently don't arrive on time for garbage collection. We've instructed BBMP and other agencies to ensure systematic collection and proper debris disposal."

The government has promised to create a dashboard for monitoring civic projects related to roads, stormwater drains, and waste management. Ms Shaw embraced this initiative, describing it as an "important development" that could enhance accountability and transparency. "For the first time, I believe we at least have an action plan. Hopefully, visible changes will emerge within six months."

Regarding Bengaluru's traffic congestion and pothole-filled streets, Ms Shaw identified structural issues. "We have one hundred thousand new vehicles registered weekly, 80 percent being two-wheelers. This isn't sustainable. We need measures to reduce peak-hour congestion. Though carpooling initiatives previously failed, we must reconsider such solutions," she explained.

She acknowledged that filling potholes and patch asphalting represent only temporary solutions, but mentioned that permanent remedies are now being discussed across agencies. "For the first time, commissioners have personally accepted accountability."

Ms Shaw criticized what she termed "citizen apathy," where people voice concerns only when situations become unmanageable. "I significantly blame citizens. If you witness someone littering or dumping debris, you cannot simply ignore it. We all share responsibility. Officials alone cannot resolve everything. Citizen vigilance is crucial," she emphasized.

She concluded that Bengaluru's civic revival requires joint efforts between citizens and government. "If the government implements these measures, then we must also take care of our own streets," she remarked.