By Bhamy V. Shenoy – Founding Working President, Mysore Grahakara Parishat

Despite several letters and media articles presenting well-reasoned arguments against the proposed KSRTC Sub-Urban bus stand at Bannimantap, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appears determined to go ahead with the project.

In any functional democracy, a responsible Government would first convene a meeting of experts, urban planners and citizens before committing to such a major infrastructure decision. Sadly, this has not happened.

Now, we the people have one powerful tool left — our voice. In this digital age, even from the comfort of our homes, we can make ourselves heard. Most educated Mysureans have access to e-mail. I urge each one of you to write to the Chief Minister at [email protected], asking him to postpone the project until a comprehensive, independent study is conducted by a reputed consultancy or expert body.

If at least 10,000 citizens — a modest target considering over 3 lakh Mysureans have easy access to e-mail — register their protest, it will make an impact.

Let me reiterate: We are not opposed to a new bus stand. We urgently need one. In fact, we need a temporary solution immediately to avoid more accidents and chaos at the current bus terminal.

What we oppose is the absence of a scientific study and proper urban planning. The previous master plan didn’t even mention the need for a new bus stand.

Let us not repeat the story of Tenali Rama’s people pouring water instead of milk into the tank, thinking someone else will do it. Don’t assume someone else will write. As soon as you read this, please send your e-mail to the CM.

This decision must be based on a comprehensive study, guided by a proper master plan and the KSRTC to find a temporary solution for the current crisis, and wait for a scientific, planned approach before deciding on the final location.

Let July 19, 2025, be remembered not as the day of blind foundation laying, but as the day Mysureans stood up and demanded better urban governance.