On transparency and sub-urban bus stand

Stakeholders ignored

Sir,

During my annual visit to Mysuru over the Christmas break, I had the pleasure of reading SOM every evening. In a gap of 10 days, I read 3 articles concerning the proposed bus terminal at Bannimantap, written by eminent  Mysureans, listed here:

1. ‘Need to send DPR back to the Drawing Board’ by Bhamy V. Shenoy.

2. ‘A brand new bus stand in a very wrong new place’ by Dr. K. Javeed Nayeem.

3. ‘Desi Problems Need Desi Solutions’ by Chandra Prakash.

I gather the dominant theme is the lack of transparency shown by the government authorities in its decision-making.

These are well-articulated opinion pieces that pose relevant questions: How does the bus stand move account for a growing Mysuru ? What does the traffic modelling say ? What are the impacts on Mysuru’s tourism ?

It’s clear that stakeholder consultation is lacking.

Such concerns about government decision-making are not limited to Mysuru. A recent example from Bengaluru highlights similar issues.

A citizen campaigner Rajkumar Dugar pointed out in his review (on X) of BBMP’s ambitious North-South tunnel road corridor project. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Bengaluru’s project had references to Maharashtra’s “Nashik City to Malegaon” project in the report. It’s appalling that a citizen has noticed the mistakes in the draft report supposed to be vetted by the authorities.

This is the power of seeking different opinions and consultations. Mistakes can be reviewed together. Unfortunately in the case of the proposed bus stand in Bannimantap, it appears that stakeholder consultations were not extensive and exhaustive.

Transparency is a hallmark of good governance. In a heritage city like Mysuru, it is a necessity. Every decision impacts the city’s heritage and cultural fabric.  The government must present the facts and explain its decisions. It should also seek the wisdom of collective voices. Without this, the proposed bus terminal could alter the city’s identity forever.

– Paudan Jain, Sydney, Australia, 13.1.2025

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