Bengaluru: In a striking show of leadership, Bengaluru Central Corporation Commissioner Rajendra Chollan himself joined citizens and volunteers in a cleanliness drive around Majestic on Friday. Wearing an apron, gloves, and a mask, Chollan picked up a broom, removed posters from walls, painted sheets with bright colours, and even shared a simple meal seated on the footpath with the volunteers — sending out a powerful message of citizen participation, clean Bengaluru, and sustainable urban development.
The Commissioner announced a special campaign to transform 5–6 km of Majestic’s pedestrian pathways into model footpaths, making them cleaner, greener, and pedestrian-friendly. He stressed that while the corporation and state government are committed to better footpaths, the support of citizens, NGOs, and volunteers is crucial.
Quick Action on Problems
The drive follows a viral video posted by a foreign influencer two days ago showing the poor state of Majestic’s footpaths. Taking the matter seriously, Chollan ordered immediate action. Teams from Gandhinagar division cleaned the stretch using jetting machines, applied bleaching powder to prevent foul smells, and beautified the area with paintwork.
He also issued clear instructions to plant saplings alongside footpaths, provide benches for pedestrians to sit, and ensure sanitation around public toilets. Unauthorized hoardings, OFC cables, and pipes left on footpaths will be removed, and broken slabs at Anand Rao Circle ducts will be repaired.
Administrative Coordination
Chollan emphasized that this initiative is in line with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s directive for commissioners to identify and resolve civic issues quickly. He said the civic agency will prioritize cleanliness, safety, greenery, and accessibility to restore Bengaluru’s reputation as a world-class city.
Citizens’ Participation the Key
Despite public toilets in the area, many still use roadside spaces, damaging footpaths. Chollan urged residents and commuters to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness. Vendors near Anand Rao Circle have been warned not to dump coconut shells and waste by the roadside.
Chief Engineer Vijay Kumar Haridas, other supervising engineers, and over 50 volunteers participated in the drive. Around 40 litres of paint were used to brighten walls and surfaces during the campaign.
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