Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority’s

(GBDA) decision to expand its jurisdiction by taking over 22 more villages, as reported in Deccan
Herald on March 10, 2025. While urban development is necessary, this expansion will do more harm
than good for both the city and the rural communities involved.

Firstly, Bengaluru is already struggling with severe infrastructural challenges. Traffic congestion,
water shortages, and inefficient waste management plague the city. Instead of adding more areas to
its responsibility, the GBDA should focus on improving the existing infrastructure. Expanding the
jurisdiction without addressing these fundamental issues will only stretch resources thinner and
worsen living conditions for all residents.

Secondly, this decision threatens the livelihoods and traditions of the villagers. These rural areas have
their own way of life, agricultural practices, and community bonds that will be disrupted by forced
urbanization. The history of such expansions has shown that villagers rarely benefit. Instead, they
face land acquisition pressures, rising property prices, and the gradual loss of their cultural identity.
Development should be inclusive, but this move seems to prioritize real estate interests over the
well-being of local communities.

Moreover, the environmental consequences of such an expansion cannot be ignored. Bengaluru is

already facing a severe environmental crisis with depleting lakes, declining green cover, and rising
pollution levels. The urbanization of these villages will lead to further deforestation, increased
concrete sprawl, and greater stress on water resources. At a time when sustainable development
should be the priority, unchecked expansion is a step in the wrong direction.

In conclusion, the GBDA’s expansion plan is a flawed strategy that will strain Bengaluru’s failing
infrastructure, displace rural communities, and harm the environment. Instead of expanding,
authorities should focus on sustainable solutions to improve the city. I urge the government and
concerned stakeholders to reconsider this decision and prioritize responsible urban planning.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date]

To The Director, Greater Bengaluru Development Authority, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Subject: Opposition to the Expansion of GBDA Jurisdiction

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my grave concerns and strong opposition to
the recent decision to extend the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority
(GBDA) to include an additional 22 villages, spanning 92 square kilometers. While I understand the
intent behind urban expansion, I believe that such a project will have detrimental consequences on
the environment, local communities, and the region's heritage, which cannot be overlooked.

Firstly, this expansion threatens to disrupt the ecological balance of the area. Many of these villages
are home to green spaces, agricultural lands, and water bodies that play a crucial role in maintaining
the environment. By converting these into urban infrastructure, we risk irreparable damage to the
natural ecosystem, contributing further to issues such as deforestation, water scarcity, and climate
change.

Furthermore, the livelihoods of villagers stand at stake. These communities primarily depend on
agriculture and allied activities for sustenance. The acquisition of their land for urban development
not only displaces them but also eradicates their primary source of income. This will undoubtedly
lead to social and economic hardships, creating further inequalities and distress within society.

It is also worth mentioning that Bengaluru is already grappling with urban challenges such as traffic
congestion, overburdened infrastructure, and pollution. Adding new territories to GBDA's jurisdiction
without addressing these pre-existing problems will only exacerbate the situation. Instead of
outward expansion, attention should be directed towards sustainable urban planning within the
existing city limits.

Lastly, the rich cultural heritage and traditions of these villages deserve preservation. By annexing
them for urban development, we risk losing their unique identity, history, and way of life, which form
an invaluable part of our collective heritage.

I urge the GBDA to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that balance urban
growth with sustainability, environmental preservation, and social equity. Let us strive for a future
that respects the harmony between progress and nature, ensuring that the voices of affected
communities are heard and their rights are protected.

Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. I hope that these points will be given due
consideration during the implementation phase of this project.

Yours sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

To
The Chief Minister
Government of Karnataka
Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru

Subject: Opposition to the Expansion of Greater Bengaluru Development Authority’s Jurisdiction

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent decision to expand the jurisdiction of the
Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA) by an additional 92 square kilometers,
incorporating 22 more villages. While urban development is essential for economic growth, this
project raises significant concerns regarding environmental sustainability, loss of agricultural land,
and the displacement of rural communities.

Firstly, the indiscriminate expansion of Bengaluru into rural areas threatens the delicate ecological
balance. Many of these villages are home to vital green spaces, water bodies, and agricultural land
that serve as the city's natural lungs. Uncontrolled urbanization has already led to the depletion of
groundwater levels, increased pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Further expansion will only
exacerbate these issues, leaving the city vulnerable to environmental crises such as flooding and air
pollution.

Secondly, this project poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of farmers and local communities.
Many villagers depend on agriculture for their sustenance, and forced urbanization will strip them of
their primary source of income. The conversion of fertile agricultural land into concrete structures
will not only disrupt the food supply chain but also contribute to rising food prices and economic
instability.

Furthermore, past urban expansion projects have shown that large-scale developments often fail to
provide adequate infrastructure to accommodate the growing population. Bengaluru already
struggles with traffic congestion, water shortages, and inadequate waste management. Expanding its
jurisdiction without first addressing these existing problems will only lead to further chaos and
mismanagement, burdening both the current and future residents.

In light of these concerns, I urge the government to reconsider this decision and prioritize
sustainable urban planning. Instead of expanding into rural areas, efforts should focus on improving
the existing infrastructure within Bengaluru, promoting vertical growth, and preserving natural
resources. Additionally, comprehensive public consultations must be conducted to ensure that the
voices of affected communities are heard and their concerns addressed.

Development should not come at the cost of environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods. I
request you to take immediate steps to halt this expansion and explore alternative, more sustainable
solutions for Bengaluru’s growth.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope my concerns are taken seriously for the
betterment of our city and its future generations.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]