More than 125 employees from CGI, along with civic staff from Bengaluru South City Corporation, recently participated in a large-scale cleanup and beautification drive at Silk Board Junction. The initiative was part of CGI's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aimed at reclaiming public spaces and improving urban infrastructure in one of Bengaluru's busiest areas.
Community Effort to Reclaim Public Space
The drive focused on clearing debris, sweeping roads, removing illegal hoardings, and repainting footpaths. A key component was the footpath makeover, which included repairing broken sections and planting greenery to restore pedestrian-friendly pathways. According to organisers, these pathways had been encroached upon by vendors and parked vehicles, forcing pedestrians onto the road.
Volunteers from CGI and municipal workers worked in shifts to cover the entire junction, using tools and materials provided by the corporation. The collaborative effort demonstrated a strong sense of community ownership over public spaces.
Impact on Bengaluru's Most Congested Junction
Silk Board Junction is infamous for being one of the most congested traffic points in Bengaluru, often experiencing severe gridlock during peak hours. The cleanup not only improves the area's aesthetics but also aims to reduce congestion by clearing bottlenecks and improving pedestrian flow. Local commuters have expressed optimism that such efforts will lead to more disciplined traffic and a safer environment for walkers.
Officials from the Bengaluru South City Corporation stated that similar drives will be conducted periodically to maintain cleanliness. They also appealed to the public to help keep the junction clean and avoid encroachment. The success of this drive is seen as a model for other congested intersections in the city.
Several truckloads of waste were removed during the drive, including plastic litter, broken debris, and discarded items. The footpath makeover included the installation of new paving stones and the planting of shrubs along the median. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the corporation to revitalise key public spaces in partnership with private companies under CSR.
