Bengaluru: Residents of Pai Layout joined hands to convert an eyesore into a lively community hotspot, with support from local officials.Community members raised funds and supplied materials such as sand, cement and jelly for the initiative. Art and creativity flourished as residents painted murals to enhance the space, while a resident’s heartfelt contribution of a cement bench in memory of her husband added a personal touch. The neglected garbage dump on 16th Cross 1st Main in Pai Layout is now a bustling community centre.Recently inaugurated, it boasts a popular coffee point and has become a cherished gathering place for residents.The layout near near KR Pura in east Bengaluru is home to 2,000 families. When residents came together to kickstart a fundraising campaign aimed at transforming their neighbourhood, local authorities expressed support, committing a matching grant of Rs 70,000. Additionally, waste management teams joined the cause, offering their expertise and resources.“We met GBA chief commissioner M Maheshwar Rao. He introduced us to Arun Pai, the solid waste management ambassador of Swachh Bengaluru. We shared a sketch of the hotspot done by Pushpa Goyal, a resident. Things fell in place quickly. We identified three other garbage points which were also beautified with Pai’s help,” said Subramanian NH, secretary of Pai Layout Residents’ Welfare Association. Handling plastic waste was a huge challenge and residents took GBA staff’s help, said Subramanian.Looking back, Anupama Lakshmi, executive committee member of Pai Layout RWA, is filled with a sense of pride. “Should we wait for govt to solve all our problems? That’s the thought behind the initiative — we brainstormed, crowdfunded, joined hands and beautified the spot,” she said.“The neglected spot has been transformed into a beautiful coffee point where neighbours can sit, relax and spend time together. It’s a wonderful example of how community spirit and collective effort can bring positive changes to our neighbourhood,” said Pushpa Goyal, another resident.
