By News18,Sahas Mahapatra

Copyright news18

A beautification drive, led by Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), has drawn criticism from the public, including Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. The official public relations department of GBA posted a video on X, showing “Blackspot Removal & Beautification Update”.
It had before-and-after images of one of the busiest roads where residents dumped their trash in Malleswaram, just outside the BBMP school. The footpath has been cleaned and restored.

Blackspot Removal & Beautification Update?
✅The blackspot at Malleswaram BBMP School Road has been successfully removed and the area beautified by the Bengaluru West City Corporation, Malleswaram team, under the leadership of AEE Rekha. pic.twitter.com/puKuSef9fD
— Greater Bengaluru Authority (@GBA_office) September 19, 2025

The GBA is the new civic body for Bengaluru, established in May 2025, which serves as the apex body overseeing five new city corporations that have been formed in place of the former BBMP. Their purpose is to enhance the development and proper maintenance of the growing metropolitan area.
GBA Authorities Showcase The Before And After Condition Of The Road
The official X handle suggested residents to dial 1533 to report civic issues or to tag @ICCCBengaluru when reporting issues online. The clip begins with a short note that reads, “Malleshwaram Footpath Reclaimed”. In the “before” stage of the video, little kids donning their school uniforms can be seen passing by a pile of garbage, highlighting a scene of environmental pollution.
As soon as the scene transitions to the “after” moment, we can witness a person walking along a paved path beside a street lined with trees, illustrating a much cleaner state than the previous condition. This highlighted the importance of sanitation and a safer environment for everyone.
GBA Authorities Requested People To Maintain Proper Sanitation
In one of the scenes, we spotted the team from BWCC cleaning the place on September 18, followed by the people from the engineering department also working on improving the road’s condition. Afterwards, the entire place was painted, and the last scene showcased the importance of teamwork and proper “call-to-action”.
“The blackspot at Malleswaram BBMP School Road has been successfully removed and the area beautified by the Bengaluru West City Corporation, Malleswaram team, under the leadership of AEE Rekha,” read the caption.
In one of the comments, they also urged the citizens, “Request to the public: Please do not throw garbage on the roadsides. Let’s keep our surroundings clean and beautiful.”
The Internet Isn’t Satisfied With The Road Beautification Work
Reposting the video, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited, Asia’s leading Biopharmaceuticals enterprise, and proud recipient of Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan, said, “Are you really proud of this? You reclaimed the footpath, but it’s still shoddily finished. Full marks for effort, but please ensure good quality finishing.”

Are you really proud of this? You reclaimed the footpath but it’s still shoddily finished. Full marks for effort but please ensure good quality finishing. https://t.co/wzdc2zv6wU
— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) September 19, 2025

Many others echoed the same emotion and reacted to the video shared by GBA authorities.
A person said, “Benchmark is so low for municipal corporations that any shoddy work they do, they feel as if they deserve a Nobel prize.”
Another added, “Where did they take all this and dump it? I am sure another post by GBA about the next blackspot will be soon.”
A person also posted a screengrab from the video itself, highlighting the poor condition of the road even after the GBA’s work. Alongside it, the tweet read, “Look at the condition of the footpath, stop taking pride in such shoddy work.”

Look at the condition of the footpath, stop taking pride with such shaddy work. pic.twitter.com/9WXP5LGuyh
— What’s in a name? (@Puliyogare_Mix) September 19, 2025

Someone mentioned, “Your efforts are good but not enough.”
“I am sorry to say this, but the quality of work based on the video is pathetic. It is not just about lifting the garbage; the footpath also needs to be laid properly so that people can walk on it. There should be a standard width and height with zero bumps for tripping and falls,” read an elaborate comment.
This whole scenario highlights the importance of prioritising quality and sustainability in development projects.