2. Vision Statement To transform the neglected 1-km neighborhood road in HBR Layout into a beautiful, slow, and walkable community street that promotes active mobility, social interaction, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood pride. 3. Objectives • Clean and reclaim the road from waste dumping and encroachment. • Improve safety, walkability, and livability of the street. • Promote tree-lined, shaded walking paths and encourage non-motorized use. • Create a people-first, slow street that encourages interaction, rest, and community bonding. • Restore civic sense and improve overall urban aesthetics. 4. Proposed Interventions A. Clean-Up and Waste Removal • Complete removal of dumped garbage, construction debris, and mud from both sides of the road. • Desilting and clearing stormwater drains alongside the street. • Designate solid waste management zones to prevent future dumping. B. Street Beautification and Greening • Plant shade-giving native trees (e.g., Indian almond, Pongamia, Neem) along the road at intervals of 8–10 meters. • Install green buffers using low-maintenance shrubs and planters. • Paint murals or visual street art on walls or fencing to beautify the stretch and prevent defacement. C. Walkability and Accessibility • Construct or restore continuous footpaths on both sides where space allows. • Use tactile paving and ramps to ensure accessibility for all age groups. • Develop mid-block crossings and raised table-top crossings at intersections to reduce vehicle speed. D. Social and Community Amenities • Install shaded sitting areas, benches, and rest points at regular intervals. • Introduce community boards and a children’s chalk zone for informal play and expression. • Organize art-in-public space initiatives with local schools or artists. E. Mobility and Safety • Convert the road into a "Slow Street" zone with signage, street markings, and speed restrictions (max 20 km/h). • Use tactical urbanism tools like painted curb extensions or bollards to discourage speeding. • Encourage walking and cycling by designating a portion as a non-motorized zone on weekends or evenings. 5. Expected Outcomes • A reclaimed and vibrant public space that improves quality of life. • Increased footfall and neighborhood engagement through safe, shaded walkways. • Reduction in illegal dumping and anti-social use due to activation and visibility. • Strengthened urban climate resilience through increased tree cover and reduced surface heat. • A replicable model of low-cost, high-impact street transformation for other wards in Bengaluru. 6. ESAF’s Involvement ESAF Foundation can support the project by: • Preparing a detailed design proposal and implementation plan. • Leading the initial clean-up and community mobilization efforts. • Facilitating tree planting drives, mural painting, and public engagement campaigns. • Supporting BBMP and local RWAs with long-term stewardship and monitoring frameworks. 7. Conclusion Transforming the neglected 1-km neighborhood street in HBR Layout into a slow, walkable, and green community corridor presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate how inclusive public space planning can improve safety, health, and connectivity. With proper design and community ownership, this corridor can become a model street of Bengaluru’s livable future.