An IISC study has revealed that the India’s Silicon Valley will be unliveable in the next five years. The study conducted by the reputed Indian Institute of Science (IISC) claims that Bengaluru has witnessed an alarming growth of built–up area in the last 40 years.

According to the numbers, there’s been 525% growth in the built-up area in the last 40 years, corresponding to a 78% decline in vegetation, and an almost equivalent decline in water bodies. The city, also known as “Lake City” has lost 79% of its water bodies during the last four decades.

The study also revealed that Rampant urbanisation and exponential real estate growth are going to destroy Bengaluru’s ecosystem. “Buildings have come up in places where there were once trees or open spaces. Lakes and trees that surrounded you have quietly disappeared as a result of the urban sprawl,” the study says.

Deccan Herald has carried out an article on Bengaluru-based on a study conducted by the IISC, which presents a bleak picture for the city.

According to Professor TV Ramachandra of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the IISc the city is seeing a mad, senseless growth and its consequences can be disastrous in the near future. “What’s the point earning better when the food that you eat is adulterated? As a result of unplanned urbanisation, Bengaluru is going to be unlivable and dead. city in the next five years,” he told the Deccan Herald

He warns that Bengaluru, the most sought after among big cities – given its pleasant climate and the easy availability of land, a decent economy and low-key politics, till a few years ago, will be unliveable and a dead city within the next five years.

Urban expert Ashwin Mahesh said that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) was to blame, for not coming out with a sectoral plan. “The BDA has become an agency which facilitates land deals for the benefit of corrupt politicians. People feel it should be closed down,” he said.

Environmentalist Yellappa Reddy said, “The government is not competent enough to foresee the future implications of the present growth. There is no proper policy on land use and water. The land is being exploited on the whims and fancies of the politicians.” He urged the government to use 40,000 acres of evicted land for community benefits such as creating lung space, water bodies and playgrounds.

Prof Ramachandra said the government must take necessary steps to decongest Bengaluru. Besides banning new industries in the city, the government should make sure other districts get these economic benefits, he added. Architect Najeeb Khan is of the opinion that the government should create enough facilities in villages to minimise migration.

Hence, the IISC study clearly says “decongest immediately or perish forever”.