Sometimes I notice large trees sprouting out of the sidewalk that have either never been removed or have grown there over a long period of time. These trees often serve as additional support for cable and electricity lines. It's kind of a natural alternative to the metal or wooden man-made pole.
Indians have a complicated relationship with waste. In part based off Hindu culture, there's this pervasive perception that certain people are inherently responsible for certain jobs. This is where caste-based thinking comes in. I still don't completely understand the concept. Basically, some Indians that belong to a higher caste feel waste jobs are meant for those of lower castes. This ultimately means that many Indians have this perception that waste is "someone else's" job. So some Indians litter indiscriminately. There are municipial workers who clean up some of this garbage in the early mornings, but garbage tends to pile up throughout the day.
Regardless, Indian life moves on and people have adapted to these minor hindrances. Waste in most parts of Bengaluru seems to be dealt with sooner or later, and dogs, cows and rats are accustomed to the waste and scavenge the piles at night. I've literally seen all three of these creatures scavenging the same pile of trash at the same time. So it's an important part of the city's ecosystem, in a sense. As for pedestrians like me, it's all a matter of watching your step.
On the other hand, the messy sidewalks have their consequences which could perhaps be avoided with a change of tact. Sewage and run-off aren't the only things that seep under the sidewalks. Waste is often tossed inside as well.
