Before we get into our stories, two quick announcements.
Citizen Matters now in Chennai…
Any readers from Tamil Nadu gearing up to vote in the upcoming Elections? We have alpha launched our portal for Chennai, with all the news on the Elections. Who’s contesting from where, what are political parties promising in their manifestos, how to find your polling booth…
All this and more in the Chennai edition of Citizen Matters: chennai.citizenmatters.in. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. Please share the news with your friends and family from Chennai!
Help our 5 runners reach their target!
You will know by now that we have five runners participating in the TCS World 10K this Sunday, and that they are raising funds for special coverage on lakes, waste management and more. We have raised 49.27% of our target of Rs 3,00,000, and we need your help to get to the finish line. Click on the below links for more information.
Thej for Open Data | Shilpi for Lakes | Kalyan for SWM | Raghu for SWM | Jothi for Education
This is our last pitch for funds till our next cycle in end-2016. We request you to open your hearts (and your wallets) and contribute generously to our runners’ campaigns.
This week’s highlight: All about the new Bengaluru Blue Print Action Group
In the backdrop of the formation of the Bengaluru Blue Print Action Group (BBPAG) that was constituted recently, we take a look at the other similar groups that were formed in the past and what happened to them. Read: After many visions, now it’s action time for Bengaluru!
Also read:
Teen asks Metro to allow cycles
Last mile connectivity is still a problem for many commuters using the Metro. Sanjith Rao, 14, writes why BMRCL should allow people to carry cycles into the Metro. Read: A plea to BMRCL to allow cycles on the Metro.
Unbridled development in Bengaluru
The housing crisis in the US has a lesson for Bengaluru says Sudha Narasimhachar. Uncontrolled development that does not match the income of the citizenry is taking a toll on ecology too. Read: The big Bangalore bubble – wake up before it bursts!
If you are planning to invest in an apartment that promises a ‘lake view’, think twice! The building may just be coming up on the catchment area of a lake. Read: Why we need our lakes.
Construction debris directs sewage to Kaikondrahalli lake
The lake of sewage, formed due to the construction debris blocking its path. Pic: Shilpi Sahu
Yesterday evening, raw sewage gushed into Kaikondrahalli lake for almost three hours. While residents did their best to stop it, the problem is more acute. How construction debris is letting sewage enter Kaikondrahalli lake.
Litterbug
BBMP has put its foot down to make the implementation of plastic ban a success. However, ward level citizen volunteers are an essential ingredient in the success of plastic ban and scientific waste management. Read: BBMP seeks help in each ward.
On Sunday, residents of Ward 80, Hoysala Nagar, were informed that Subodh Yadav, Commissioner for SWM would meet them at 9 am. This, despite BBMP knowing about the meeting three days prior. Read: Residents of Ward 80 meet with Subodh Yadav to address the garbage menace.
Politicians are responsible for visual pollution in the form of posters, banners and billboards in the city of Bengaluru. The city needs a break from ‘political litter’, argues Kavitha Reddy.
The no so nice realities of NICE road
NICE Road has seen many deadly accidents and figures in the list of places where accidents take place regularly. Pic: Ankita Deb
NICE Road, which is supposed to help commuters bypass Bangalore’s traffic, has become a death trap with unregulated traffic. It’s time that the government takes note, says a citizen. Read: Govt must ensure safety on NICE road.
Health of slum dwellers
A report from the International Symposium on Health in Slums that was held in Bengaluru in April shows that a variety of factors take a toll on the health of slum-dwellers. Read: Slum dwellers prone to Type 2 diabetes.
Food for thought
A special post for Mother’s Day from Divya Sreedharan. She recalls the skirmish that took place recently on a popular Facebook group called Mums of Bangalore, and asks what the arguments on social media on culture and inclusion are really about.
News you can use
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Though Metro’s Purple Line has become fully operational, commuters who want to park their vehicles at the Mysore Road station are unhappy. With no security guards or parking attendants to manage the flow of vehicles, people have taken to parking their vehicles haphazardly.
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In order to prevent flooding in the city during the monsoons, the BBMP has set out to fix vulnerable spots around the city. BBMP Chief Engineer Siddegowda said that of the 224 spots that were identified, 65 have already been repaired, and repair work has begun in 37 spots.
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The fish in Ulsoor lake went belly-up once again earlier this week. Earlier in March, thousands of fish were found floating on the surface on the lake. At the time, authorities stated that it was a result of depleted oxygen levels in the water, because of excess untreated sewage flowing into the lake.
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18 bonded labourers were rescued from a brick factory in Anekal on May 11th. One of the families was held in bondage in the factory for seven years, while two other families were trapped for five years and three years respectively. A case has been registered at the Attibele police station under IPC 370 (Trafficking of Persons) and the Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act, 1976.
Events this week
Theatre: Untitled – Alliance Francaise – May 13th, 14th and 15th
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What happens when a family has an unwanted child? Watch how it unfolds at Untitled, being staged at Alliance Francaise on May 13th, 14th and 15th.
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Learn about Namma Bengaluru’s Connections with the mapping of India and determining the shape of the earth at Bangalore International Centre on May 13th.
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What happens when a German puppet meets its Indian counterpart? How do they communicate? Find out at the Fusion Puppet Show at NUMA Bengaluru on May 13th.