Citizen Journalism | Citizen Matters, Bengaluru

Residential areas illegally commercialised, JP Nagar-ites protest

July 12, 2019 Anand Mangalam

The area around 24th Main road in JP Nagar is to be largely used for residential purposes, as per the city’s Revised Master Plan (RMP 2015). But illegal commercialisation, and that too without adequate parking facilities, has made life here a nightmare for residents

Plan local development, highlight civic issues at your ward committee meeting

July 11, 2019 Pravar Chaudhary

At ward committee meetings, you can discuss any local issue – from potholes to your ward’s annual budget. Know more about how you can make a difference in your locality by taking part in these meetings

Bengaluru’s street vendors: A vibrant community deprived of rights

June 28, 2019 Bhargavi S Rao

Carts of street food that offer a quick snack, little stalls selling just what you were looking for – street vendors are an integral part of life in Bengaluru. But why isn’t the government implementing the law that upholds their right to work?

Elevated corridors: Environment Clearance was issued in just two weeks

June 22, 2019 Varadarajan Raman

The EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) report of elevated corridors spans 345 pages, but it took authorities just two weeks to approve it and issue Environment Clearance to the project. This is despite the EIA avoiding a detailed study of many environmental impacts

“Why do they need two brooms every month?”

June 20, 2019 Zibi Jamal

Our spaces have been designed to only cater to a certain segment of the population – the able-bodied. Making matters worse, is our complete ignorance of how life is for people with disabilities

Bellandur and Varthur lake revival speeds up, public meeting on June 21st

June 13, 2019 Jagadish Reddy

After decades of neglect, Bellandur and Varthur lakes are now on the fast track to being revived, after the intervention of a NGT-appointed committee. The committee will also hold its first public meeting this month

Remembering Girish Karnad

June 12, 2019 Kishan Ramamurthy

A theatre artist remembers how Girish Karnad’s contributions to literature, theatre and cinema has inspired him over the years. The greatest tribute to Karnad would be to celebrate his works, says the author

Agara lake revival: A saga of citizen-government collaboration

June 6, 2019 Kavitha Reddy

In her handbook ‘Our Agara Lake’, Kavitha Reddy describes how a citizens’ movement saved the lake, with the support of authorities. The lake, which was a garbage dump site earlier, is now teeming with visitors

To beat air pollution, redesign Bengaluru’s action plan

June 5, 2019 Bhargavi S Rao

A 44-point action plan was proposed recently to improve Bengaluru’s air quality. But the actions proposed are ineffective and undemocratic, opines the author

Cyclists campaign for safety on Bengaluru roads

June 4, 2019 Sathya Sankaran

Though more Bengalureans are taking to cycling now, cyclists are highly unsafe on the roads. This Sunday, over 3000 cyclists rode on the streets, calling for motorists to keep them safe

Demolished bridge, upcoming sewer line, leaves ST Bed Layout stranded

June 4, 2019 Muralidhar Rao

Over two months back, BBMP demolished the Maharaja Junction bridge that connected ST Bed Layout residents to the main road. The new bridge was to be built in 45 days, but work has been in limbo after the BWSSB came up with new plans to build a sewerage line beneath the stormwater drain under the bridge!

Men Take Lead: Against treating menstruating women as untouchables

May 28, 2019 Urmila Chanam

Around 120 riders participated in a bike ride on Sunday to mark the international Menstrual Hygiene Day that falls on May 28th. The rally called for stopping isolation of women and treating them as untouchables during menstruation