In Focus – Citizen Matters, Bengaluru

Can a security guard in Bengaluru aspire for more?

June 17, 2019 Deepa Vaishnavi V M

Security guards are ubiquitous in the city. But how well do they earn, and what options for career growth do they have? Here is the story of Merajul Hoque who migrated from Assam five years ago, to be a guard in Bengaluru

Bengaluru non-profit builds play spaces from scrap

May 30, 2019 Sakshi Rao

As children’s play spaces are shrinking, the non-profit Anthill Creations has been transforming government school playgrounds and open spaces in the city. Anthill uses scrap materials to build durable, innovative play structures

The economics of being a cab driver in Bengaluru

May 7, 2019 Deepa Vaishnavi V M

Sridhar, a native of Kunigal taluk, had come to Bengaluru as a teenager nearly 25 years back. After working as driver for a family, for Ola Cabs and for a government department, he is still unable to make ends meet. His story reflects that of many cab drivers in the city

Why you don’t have a say in tree felling in Bengaluru

April 2, 2019 Shree D N

If more than 50 trees are to be axed for any project, authorities have to consult the public first, as per law. But how do authorities manage to avoid public consultations even when they axe hundreds of trees for mega projects?

Namma Metro: Trees axed in Whitefield, compensatory planting in Uttara Kannada. Here’s why

April 1, 2019 Shree D N

Hundreds of trees in Bengaluru are being felled for Metro rail, but compensatory saplings are often planted outside the city, or maybe never. Officials do not keep track of the saplings or ensure their survival either

Why the air inside your home could be as toxic as that outside

March 13, 2019 Arjun Rajan

India’s dubious distinction in terms of air quality is widely discussed, but the focus of discussion has typically been outdoor pollution. Yet, right here in Bengaluru, indoor pollution poses serious risks for several communities, cutting across class. What are the sources of indoor pollution and how can it be addressed?

With meagre pay and unhealthy conditions, why do Bengaluru pourakarmikas continue in their jobs?

February 26, 2019 Krupa Sriram

Illiteracy, caste dynamics and social constraints of a migrant worker — a survey in Whitefield reveals the mix of factors that keep a pourakarmika bound to her profession, irrespective of the conditions and compensation.

Long-neglected Varthur lake awaits rejuvenation

February 21, 2019 Arjun Rajan

Very little has been done over the years by the authorities in rejuvenating Varthur lake. The recent National Green Tribunal order on Varthur and Bellandur lakes comes as a respite to the citizens around the area.

The lake of thousand birds to receive treated water by mid-year

January 31, 2019 Arjun Rajan

Sarakki lake saw a host of demolitions when it got flooded a few years ago. Lake teams working for the rejuvenation of the lake have had an eventful journey along with the lake, which will see water entering into it in a few months.

Why HSR residents are fighting in court against KCDC compost plant

January 25, 2019 Arjun Rajan

Years of follow ups have not been able to help the KCDC plant in HSR Layout function scientifically, and residents are bearing the brunt. A residents welfare association has recently filed a writ petition in the High Court demanding the closure of the plant.

Study explores best practices to save electricity in Bengaluru’s apartments

January 24, 2019 Sumedha Malaviya

Electricity alone contributes up to a quarter of the maintenance charges in apartments. Ten apartments participated in a study which came up with the list of interventions to reduce electricity usage.

Two-stroke autos: banned but not out; going electric could be a solution to pollution

January 23, 2019 Rahna Jacob

Retrofitting old two-stroke autos with an electric engine could be a noiseless, non-polluting solution to air pollution. However, government subsidies are not yet being offered to those looking to go electric.