Mobility is our theme for the week; we have several articles covering various aspects of commuting in Bengaluru, from why BMTC and BMRCL should not be allowed to monopolise, to shuttle aggregator ZipGo’s ongoing tussle with the Transport Department. Also, in light of the recent incident at Vibgyor school in Whitefield, we tell you what precautions you can take and what you should do when you come into contact with wildlife in the city. All this and more…

This week’s highlight: Leopards on the mind

A sign cautioning drivers about leopards crossing the road. Pic: Mani Kaushik, Wikimedia Commons

There are claims of leopard sightings in Nallurahalli and nearby areas. The Forest Department has placed camera traps strategically to spot leopards if any. There is considerable amount of excitement in the air regarding leopards. Though the Education Department has announced holidays for schools in Marathahalli, Varthur, Immadihalli, Doddakannelli zones, some schools were working today. For people living in those areas, here are some useful things to keep in mind. Read: What to do if you spot a wild animal in city limits.

Mobility in Bengaluru

With the government not supporting ZipGo operations in Bengaluru citing technical reasons, ZipGo has knocked the doors of its users to support its cause with the government. Read: ZipGo appeals to citizens for support.

BMTC’s service is poor, while Metro serves few people, even as the government seems to reserve key corridors for BMRCL. So what is needed to find the right multimodal approach from a commuter’s perspective? Read: Dear CM, don’t let BMTC, Metro put kerchief.

Bengaluru needs about 13,000 to 15,000 buses to reach the kind of service levels that are seen globally. However, the current fleet strength is only 6,500 buses. Ashwin Mahesh stresses on the need for the government to bridge the gap on priority: What Bengaluru needs right now!

What does Bengaluru need? Public transport? Private players? Or a vision plan where all types of transport act complementary to one another? You decide, and support the cause! Read: BMTC? Or ZipGo? Or Both?

You can also:

Sign ZipGo’s petition now »
Ask the govt to allow private buses in Bangalore »
Ask the govt to form a transport authority »
Ask BMTC to give better services »

Something’s smelly in Bengaluru

Garbage strewn on the road, MS Building. Pic: Kathyayini Chamaraj

Kathyayini Chamaraj sends pictures of garbage at government office campuses in the heart of Bengaluru – at MS Building and at the office of the education department. What example are they setting? Read: Dear CM, Take action against govt offices violating High Court order on SWM.

Young women from NMKRV College took to the streets of Jayanagar to raise awareness about environmental pollution. Read: Addressing pollution through street plays.

Living by the lake

Thanks to a new STP coming up at Kundalahalli Lake, the lake will be fed with almost 800 kilolitres of treated water every day. Read how BBMP, residents and companies in the area came together to make this a reality. Read: Good news for Kundalahalli lake.

The Whitefield area is home to several lakes. And if you are an avid birdwatcher, you’re surely in for a treat when you visit any of these lakes. Read: Whitefield’s lakes are a haven for bird watchers.

Changemakers in the city

There are many Bengalureans who actively work with the authorities to better the city. Here is a challenge that’s looking to inspire more people to join the tribe. Read: The Common Purpose Challenge.

Out of the box

The ends of the transmission wires are fed into a bottle and sealed. Pic: Deepa Mohan

No short circuits, protection from the elements. Here’s an out of the box, ‘in the bottle’ idea by one of the power companies in Bengaluru. See: Eco-friendly jugaad.

Culturati

Though the 8th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival went off smoothly for the most part, it was not without its small share of controversies. Here’s a review of the film festival that was. Read: Lessons Bengaluru’s own film fest can take home.

The week that was

• The Bengaluru Police busted a child trafficking racket earlier this week, which involved sending children below 10 years of age to the US under false identities. The traffickers have apparently confessed that the children were being reunited with their biological parents who have been living in the US as illegal migrants.
• Hebbal assembly constituency will go to bypolls on February 13th. As many as 20 candidates are in the fray for the MLA election.
• The Bengaluru Metropolitan Planning Commission which will spearhead Bengaluru’s master plan for 2031 will go to polls on February 17th. The 18 members of BMPC will be elected from among the 198 members in the BBMP Council.
• The High Court has directed the BDA to remove all encroachments on Hosakerehalli lake in Bengaluru South within six months. According to a petitioner, 6 acres and 17.5 guntas of the 59.25-acre lake has been encroached upon.
• People are the lookout for a black Pulsar and its riders who have been accused of hitting pedestrians and speeding away in the Hennur area. Victims include a Nepali security guard whose nose was broken, and an ayurvedic therapist who was hit on the head.

Events this weekend

 Being Malayali, Februray 12th at Alliance Francaise

• Compositions for Rest and Play, an exhibition featuring the works of artist Fahd Burki is on display at Galleryske until February 12th.
• Watch Once Upon a Game, a documentary on hockey and its relevance to the Frazer Town area at FINS on February 12th.
• Kamesh Ramakrishna, author of The Last Kaurava, will be in conversation with Madhavi Mahadevan about his book at Bangalore International Centre on February 12th.
• Actor, radio jockey and stand-up comic will take the stage at Being Malayali at Alliance Francaise on February 12th.
• Make your way to Alliance Francaise on February 13th and 14th for Tortilla Theatre Festival which will feature 40 short plays/performances.
• Take a trip down Avenue Road and learn about its history at the Pettah Walk on February 14th.
• From February 14th until 20th, Goethe Institut invites book lovers to their library for a Blind Date with Books.
• If you’re a RK Narayan fan, head to Urban Solace for a discussion on his most loved work, Swami and Friends on February 14th.

To know more about events in Bengaluru, click here

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