CITIZEN MATTERS Bangalore’s own interactive newsmagazine Speak up, it’s your city!
This week’s highlight: Reality behind dengue numbers in Bengaluru
Almost every Bangalorean either knows of somebody who has had dengue or has suffered from the disease themselves. However, the official figure is pegged at 1,249 cases in 2015 until now. So what is the reality? Here’s an in-depth analysis on the incidence of dengue in Bengaluru.
October 1st is celebrated as International Day of Older Persons. Here are some articles from our archives so you can look out for the elderly around you.
Many Bangaloreans were wonderstruck when the encroachment clearance drive took place on Sarakki lake bed sometime back. What is the status now? A citizen shares the latest update. Read: It’s business as usual on Sarakki lake bed.
Parks are for all. Cubbon Park sees all kinds of people every day. Pic: Shree DN
Cubbon Park is one of the last green spaces left in Bengaluru. Who is fighting for what, with regards to the park? What have the fights achieved? And what does the future spell? Read: Will civic activism help improve Cubbon Park.
Food for thought
How have present-day Bangaloreans adapted to Kannada? Here’s Deepa Mohan’s observation, one that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Read: State of the language.
The animals around us
Blue Tigers. Pic: Deepa Mohan
It’s that time of the year when the Blue Tiger makes its way to the Western Ghats. Keep your peeled for these butterflies as they flit past you when you are out and about. Read: Butterfly journeys.
The week that was
A workshop was conducted for the new corporators, by the State government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the corporators who strive to achieve a zero garbage ward will be rewarded. BBMP was told to present a realistic budget and to collect Rs 3,000 crores of property tax.
The BBMP’s first council meeting after the new council was formed, witnessed nothing more than talks by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and senior corporators. Prior to the meeting, BJP corporators staged a protest outside the council hall opposing the Congress-JD(S) coalition.
The High Court has adjourned the hearing of petitions questioning rights of MLAs, MLCs and MPs to vote in the Mayoral election, to October 6th.
Bellandur lake which was in news for emitting toxic foam few months ago, has once again made news for the same reason. Froth has been flying out of the lake and disturbing motorists and pedestrians alike. BWSSB is trying to douse the foam using sprinklers.
Villagers of Kannahalli and Seegehalli vandalised Karnataka Compost Development Corporation’s new garbage processing unit at Kannahalli which started functioning only a fortnight ago. The villagers have complained of foul smell emanating from the plant.
As many as 150 Lokayukta officials and staff were transferred on a single day across the State, on Saturday. This is the result of a High Court order which set a deadline of September 29th to transfer Lokayukta staff who have completed two to five years of work in the agency.
The Forest Cell of BBMP will soon start a tree survey in the city to find out how many trees are present in the city and how many will be cut in the process of making city’s arterial roads signal free. The survey is likely to be completed in 3 months.
The Karnataka bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations in favour of the Kalasa-Banduri project was more or less peaceful in Bengaluru. However, with buses and taxis off road, normal life was hit.
Events this week
Bangalore Bird Day is being celebrated on the occasion of Dr Joseph George’s birth anniversary at Venkatappa Art Gallery this evening. Dr George was one of the pioneers of group bird watching in India.
Watch A World Not Ours, an intimate, humorous, portrait of three generations of exile in the refugee camp of Ein el-Helweh, in southern Lebanon at Bangalore International Centre this evening.
Think Global, Build Social, an exhibit on social housing is on display at Max Mueller Bhavan from today until October 17th.
For a good laugh, head to Humming Tree this evening and watch comedians Radhika Vaz and Naveen Richard take the stage at Barking Mad. Proceeds from the show will go towards the upkeep of stray dogs in Bengaluru.
Make your way to Bhoomi College for Bhoomi Utsav, a festival of organic food and produce, folk art and craft, music, dance and talk on October 2nd.
Camp Under The Stars on the night of October 2nd to experience the realities of the homeless, and help NGOs working to provide them shelter.
Drop in for the Basavanagudi Darshan on October 3rd and take a stroll through the heritage temples and monuments of the area.
Click here for the complete list of events in Bengaluru.
On the heels of a victory in southwest Bengaluru that is going to result in 800 khatas being issued without bribes, Dr Shankara Prasad spiritedly states the obvious: collective efforts can help fight corruption and helps the community grow.
Former BBMP Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena shut down the one mechanism BBMP had to fight building violations. His successor Siddaiah announced two moves this week to remedy the mess.
A Citizen Matters check found out there is widespread interest amongst citizens in helping the city shake off the ‘garbage’ city tag, but there is much ground to be covered.
