January | 2014 | | Citizen Matters, Bengaluru

Environment

The City of Trees

January 31, 2014 Deepak Srinivasan

How Neralu, the Bangalore Tree Festival, came to be planned while exploring the historical, cultural and ecological aspects of Bangalore city through art, pedagogy and public engagement.

Illegal dumping at Somasundarapalya lake: Will the authorities intervene?

January 31, 2014 Ganga Madappa

For the past 2 years, the Somasundarapalya Lake Rehabilitation Trust has been trying to save the lake. Recent dumping of mud into the lake brings about renewed protests.

Governance

Councillors refuse to become techsavvy; BBMP to waste 48 lakhs on hard copies

January 31, 2014 Shree D N

A roundup of what was discussed in this month’s BBMP council meeting.

Citizens file objections to Akrama Sakrama draft rules

January 30, 2014 News Desk

Is Akrama Sakrama useful for all innocent citizens? Here are the loopholes in the Akrama Sakrama draft, highlighted by a couple of citizens.

Society

A champion for classical music in south-east Bangalore

January 30, 2014 News Desk

Ranjani Fine Arts has grown to be a champion for classical music in south-east Bangalore. Their annual music festival, Samyoga, is coming up in 2 weeks.

Aadhaar enrollment and status update experience: A few do’s and dont’s

January 30, 2014 Lakshmi

If you are in Bangalore and looking to enrol yourself to get Aadhaar card, here’s a guide for you.

Environment

Sarakki Lake judgment on Feb 17: Will the lake see a thousand birds again?

January 30, 2014 News Desk

Encroachment of Sarakki lake continues, even as the state government and other authorities have been instructed by the HC to evict encroachers.

Civic

Waste-pickers – Salvaging the city’s garbage

January 29, 2014 Nalini Shekar

The 2010 UN Habitat publication states that waste-pickers perform 50 to 100% of all ongoing waste collection in most cities in developing countries – at no cost to the city budget. How does it work for the waste-pickers in Bangalore?

Roads to be asphalted and improved in 2014 by BBMP

January 28, 2014 News Desk

The funds will be released by the state government.

Commute

BBMP takes up road works with GoK grants

January 27, 2014 Nikita Malusare

As many as 128 roads will be improved in the first phase, in Bangalore, through KRIDL and Land Army.

Governance

Getting a passport in Bangalore isn’t as tough as it used to be!

January 27, 2014 Ganga Madappa

Looking to get your passport? You can do it yourself without going through an agent. The Passport Seva portal is easy to use and can save you money. Here’s the dope on where and how to apply, the documents you will need and the process.

Infrastructure

BBMP boots out waste disposal firm that never started work

January 27, 2014 Nikita Malusare

BBMP terminated the contract with HBEPL after a series of notices and a nine-month-long wait.

Commute

Over 3500 Whitefield residents ask Railways to stop at Whitefield

January 24, 2014 News Desk

Residents from over 20 communities, led by a campaigner and federation leaders have petitioned the Railways to make Whitefield Railway Station commuter-friendly by making all trains stop there.

Governance

The Ugly Indian releases blackspot fixing report card

January 24, 2014 News Desk

The Ugly Indian presents the examples in Bangalore where citizens changed blackspots into beautiful public spaces, with little help from BBMP.

Rainfall in Bangalore over the last century: Has it really changed?

January 23, 2014 Gladwin Joseph

Wouldn’t it be good to understand the rainfall pattern for the year in advance, so that you can plan the water requirements and sources in advance? Historically Bangalore has received good and bad rains in alternative years.

Civic

Dept of Stamps and Registration to engage with citizens to bring in change

January 23, 2014 Shree D N

Imagine a day when you can check the authenticity and legality of the property you are buying, book your appointment online with Sub-registrar’s office and finish the registration with no help from middlemen! This is the dream a team of citizens hopes to bring in.

Governance

Additional Security Deposit for BESCOM: Some questions answered

January 22, 2014 Ganga Madappa

Additional security deposit is the difference between the security deposit with BESCOM and the billing corresponding to two months as per the revised rates.

Environment

Environment authority to review clearance to Bellandur lakebund project

January 20, 2014 Shree D N

Officials do not have an answer to the Upa Lokayukta’s question – who has to protect green belts in urban areas.

Environment

A feast for the eyes: Lalbagh Flower Show

January 18, 2014 News Desk

The 199th edition of the Lalbagh Flower Show is truly a feast for the eyes.

Socially responsible workplaces: Bringing the differently abled into the fold

January 17, 2014 Shanthi S

There was a time when many companies would not give a thought to hiring somebody who was differently abled. Not anymore! Several organisations across the country are hiring differently abled persons to their workforce.