April | 2016 | | Citizen Matters, Bengaluru

Sarjapur Road wetlands affected by realty projects; Manual scavenging, the killing curse; Journalism Workshop for Teens

April 27, 2016 News Desk

In this edition: 870-unit realty project helping kill lake wetlands off Sarjapura Road; In 21st century Bengaluru, men still die cleaning manholes; Why we don’t know what ails Bengaluru and more…

Here’s how to get khata without bribe—experience of a Bellandur citizen

April 27, 2016 Ramanathan Chellappan

Multiple calls and visits to BBMP offices, tackling multiple subtle and direct demands for bribe, this group of citizens finally got the khata without paying bribe.

In 21st century Bengaluru, men still die cleaning manholes

April 26, 2016 Karthik Ranganathan

Despite the government schemes to rehabilitate manual scavengers, the scavenging still continues. The caste stigma attached to it has become inseparable—jobs of sanitary workers are reserved to SC/STs, even in this modern era of computers and the internet!

Stop allowing builders from becoming ‘agents’ who hoard black money!

April 25, 2016 Ashwin Mahesh

BBMP, BDA, BESCOM, BWSSB, and other organisations should stop the practice of accepting deposits and payments from developers on behalf of home owners. Instead, they should set up a system by which the home owners

Why we don’t know what diseases affect Bangaloreans

April 24, 2016 Navya P K

Little data is available on what ails Bengalureans. But the available data on cancer, shows increased lung cancer due to air pollution. Nobody knows what other factors are affecting the health of Bengalureans.

870-unit realty project helping kill lake wetlands off Sarjapura Road

April 24, 2016 Akshatha M

The BDA and Environmental Clearance Committees sanctioned this project on the wetlands between Kasavanahalli and Kaikondrahalli lakes. Expert studies say it will affect the lakes. With residents opposing, case is on in the National Green Tribunal.

Curious case of disqualified voters!

April 22, 2016 Akshatha M

CEO Karnataka published the final electoral roll on January 11th. Surprisingly, over 2,000 voters have been disqualified from the list.

No studies, no data: air pollution continues to haunt Bengaluru

April 20, 2016 Navya P K

Anecdotes and basic studies show air pollution causes lung diseases in Bengaluru. But, nobody is collecting the data that can support strong measures to curb pollution.

Property Tax Guide 2016-17; Alternatives to sanitary napkins; Journo Workshop for Young People

April 20, 2016 News Desk

What is life like for a garment worker? Are there any alternatives to sanitary napkins? Is there someone looking out for our disappearing lakes? All this and more. Also, check out our new summer workshop in journalism for young citizens.

The present is real, the future unknown: a story of a garment worker

April 20, 2016 Akshatha M

Bengaluru saw a sudden eruption of protest by garment workers on Monday and Tuesday opposing the Central government’s new PF policy. One woman garment worker’s story gives us a glimpse into their lives.

NGO wants to plant 60,000 saplings in Karnataka in 41 days

April 20, 2016 News Desk

Imagine cycling through the length and breadth of Karnataka? That’s exactly what this NGO wants to do. And while they are at it, they want to plant 60,000 saplings across the state.

A green wedding—it’s possible!

April 20, 2016 Gadadhar Prem Kumar

The father of the groom shares a personal account of how one can celebrate something as grand as a wedding, without creating too much of a burden on the environment.

Old RBANMS building, 19th century bungalow among winners of Heritage Awards

April 17, 2016 Meera Iyer

INTACH announces the winners of the 2nd edition of the Heritage Awards, set up to bring attention and recognition to buildings of heritage value in Bengaluru.

Residents ask govt to save Kaikondrahalli, Kasavanahalli lake wetlands

April 17, 2016 Shilpi Sahu

Constructions continue unabated in the wetland between Kaikondrahalli and Kasavanahalli lakes. Pic: Adity Roy Nair. Kaikondrahalli Lake located on Sarjapur Road is a 48-acre urban lung space and water reservoir in the water starved region

Whitefield resident wants to help the blind identify Rupee notes. You can help him do it!

April 14, 2016 Paul D'souza

The visually impaired find it difficult to identify Indian currency notes, and often get cheated in their transactions. Here’s a Whitefield resident whose invention can make a difference to them!

The black sea of Namma Bengaluru: Bellandur lake in pictures

April 13, 2016 Akshatha M

Deep waters in the heart of Bellandur Lake tell the story of what is wrong with the lake and how it can be fixed. A pictorial journey into the centre of the lake.

Minister has no money for lakes, but scientist sees money in the lakes

April 13, 2016 Akshatha M

Minister George says there are no funds available for lake rejuvenation; while IISC scientist says the silt in the lake can be sold to make money. A look into how two teams are looking to save Bellandur lake!

The black waters of Bellandur lake; Is BBMP committing contempt of court?; Support systems for newly released prisoners

April 13, 2016 News Desk

Is there any hope for Bellandur Lake? What support does the government offer to released convicts? Is BBMP committing contempt of court by failing to deal with the garbage crisis? All this and more…

Mount Carmel College and Takshashila launch an MA in Public Policy

April 12, 2016 Pavan Srinath

Public policy is a sunrise area in the field of education. And here is a course for women interested in public policy.

When a better life seems a distant dream for freed convicts

April 12, 2016 Akshatha M

Rehabilitation is key for newly released prisoners, to avoid social stigma and financial problems. What are Karnataka’s policies to support them?