News Citizen Matters, Bengaluru

Bengaluru Buzz: Indira canteens struggle | BBMP promises E-khatas | Anjanapura Metro line operation from Dec…and more

November 29, 2020 News Desk

Catch up on news from the city over the past week, in our roundup.

Guide to installing a rooftop solar plant in your apartment

November 27, 2020 Rishabh Shrivastava

Many apartments in Bengaluru have been saving lakhs of rupees in maintenance charges after installing rooftop solar panels. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to install these systems, what could be the benefits, and what problems to look out for.

Bengaluru apartments rush to install rooftop solar panels ahead of likely policy change

November 26, 2020 Rishabh Shrivastava

Many apartments in Bengaluru are rushing to install solar panels given the likelihood of change in rules soon. Rooftop solar systems have led to huge savings in their maintenance costs, apartment associations say.

Who should govern Bengaluru’s lakes — the government or the community? Or both?

November 23, 2020 Mimansa Sidhnath

A recent study shows that Bengaluru’s deteriorating lakes are best governed by a combination of government and the community. The study also looks at how such partnerships can evolve.

Bengaluru Buzz: ‘Cleanest’ air among cities post Deepavali | Lowest covid deaths | College attendance thin… and more

November 21, 2020 News Desk

Catch up on news from the city this week, in our roundup.

Why Moogi died, how Suma survived: A tale of two women–10 years apart

November 20, 2020 Madhu Bhushan

One died, due to the callousness of a govt hospital. One survived, thanks to a few committed government health officials. Did COVID make the difference?

Madiwala market’s journey of managing its waste problem

November 19, 2020 Suhasini Hathwar and Padmashree Balaram

What is waste to one person is an asset to another when given at the right time and in the required manner. A project undertaken at Madiwala Market shows how.

Filing a consumer case? Be prepared to wait two years

November 18, 2020 Prachi Pinglay-Plumber

There is a one in two chance of winning a consumer case, data from Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions in Bengaluru shows. Most cases are to do with housing, insurance and banking disputes.

Why Bengaluru sex workers couldn’t get ration kits during lockdown

November 17, 2020 Annam Suresh

Bengaluru’s sex workers didn’t get ration kits or financial aid during the lockdown despite government’s promises. Stigma, absence of a cohesive community, lack of documents, etc., have prevented them from accessing support.

Livelihoods dependent on Bengaluru lakes can be protected, here’s how

November 16, 2020 Mohit M Rao

When a lake is rejuvenated, those dependent on the lake for food or livelihoods usually lose access to it. But there are ways to conserve lakes while also protecting livelihoods.

How did bygone Bengaluru celebrate Deepavali? A citizen recounts

November 14, 2020 Sudha Narasimhachar

A Bengalurean reminisces about Deepavali celebrations of her childhood during the 60s and 70s.

Bengaluru Buzz: Green crackers for Deepavali | No COVID spike from RR Nagar bypoll | White-topping lags… and more

November 14, 2020 News Desk

Catch up on news from the city this week, in our roundup.

Opinion: “We love Deepavali – we just need to cancel the noise and smoke…”

November 13, 2020 Priya Chetty Rajagopal

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has backtracked on his decision to ban firecrackers this Deepavali. But we can still push the administration to ensure that only green crackers are burnt in Bengaluru, that too during the specified timings.

Local residents suffer as Bengaluru lakes no longer offer food, livelihoods

November 13, 2020 Mohit M Rao

Bengaluru lakes once offered a buffet of greens and fish to those in the neighbourhood. The trees around lakes yielded fruits and seeds that could be either devoured or sold in the markets. But pollution and flawed rejuvenation projects have stopped local communities from accessing lakes.

Communal riots aren’t new to Bengaluru. Here’s what a history of riots says about the city

November 11, 2020 Shatarupa Bhattacharyya

The DJ Halli riots this year got much attention, but communal violence isn’t entirely new to Bengaluru. Here’s a look at communal riots over the past century, and what it says about the city.