OPINION

During the lockdown, we have seen MPs and MLAs distribute rations, organise home delivery, and so on. But they have a far bigger role – to ensure that the government machinery delivers as promised.

A few key items in the 209-page document are enough to reveal the sordid picture. Almost every important graph on the excel sheet is in sharp decline, reflecting disarray in city administration and the pulls and pressures that have prevented it from meeting even the basic needs of the city’s residents.

Bengalureans will likely have to deal with the effects of COVID-19 for long. By setting up Disaster Management Cells at the ward level, we can ensure that everyone stays safe and that their needs are met.

The administration will soon have to take tough decisions on gradually easing the lockdown and restarting the economy. But this isn’t going to be easy. Here are some pointers on how the lockdown can be relaxed in Bengaluru.

During the lockdown, State has not been able to ensure food and shelter to many migrant workers. But with some coordinated effort, it’s possible to retain migrants in the city while taking care of their basic needs.

Handwashing and personal hygiene are critical to protecting ourselves from coronavirus. But as summer approaches, Bengaluru faces the threat of water scarcity again. How can authorities and citizens handle this problem?

As per environmental jurisprudence, the polluter has to pay. But apartment STPs (sewage treatment plants) are usually set up and approved by five different players. So who’s the real polluter when an STP is defective?

BBMP has announced plans to “beautify” 35 junctions in the city at the cost of Rs 100 crore. But how have its previous beautification attempts fared?

Forensic investigation should ideally provide clinching evidence in rape cases. Then why are conviction rates so low?

The draft Comprehensive Mobility Plan is problematic from the legal, technical and financial perspectives

Perpetrators in rape cases often enjoy impunity, or take years to be brought to justice as in the Nirbhaya case. We need better policing and judicial systems to change this

The Comprehensive Mobility Plan almost neglects cycling – it proposes just 174 km of cycling tracks while about 4000 km of tracks can be built. Bicycle sharing hubs also get little allocation in the plan