Valmiki Nagar is a compact and beautiful residential colony in Thiruvanmiyur, comprising four Seaward Roads that run East-West and Balakrishnan Road running North-South that bisects them.
The quality of the roads in Valmiki Nagar, re-laid over 10 years ago, has deteriorated over the years, with large patches of exposed areas, loose stones and so on.
The volunteers (me being one of them) of the Valmiki Nagar Residents Association took up the request for relaying of roads with the councillor of Ward 180 and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Assistant Engineer (AE). Here is how the road laying went —
Pre-approval phase
After considerable follow-up, the roads were included in a relaying list, after inspection by a team from the GCC’s head office in early 2023.
In addition to the relaying of the road, the volunteers of Valmiki Nagar also gave a schematic showing the water stagnation locations, and the list of speed breakers that needed to be corrected. The schematic was a map developed after we surveyed the roads for water logging after overnight rains.
Read more: Getting piped water supply to homes in Chitlapakkam
To their credit, the councillor and GCC AE visited the area more than once, observed the condition of the roads, understood the need for correcting the high speed breakers and noted the locations for the new rain water wells.
All good so far.
Post-approval honeymoon
During our periodic interactions with the councillor and AE, we were told about which roads in Valmiki Nagar are included, when the tenders were issued, when the award of contract to the contractors (the tendering was done for a lot of areas in Chennai) was done, etc.
We were called for a meeting with the councillor and the GCC AE and were requested to have the cars of the residents moved during the re-laying period. Since a large number of cars belonging to owners living in neighbouring areas are parked, we requested to have them removed with the help of the local police to which the GCC AE agreed.
We were happy with the way things were progressing, and we posted in the Valmiki Nagar Residents WhatsApp group about the meeting we had with the councillor and the GCC AE and informed all residents that the roads are going to re-laid soon.
Beginning of the rumblings
Neither the councillor nor the AE could say when the road laying will start. It became apparent that the scheduling of relaying of the roads (even with their jurisdiction) was way above their pay grade! The pulls and pressures for prioritisation of laying roads in different areas in the zone, the choice of the contractors from the approved lot, and other considerations seem to play a big part in scheduling of work, thus leading to its delay.
Throes and woes continued
![valmikinagar](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bad-road-valmikinagar-chennai-MAR2024-576x1024.jpg)
There were multiple ‘puli varudhu’ promises about the commencement of the milling work. While in all fairness, the AE was not responsible, the false alarms did bring in some amount of diffidence and disappointment among the residents.
Then there were the cars of outsiders that were parked on our roads. Road milling could only take place once these were removed. We had assumed that GCC would have told the Greater Chennai Traffic Police to have the cars moved. But that was not so. That responsibility fell on us! We called the traffic police in the night, who came and got the cars removed by summoning the owners.
Finally, the road was milled, and we were looking forward to the road to be re-laid with Bitumen Concrete— the next step in the process.
Then came the rains! The work that was delayed by 3-4 months came to a grinding halt.
Post rains, the ‘puli varudhu’ saga continued. Work was supposed to commence in the first week of January and after a few false starts, the relaying of the milled road was done.
However, the quality of road works in Valmiki Nagar has been poor in many parts. The compacting was insufficient in many places, because of which there was spalling i.e. potholes being added in those areas. We showed these areas to the councillor who said that she would have them rectified. We sent the photos to the AE too. It has been three months since the initial complaint and yet no rectification has been done so far.
![valmikinagar](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/road-car-valmikinagar-Bala-MAR2024-779x1024.jpg)
Then came another rude shock — the bitumen concrete was not laid on Storm Water Drainage (SWD) trenches. This meant that we were going to lose about 4 feet of width of the road! Ultimately this has led to the storm water drain sides to become permanent parking places for cars!
While this was happening, the newspapers were full of reports citing the number of roads being built by the GCC, the speed at which they were being done, and other such accomplishments.
Where are we now?
![valmikinagar](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/patched-road-valmikinagar-chennai-MAR2024-1024x619.jpg)
In a small area comprising five roads, the total length planned to be re-laid is less than 2,000 metres:
- Re-laying of the roads as planned was completed in mid March, six months after work was started.
- Speed breakers that were levelled have to be laid.
- In over 400 metres off-road where SWD trenches are there, we have lost four feet of width and ‘gained’ a permanent parking lot.
- Patch repairs have been done in two stretches where the newly laid road had gotten damaged. GCC AE and Councillor have to be appreciated for this work.
But the damages to the road after the re-laying on the west side of 4th Seaward Road, remain unattended, despite several complaints from our side.
Read more: Lessons from residents’ efforts to remove bins in Valmiki Nagar in Chennai
Some lessons: how to improve the process of road relaying
Adequate staffing
Normal staffing of the city corporation is not geared to coordinate and provide the necessary oversight for projects like this, especially when the roads are laid simultaneously in multiple locations.
GCC can consider hiring temporary staff (can be fresh engineers/diploma holders) during this period to coordinate with residents, police and such.
Elaborate preparation
It is essential to have the road clear for the machines to carry out milling and relaying the road effectively.
The above-mentioned temporary staff can be utilised to give prior notice to residents through the association, coordinate for pruning of trees, the branches of which impede movement of the equipment, and coordinate with traffic police for removal of vehicles.
Improved Inspection
The work is done at night, and the lighting is not adequate to see if the compacting is adequate. The GCC should consider including an inspection in the morning of the previous nights’ work
Special permission for movement of vehicles
Since the work involves movement of heavy vehicles, the work generally starts after 10 pm, mostly nearer to 11 pm, especially for road laying work. Usually, the contractor works with a target to complete a certain length. This results in inadequate time for sufficient compacting, which is the final activity of road laying. We noticed these two segments of road laying in Valmiki Nagar.
The GCC should be given special permission for their contractors to bring in their vehicles from 8 pm. The work can start at 9 pm. This way there will be adequate time for compacting of the roads.
In conclusion
The residents want their roads to be re-laid without compromises. The councillor wants his/her voters to be happy. GCC has made a commitment to improve roads. The AE needs to have a good relationship with the residents. The contractor also wants to do a good job (this was evident from the conversations we had with supervisors of three contractors). But the constraints and circumstances under which the work is planned, scheduled and executed are not conducive for timely and quality work.
GCC can consider adopting the measures suggested in this article to improve quality and timeliness of road works and bring delight to the citizens of Chennai.
Also read:
- Waiting for water: Thoraipakkam residents demand speedy implementation of CMWSSB scheme
- How citizen protests can help fix civic issues in Chennai
Have you been to the Surajpur wetland, near Surajpur village in Gautam Budh Nagar district? Located in the midst of an expansive industrial city under the administrative purview of the Greater Noida Development Authority, it reveals itself as a mosaic of a sprawling lake, towering trees and thousands of birds, many flying in from distant lands. As you enter the wetland, the guards tell you not to go beyond the second viewpoint. It is untamed territory, the domain of many wild animals, they warn.
However, all has not been well in this sanctuary of nature. In January 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Department (UPPCB) collected samples of untreated waste from an industrial unit adjacent to the Surajpur wetland, after several environmentalists alleged that hundreds of trees in a 20-acre area of the wetland had been destroyed due to effluent discharge.
This was not the first time. Samples had been collected a year ago and tests had indicated the presence of high levels of heavy metals in untreated effluents. Much of this was being discharged in a drain connected to the wetland. This, environmentalists say, has caused significant loss of biodiversity in this prominent birding hotspot.
“In the month of January, it came to our notice that a number of trees were destroyed in the Surajpur Wetland. There are factories and a residential area called Surajpur nearby from where effluents flow into the wetland, leading to waterlogging. Additionally, an attached drain has overflowed, causing extensive damage to a number of trees,” says Vikrant Tongad, an environment conservationist who has extensively worked for the protection of Surajpur Wetland.
Read more: Novel ecosystems: How our cities are changing nature
A study sharing satellite images has revealed a considerable reduction in the wetland area over the past 13 years. The deterioration has largely been a consequence of escalating urbanisation and construction of towering modern buildings in Greater Noida, wherein wetlands are increasingly being encroached.
What we stand to lose when we lose our wetlands
A wetland is land area that is saturated with water, either throughout the year or at different intervals of time during the year. They are typically shallow, thus, allowing the sunlight to penetrate into the surface facilitating plant growth through photosynthesis, making them one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on the planet. Wetlands occupy around 6% of the Earth’s surface in total. However, despite their small footprint, they are critical freshwater habitats.
Himanshu Thakkar, Coordinator, South Asia Network on Dams, River, and People (SANDRP) says, “Wetlands perform a number of functions. For instance, they facilitate groundwater recharge, function as biodiversity hotspots, and provide livelihoods, reduce the flooding in the city, and change the microclimate around it. From a climate change point of view, they act as carbon sinks. They are extremely important for the ecology of the city.”
Historically, however, wetlands were considered to have little to no value, and were largely deemed as wasteland. As a result, they were either drained or transformed into the so-called more productive land.
The perils of Delhi’s wetlands
Surajpur is a manifestation of a much larger problem. According to Vikrant Tongad, there are rarely any remaining wetlands in Delhi. There is a common belief among people that wetlands are merely marshlands with limited utility, so that they are often dismissed due to concerns such as mosquito breeding. As Vikrant points out, current rules for the conservation and management of wetlands in India were notified only in 2017, replacing the earlier 2010 guidelines.
![Environmentalists working at the Surajpur wetland in New Delhi](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Surjapur-wetland-Delhi-Vikram-Tongad.jpg)
“Delhi is under immense population pressure. The city demands systematic management, including protection of areas surrounding wetlands from the encroachment of highways, construction, and buildings,” he says, “Surajpur, for instance, is an important biodiversity habitat. While people go to these places to see birds, have picnics, and spend time there, very few of them are actually willing to work for its protection. Out of the funds authorities invested, some were used, and the rest misused.”
Tongad is currently in a legal tussle to ensure that those responsible for discharging treated or untreated effluents into the wetland are held accountable. He has filed a case in the Supreme Court against the National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s decision to exclude the six low-lying areas near the Surajpur wetland from being categorised as wetlands. The NGT had ruled that in the absence of any revenue record, it cannot recognise these areas as wetlands.
However, according to the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, all wetlands — regardless of their characteristics such as location, size, ownership, biodiversity or ecosystem services values — are eligible for notification and by extension, protection under the Rules. There are only a few exceptions to this, such as river channels, paddy fields, and human-made water bodies specifically constructed for drinking water, aquaculture, salt production, recreation, and irrigation purposes.
Over the past century, India has lost 50% of its total wetlands. According to the Wetland Authority of Delhi (WAD), the national capital is reported to have over 1000 wetlands and waterbodies. However, none of them are officially notified, leaving them critically exposed to exploitation.
According to data accessed by the Hindu, the Wetland Authority of Delhi has even received requests from some of the 16 agencies that own water bodies in the city (see table below), seeking the deletion of around 22.2% of the total water bodies in its records, citing encroachment or drying up as a reason.
Water body owning agencies | Reconciled number of water bodies (As of September 2021) |
DDA | 832 |
BDO/Rev | 132 |
EDMC | 3 |
SDMC | 13 |
North MCD | 5 |
DJB | 6 |
PWD | 1 |
CPWD | 5 |
ASI | 15 |
Forest | 18 |
Delhi Arch Dept | 1 |
Delhi WAKF Board | 1 |
DUSIB | 1 |
DSIIDC | 3 |
JNU | 3 |
IIT Delhi | 1 |
TOTAL | 1040 |
Source: Urban Waterbodies Management in Delhi / K S Jayachandran, Wetland Authority of Delhi
“Delhi has expanded exhaustively over the years, while the NCR area is developing at a really fast pace. There is nothing much for Delhi to lose anymore, because it has already lost most of its water resources over the past years. It has been mostly due to urbanisation, new construction, increasing population, and infrastructure,” repeats Pranab J. Patar, a Delhi-based environmentalist.
Gaps in notification process
Pranab also adds that a number of water bodies are left out of the notification process because of a policy lacuna and the unscientific nature of its process. Consequently, it is easy for encroachers to occupy that space or use that for waste dumping.
Both the state and central government authorities contribute to the notification process. Wetlands are notified under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. However, the notification process can extend over months or years, depending on the complexities involved and the efficiency of the relevant government departments. Besides, communities and stakeholders may also resist notification, fearing restrictions on activities like farming and construction.
“For example, Bhalswa lake was a unique oxbow lake, which is not the case anymore because one of its arms has been turned into a dumpsite. This is again because notifications were happening during the dry season. The water level was low and depleted, leaving much of the catchment area dry. The authorities considered it to be a dry and barren land and left it out of the notification,” says Pranab, illustrating how legitimate wetlands get left out of the ambit of protection.
According to India Water Portal, all wetlands of Delhi are vulnerable to aggressive infrastructural change and expansion of built-up areas. The study by the portal recommended an alternative, ecosystem based approach for city planning. An approach that would focus on sustainable development and include planning for the conservation and management of urban water bodies.
It also emphasises the importance of geospatial analysis to understand and evaluate the situation of wetlands, and accordingly devise appropriate solutions.
The aftermath of neglecting wetlands
In July last year, a large part of Delhi was swamped in floodwaters from the river Yamuna, as its water level rose to a 45-year high mark. Visuals of the flooded capital took the internet by storm, where several claimed that the river Yamuna was reclaiming its historical course. The floods reportedly caused an economic loss of over Rs 10,000 crores.
However, The State of India’s Environment 2023 report from the Centre for Science and Environment released earlier that year had spotted the danger signs already. It highlighted that the Yamuna floodplain originally had over 600 wetlands and water bodies, but more than 60% of them now lacked water. Embankments had disconnected river-fed water bodies from the Yamuna, raising the risk of flooding.
Encroachment was rampant too. Notably, the Akshardham temple, constructed in 2000, and the Commonwealth Games Village in 2010, were built on the floodplains. Many people residing on the floodplains had converted the area into agricultural fields for their livelihoods.
“There needs to be much stronger governance of wetlands. Even the judicial bodies are not very stringent. Urbanisation cannot be sustained without the wetlands. Wetland areas should be demarcated using satellite or physical mapping. Stronger rules and regulations should be brought to protect them. Continuous monitoring and local governance is crucial, and the help of the general population is key,” says Himanshu Thakkar.
In an order dated June 2022, the Wetland Authority of Delhi issued detailed directions to all government authorities on how to expedite protection and restoration of water bodies in Delhi in a time-bound manner. This not only placed strict prohibitory orders on activities detrimental to the health of water bodies, but also emphasised proper identification.
“Identify all water bodies, ensure listing and preparation of brief documents of all water bodies in the concerned jurisdiction as per the definition of Wetlands in Wetland Rules, 2017 with the Master list of the Wetland Authority of Delhi, so that none of the water bodies in Delhi is left unlisted, unmapped and documented under the statutory framework,” says the order.
What can you do for the wetlands in your city?
According to Himanshu, it is crucial for people to familiarise themselves with nearby wetlands. This involves preventing garbage dumping, sewage discharge, and encroachment, while also minimising personal waste generation through segregation and recycling.
Read more: How citizen action saved Lotus Lake in Navi Mumbai
The complete list of water bodies in and around Delhi and the local jurisdiction of each can be viewed here:
East | North East | North | North West | South | South East | South West | West | New Delhi | Central
The geographical locations may be viewed from the map here.
Wherever residents spot any form of wilful or unintended degradation of a wetland, they can inform the Grievance Committee of the Wetland Authority of Delhi, constituted under the Wetlands Rules, 2017.
Individuals seeking to register grievances are encouraged to correspond via mail with the District Magistrate (DM) of the respective district within Delhi. Additionally, it is advisable to include the Wetland Authority of Delhi in the correspondence. The relevant email IDs for the Wetland Authority are as follows: ceodpgsenv.delhi@nic.in. It is essential to copy this authority to ensure comprehensive communication.
Further, according to the Wetland Authority, a committee comprising District Magistrates from all districts of Delhi, representatives from the Delhi Jal Board, the Irrigation and Flood Control Area, and the relevant agency overseeing the pertinent water body will convene quarterly. This committee convenes to fulfil its designated functions effectively.
The saving of a Delhi wetland: The case of Neela Hauz lake
Fortunately, for Delhi, there is a heartening example of how a degraded water body can be restored. A lake spread over 10 acres in Neela Hauz Biodiversity Park had been neglected and polluted over a long time. Around four years ago, the Delhi Development Authority gave Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE), Delhi University, the responsibility to restore the lake. CR Babu, professor emeritus, CEMDE, was given the responsibility for the job.
![View of the Neela Hauz Lake and Sanjay Van forest area](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Neela_Hauz_SanjayVan_Wikimedia-1024x768.jpg)
The lake, which is situated in the south central ridge, was once the largest freshwater body in all of south Delhi, with its water being utilised for drinking. However, relentless urbanisation gradually transformed it into a dump site.
When Delhi hosted the 19th Commonwealth Games in 2010, an over bridge was constructed on the Aruna Asif Ali Marg over the lake and a large amount of debris found its way into the lake.
According to Prof. C.R. Babu, “Neela Hauz lake is a freshwater body located in the Aravalli range, next to Sanjay Van in New Delhi. This natural depression receives freshwater from all the surrounding hills. There was a time when it used to supply water to entire South Delhi, but due to unplanned , large-scale development, the size of the water body went down from 10 acres to some 3.5 acres.”
“As a result of indiscriminate construction of roads, such as the Aruna Asaf Ali road, the entire lake was filled with waste, except for a small depression, leading to the freshwater lake to be partially dead,” he further added. At the end, all that was left was a pond, which was also polluted by the sewage discharge through a drain opening into the lake.
Following a case filed in the Delhi High Court against the Public Works Department, an order came for the restoration of the lake.
Neela Hauz lake was restored by the implementation of a unique, integrated Constructed Wetland System (CWS). A CWS is essentially an engineered or an artificial wetland system designed to treat the contaminants in wastewater. Professor Babu and his team dedicated nearly two years to developing and executing this process.
The restoration involved a two-step approach: first, the contaminated lake water, resembling raw sewage at that time, was held in a large pond for a day to facilitate oxidation and aerobic degradation. The water was then channelised into tanks filled with pebbles to filter out organic particles.
Subsequently, the water was moved to the main wetland, transferred into furrows and ridges where 20 varieties of aquatic plants such as Typha, Pharagmites, Alternanthera, Ipomoea, Solanum, etc. were employed to purify the toxins.
Interestingly, after the successful restoration, avian life began returning to the lake. They team planted around 15000 plants of different native species, making it rich in biodiversity.
“The lake was completely silted and there was no water source. We desilted it, up to a depth of 3 to 5 metres, from the shore line to the centre of the water body. The materials left after the desilting procedure was a sediment rich in minerals. We used that to make an embankment around it,” said the professor.
Revival aside, Patar emphasises that if wetlands are to be conserved, sustainability considerations must be at the core of all future infrastructure planning. Engaging in unmindful developmental activities results in the deterioration of the water ecosystem, which serves as a vital carbon sink. Comprehensive conservation initiatives are critical, considering the state of India’s national capital today.
Note: The author is one of six selected Fellows for the “Citizen Matters – Urban Environmental Reporting Fellowship 2023” focusing on the Delhi-NCR region. This in-depth long form piece was produced as part of her work under the Fellowship.
Also read:
- When Navi Mumbai residents came together to protect their wetlands
- Ramsar Tag secured, what is the way ahead for the Pallikaranai marshland?
Bengaluru grapples with a persistent water stress, worsened by the decline in rainfall, overexploitation of groundwater and decreasing Cauvery River levels.
The water crisis has led experts and the government to reconsider using lakes as a source of water, either by storing treated wastewater or harvested rainwater. The draining of lakes, like Bellandur and Varthur, for desilting has contributed to a major part of the groundwater crisis in Bengaluru.
However, with the upcoming monsoon predicted to be normal, there is a looming concern regarding the lakes in the city. The anticipated rains may bring one of the highest influxes of pollutants, posing long-term risks to lakes’ health and the well-being of citizens who depend on them for livelihood and recreational activities. As the lakes receive runoff from urban areas, the pollutants accumulated during the dry spell could be washed into the water bodies, potentially causing ecological imbalances and health hazards.
Lakes and tanks dotting the landscape of Greater Bengaluru and the Bengaluru Urban District are historically significant. These reservoirs were built over centuries by many emperors and dynasties. Initially, they served primarily as irrigation tanks or water supply reservoirs, with secondary use such as bathing and washing. However, as urbanisation spread over agricultural fields, the need for these tanks for irrigation decreased, it has transformed the role of lakes from utilitarian to recreational and cultural hubs.
![A volunteer collects a water sample from a lake](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Volunteer-getting-the-sample-1-1024x683.jpg)
Rationale behind Lake Health Index (LHI)
Bengaluru’s lakes face significant challenges like water contamination, dwindling water levels, and urban flooding. Despite substantial investments from both public and private sectors, progress in addressing these issues has been slow. The stagnation isn’t due to a lack of effort but rather stems from disagreements among stakeholders, driven by differing values and interpretations of data. Conservationists value lakes for their diverse ecosystems, while communities appreciate them for their role in groundwater recharge and cultural traditions.
![Hari Prasad explains the lake health index methodology](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MeHari-Prasad-explaining-the-methodology-1024x683.jpg)
However, the inflow of urban pollutants has altered the natural integrity of these lakes, turning them into reservoirs contaminated by sewage and industrial waste.
Monitoring lakes is crucial for effective nutrient management, identifying pollution sources, and guiding restoration efforts. It helps assess water quality, detect changes in ecological conditions, and inform conservation strategies.
Regular monitoring enables early intervention to prevent eutrophication, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of freshwater ecosystems. Due to resource constraints at agencies like the Pollution Control Board’s (PCB’s), citizen engagement becomes pivotal, especially considering the varied geographic locations and seasonal changes in lake conditions.
The Lake Health Index (LHI) project was initiated to develop a lake/water body monitoring tool for assessing the ecological condition of lakes by the stakeholders and residents who regularly use the lakes. It involves evaluating diverse biological, chemical, and physical aspects to understand overall lake health, including water quality, biodiversity, and habitat conditions.
![Students performing water analysis](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Students-performing-water-analysis-1024x768.jpg)
Armed with comprehensive insights into the health status of the lakes, citizens can advocate for policy changes and management interventions to address specific pollution sources and ecological imbalances.
Piloting the project
- The project pilot testing was launched across three unique lakes, based on the land use surrounding them: Ulsoor, Doddabommasandra, and Shivapura Lake
- The data was collected both before the monsoon season during march-April of 2021 and after the monsoon during December-January of 2021-22. In line with the citizen science framework, this initiative engaged student volunteers from several academic institutions like Ramaiah College of Arts Science and commerce, Kristu Jayanthi College to name a few, averaging 60 to 120 participants from different educational backgrounds per seasonal cycle
- We collected data using a tool called Open Data Kit (ODK) Collect, with subsequent data analysis conducted by Friends Of Lakes-FOL members Kaushik Dutta and Hari Prasad HK; Shashank Palur from WELL labs contributed to hydrological insights and survey construction, with Sumita Battacharyya from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) validating the instruments
- Funding by Bengaluru Sustainability Forum (BSF) ensured interdisciplinary collaboration for scientific data analysis. This collaboration ensured a methodical approach to data collection and analysis, fortifying the project’s scientific underpinnings. Nitrate, phosphate, and turbidity levels were assessed using Foundation for Environmental Monitoring (FFEM) testing kits, while pH, temperature, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were measured with Henna pen-type sensors which are handheld devices used for measuring parameters like pH, temperature, and TDS in water bodies
- Volunteers were divided into small groups and assigned various sections of the lake to cover. They meticulously gathered data on Sunday mornings
Summary of the pilot study
Bengaluru’s lakes reveal diverse challenges and conditions impacting their health and ecosystem. The analysis indicates that after the monsoons, pollution levels increase in Bengaluru’s lakes.
- Ulsoor Lake, located within residential areas, saw nitrate levels spike by 20%, from 4 mg/L to 5 mg/L.
- Doddabommasandra Lake, surrounded by residential and commercial spaces, saw phosphate levels rise by 15% to 7 mg/L
- Meanwhile, industrial surroundings led Shivapura Lake’s total dissolved solids level to jump 30%, from 1500 mg/L to 1950 mg/L
- Trash, dead fish underscore maintenance and water quality issues, especially at Shivapura Lake, where recurring fish deaths highlight issues like low dissolved oxygen and high dissolved solids. The varying pH levels from 6.5 to 8.5 in Bengaluru’s lakes indicate different levels of acidity and alkalinity based on their geographic locations
- High turbidity values exceeding 10 NTU in lakes like Doddabommasandra and Shivapura suggest elevated levels of suspended particles. The diversity of bird and fish species varied widely across lakes, with Ulsoor Lake showing the highest diversity
- These numbers highlight the diverse ecological dynamics and pollution impacts that the Lake Health Index (LHI) project aims to capture and address for effective lake management and conservation efforts
Read more: Utilise treated wastewater: Bengaluru’s first water balance report
Inference from the pilot
Conventional wisdom suggests that rainfall, as a natural diluent, should mitigate pollutants in urban water bodies like lakes. However, in Bengaluru, rapid and unplanned urbanisation has disrupted this notion. The sophisticated network of stormwater drains, or rajakaluves, designed to transport rainfall away from urban areas, as well as sewage lines are plagued by systemic problems. During severe rains, these drains frequently overflow, flooding the surrounding area with untreated sewage. This overflow introduces raw sewage directly into lakes. Rather than mitigating pollutants, the initial rains of the season exacerbate pollution levels in these water bodies. This phenomenon underscores the urgent need for effective stormwater management and highlights the complexities of urban environmental dynamics in Bengaluru.
The resultant application, developed by Bengaluru-based startup Digital Pitaa, is a sophisticated tool for ongoing lake health assessment. It provides stakeholders with actionable insights and fosters collaborative engagement among diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, to address identified challenges comprehensively.
The LHI project represents a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. By harnessing the power of citizen science and digital technology, the initiative holds the promise of transforming Bengaluru’s lakes into vibrant and resilient ecosystems that benefit both present and future generations. The success of this project hinges on continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the long-term health and vitality of Bengaluru’s lakes as cherished natural resources for all.
Also read:
- Water shortage in Bengaluru: Families, schools, hospitals share their struggle
- How water meters saved time and money for this Bengaluru apartment
- Gaps in BWSSB data, public scepticism: Why rainwater harvesting is not popular in Bengaluru
A popular quote by WH Auden says, “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” I am deeply convinced that it is true, especially in present times, where the planned urban cities are facing acute water shortage on a regular basis, along with rural and remote areas. One of them is Dombivli.
Dombivli, with its rapidly expanding population and insufficient infrastructure, has been grappling with water scarcity for years. I live in an integrated smart city with more than 100 residential buildings built near Dombivli. Currently almost 2,00,000 citizens reside in more than a 1000 flats. Facilities such as swimming pool, clubs, cricket ground are available, which is a rare luxury in suburbs of Thane district.
![Map of Maharashtra showing Dombivili](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Mumbai-Dombivliwaterscarcityagam-2024.png)
Dombivli has had water shortage for decades. But even in our integrated smart city we are facing it. Some are facing it on a weekly basis. At our place, perhaps the frequency of water-cut is once a month.
The situation has only worsened with time, exacerbated by factors such as rapid urbanisation, poor water management practices, and erratic monsoon patterns. As a resident, I have witnessed the detrimental effects of this crisis on our daily lives.
Read more: Water shortage in Bengaluru: Families, schools, hospitals share their struggle
Preparing for water shortage
The struggle begins when a notification about water shortage and water-cut flashes on our society WhatsApp group. The message is sent by the management to alert residents of the societies. As per the guidelines, we get alert before danger level but this is not pre-planned. Many times, when I get the message, I am not at home. At that given point of time, a wave of frustration and helplessness washes over me.
As soon as the water shortage and water-cut notification comes, I start waiting for the tap water to resume. The kitchen tap runs dry, and so do taps in the bathroom. It leaves us with no choice but to wait for hours or even days, for the management to replenish the water supply. It takes more time than usual to fill buckets and other utensils because the water pressure is low. The only relief for us is the toilet flush, which functions even during water-cuts.
Read more: Waiting for water: Thoraipakkam residents demand speedy implementation of CMWSSB scheme
The municipality supplies water for all purposes. But all the residents of the township use RO purifiers for both drinking and cooking purposes, which results in a lot of water getting wasted. (RO filters release a lot of water during the purification process). The society offices and township administration claims that the water is recycled and reused for flushing, gardening and irrigation. We have installed rainwater harvesting systems as well, to meet water requirements without having to depend entirely on the municipal supply.
Water tankers are filled at the ground storage reservoirs and water is supplied through tankers during water-cuts. The water supply at high pressure can be resumed only when the roof tanks have more than 60% capacity.
This uncertainty has become a part of our reality, dictating our schedules and forcing us to adapt to a life with perpetual water shortage.
Solutions to handle water shortage
First, there must be a mandatory clause for Rainwater Harvesting system installation in all the Dombivli townships. This will help in both – recharging of ground water and direct use. The annual rainfall for the city of Mumbai is 1800 mm, which means we lose most of the rain water to the sea. Societies do have underground reservoirs but the government needs to be strict so that we can save every drop of water.
![Rainwater Harvesting Pit](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rainwater_Harvesting_Structures_Chennai_Shobana_Sept2023-1024x768.jpg)
Second, if possible, provide subsidies on Sewage Treatment Plants for the societies. The cost for commission is quite high and so the local authority and society can distribute equal expenses on STP. It will reduce water wastage effectively.
Read more: Bhalswa tales: Fetching water in the shadow of a landfill
Third, the annual water conservation meeting must be mandatory with a panel consisting of both society members and local authorities. It will bring direct participation of citizens in water harvesting. This will also bring transparency in terms of accountability of the management.
Fourth, conduct a panel for inspection of RWH and STP as it will bring proper functioning of the systems. These inspections will also help in repairing, maintenance and prevention of water leakage.
At last, take strict actions on water tanker operators as they can take advantage of the scarcity. The prices of tankers are skyrocketing and so is the demand for water usage. This is one of the major factors that the society’s maintenance charges are increasing rapidly leaving us no choice but to pay a hefty amount for pure water.
My MP and water shortage
The solution to scarcity is not just limited to conservation but also management of water as a finite resource. I believe that my MP should fight for changing the existing systems and include solutions to water shortage in their manifesto. It can resolve the water scarcity for both present and future generations.
With the help of local authorities, public representatives – MPs and MLAs can perform workshops on water harvesting measures and create awareness as well. I wish my MP ensures that every resident of this town has access to the most basic of human rights: clean, safe, and reliable water.
Also read:
- How water crisis deepens gender inequality
- As the weather goes topsy turvy, water is one of Shimla’s main worries
- High TDS in water supply affects Valmiki Nagar residents
In view of Women’s Day, observed on March 8, Citizen Matters conducted an online survey on women’s safety in Chennai. As many as 171 women took part in this survey between the age group of 18 to 51 years. These women were from areas like Sholinganallur, Adyar, T Nagar, Kotturpuram, Thiruvanmiyur, Royapuram, Perambur, Madipakkam, Anna Nagar and other parts of Chennai. Though we circulated the survey across Chennai, many of the responses were from women in the Southern parts of Chennai, indicating the lack of access for women from areas of North Chennai to take part in such online surveys.
![Some of the ward numbers of the women who took part in the survey.](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-6-1024x487.png)
Despite finding their localities safe to some extent, the survey found that the women continue to face issues like catcalling/lewd comments, stalking, groping or any other form of harassment in their localities accounting for street harassment. 85.9% of the women who responded to the survey think that the CCTV cameras on streets are a good way to make streets safer for women.
Read more: Women construction workers face serious health and safety hazards at work and beyond
On women’s safety in Chennai streets
![A survey on women's safety in Chennai](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-7-1024x431.png)
Of the 169 women who responded to the question of whether they feel unsafe in their respective localities, 13% of them responded that they feel unsafe, 50.3% responded that they feel unsafe sometimes and 36.7% said they did not feel unsafe in their localities.
![A survey on women's safety in Chennai](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-8-1024x487.png)
Despite finding their localities safe to some extent, the survey also found that the women continue to face issues like catcalling/lewd comments, stalking, groping or any other form of harassment in their localities.
Factors that adversely affect women’s safety
As many as 67.5% women respondents felt that poor or no street lighting in their localities is one of the major reasons for women to face harassment on the streets, while 49.4% said that inadequate police patrolling adversely affected their safety. The more the bustle on the streets, the safer the women. Around 40% of the respondents felt that lack of human activity on the streets (shops closing early/not many street vendors/not many people moving around) adversely impacted safety in their area. The presence of TASMAC outlets also compromised women’s safety, 25.6% of the respondents said.
Read more: Women working night shifts: What does the law say about ensuring their safety?
![A survey on women's safety in Chennai](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-9-1024x431.png)
Do CCTV cameras really make streets in Chennai safer?
Often, the government proposes CCTV cameras on streets to make streets safer for women. While some of the areas in which the women took part in the survey have CCTV cameras, the overall response was that they find the CCTV cameras useful to make the streets safer.
The Gender and Policy Lab in Chennai has also conducted a ‘Baseline Study On Women’s Perception Regarding Access And Safety In Public Spaces And Public Transport In Chennai City‘ in which women from different areas across Chennai have stated that the presence of CCTV cameras make them feel safer in the streets. “CCTV cameras may not be very helpful in preventing the crime against women. However, when a survivor decides to lodge a complaint, CCTV cameras come in handy as evidence. This helps to prevent the survivor from going through the ordeal of cross examination during the investigation,” says a representative of the Gender and Policy Lab.
Though CCTV cameras neither prevent nor help women when they go through a situation of abuse/assault, it has definitely given a perception of ‘feeling safe’ in a locality for women. “To some extent, CCTV cameras also serve as a deterrent. After the government installed CCTV cameras in MTC buses, we are seeing that it instil a little bit of fear among the offenders. Since buses are a confined space, it helps but when it comes to larger public spaces, it becomes quite complex,” the representative adds.
Though CCTV cameras are being installed under various government schemes, Sunitha, a student from Chennai, questions the functionality of the cameras. “There might be a CCTV camera on a street but what is the guarantee that it is functional? Who do we go to if we have to retrieve footage from those recordings? The public in the locality are not made aware of these,” she says, further asking if the government has conducted any impact assessment on how the CCTV cameras have contributed to the safety of women on the streets.
Also Read:
As India gets ready to vote to decide who will represent them in Parliament, Citizen Matters is speaking to elected Parliamentary representatives from Mumbai. We will ask them about the work they have done for the city, policies they have supported and why Mumbaikars should cast votes in their favour (or of their political parties). As part of this series, we spoke to Gajanan Kirtikar, who represented Mumbai North West for the past two terms.
He is an active Parliamentarian who was one of top 10 MPs who asked the maximum number of questions during their tenure, according to a report by Association for Democratic Reforms. Kirtikar, who had been a Bal Thackeray loyalist for decades, joined the faction of Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena. His son Amol Kirtikar, however, has chosen to stay back with Uddhav Thackeray’s Sena.
A proponent of the Metro car shed at Aarey, he seeks rehabilitation housing for those residing within Aarey. Beyond his political persona, he is also active in various sporting associations as administrator. Kirtikar has played a key role in organising national and international tournaments particularly in sports like Kabaddi and body building.
Mumbai North West and Gajanan Kirtikar
![mumbai north west constituency map](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mumbai-north-west-constituency-map-zoom--1024x588.jpeg)
Gajanan Kirtikar has been the elected representative of this area in various capacities for around 30 years. The constituency that comprises Andheri, Versova, Jogeshwari, Goregaon and parts of Malad has varied demography – fishing community, large population in informal settlements belonging to minorities, diverse groups -rich and poor- belonging to the entertainment industry and above all, the Aarey forest.
Read more: Lok Sabha 2024: Know your MP — Gajanan Kirtikar, Mumbai North West
Video interview of Gajanan Kirtikar
Also read:
- Lok Sabha 2024: Know your MP – Gopal Shetty, Mumbai North
- The story of Aarey forest under three governments
- Tribal family’s battle to protect ancestral farmland
The garbage issue is escalating into a nightmare for residents of Ilyas Nagar, a residential locality in south Bengaluru’s Yelachenahalli.
As you take a left turn from the Outer Ring Road to enter the BWSSB Pipeline Road, which connects 100 feet Ring Road, just a few metres inside, you will see a garbage dump along the roadside. And as you move ahead, 50 metres from Razor King saloon, you can see another bigger garbage dump. Despite garbage vans coming to their doorstep, some residents choose to dump waste along the side of the BWSSB Pipeline Road.
The road is poorly maintained and there is a lack of basic hygiene. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) doesn’t seem to be concerned about the issue as no steps have been taken to resolve it.
It has been almost two years, and the issue still persists. Unfortunately, it is getting worse as the days pass. Half of the road is covered with garbage. Considering the present condition, there is a possibility that the entire road might get covered with garbage.
![Garbage strewn across the road](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ilyasnagargarbage1-1024x398.jpg)
Health hazards, breeding ground for pests
The persistent lack of cleanliness has created a perception that the area is an acceptable spot for waste disposal. Over the past few months, the BBMP has neglected cleaning efforts in the area, despite residents urging strict action against littering. Siddharth H, a bakery owner, says, “This has turned into a small dumping ground where people dispose of garbage every day. Despite informing BBMP officials multiple times, no action has been taken to address the problem.”
Read more: Hundreds of crores of SWM budget lie unutilised, yet no sign of scientific landfills
Ranjan Gowda, another residents, says: “Both local residents and people from surrounding areas throw garbage here. This has led to an increase in rats within the vicinity.”
Residents are worried as the accumulating garbage is attracting pests and rodents, potentially leading to the spread of diseases. Shobha K, a resident, says, “The garbage strewn all around has become a breeding ground for various insects and there has been an increase in rats and mosquitoes in the area. My daughter has been afflicted with dengue twice.”
Incidents of burning garbage in the area have further compounded the issue, causing respiratory problems for people. Bhagya J, a resident, says, “In the evening, some teenagers burn the trash, polluting the air and making it hard to breathe. Consequently, we can’t even open our windows at home.”
No work done by BBMP, segregation of waste not followed
A BBMP official who works in Ward 185, on condition of anonymity, explains: “We are developing a comprehensive plan to resolve this issue. In the meantime, daily cleaning of the area will be ensured. Those caught dumping garbage will be fined.”
Regardless of awareness programmes related to segregation of waste organised by Saahas every month in 2023, there has been no change seen in the area.
Tejas, Assistant Project Coordinator at Saahas, says, “We have organised numerous awareness programmes related to waste segregation in the area. However, the BBMP has made no effort to send separate vehicles for the collection of dry and wet waste. As a result, residents have no choice but to dump their waste along the roadside.”
The perception among residents is that garbage collection has been neglected because it is a low-income locality. This Citizen Matters report pointed out that the state of waste segregation in Yelachenahalli ward has the worst waste segregation in the Kanakapura Road area. While separate vehicles for dry and wet waste are sent to higher income wards, only one vehicle is sent to lower income areas to collect all kinds of waste.
Kavya K, one of the residents, affirms this. “Only one collection auto is sent to collect the waste, and they don’t segregate it. Wet waste, dry waste, and sanitary waste are all put into one gunny bag. Unfortunately, due to it being a low-income locality, BBMP neglects it”
Gulab P, social activist and volunteer at Changemakers of Kanakapura Road, says, “The responsibility for the garbage issue doesn’t solely rest with the residents; BBMP shares equal blame for its negligence. They frequently fail to dispatch collection autos on time and lack separate vehicles for dry and wet waste. To address this problem effectively, BBMP must impose penalties on those who dump garbage along the roadside. Additionally, they should ensure timely collection by deploying separate vehicles for dry and wet waste.”
Also read:
- Where does construction waste go in Bengaluru?
- How is wet waste processed at the KCDC?
- Bengaluru: Mestri Palya’s journey to successful waste management
- Name: Gajanan Kirtikar
- Constituency: Mumbai North West
Gajanan Kirtikar, 80 is an old hand in Maharashtra politics and has risen up the ranks of his party. He has always been with the Shiv Sena, having been part of the core team of Bal Thackeray, subsequently working under Uddhav Thackeray. He chose to move to the Shiv Sena faction led by present chief minister Eknath Shinde.
He served as a legislator for four terms between 1990 to 2009 and then entered the Parliament for two terms from 2014. He also served as the minister of state for home and tourism and later as Maharashtra’s cabinet minister for transport. However, he is better known for his work in securing employment for many in government, docks, railways, banking, insurance and finance sectors through the Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti Mahasangh.
Unfortunately for him, the split of Shiv Sena also affected him on a personal level – his son Amol Kirtikar chose to stay back with the Uddhav faction. He has been declared as a candidate for the Lok Sabha candidate by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Shiv Sena from the Mumbai North West constituency. It is not clear if Gajanan Kirtikar will get a ticket from the Shinde faction.
Beyond his political persona, he is also active in various sporting associations as administrator. He has played a key role in organising national and international tournaments, particularly in sports like Kabaddi and bodybuilding.
The Mumbai North West constituency comprises areas such as Andheri, Jogeshwari and Goregaon.
Who is Gajanan Kirtikar?
Name | Gajanan Chandrakant Kirtikar |
Age | 80 years |
Political Party | Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) |
Educational Qualification | BA (Economics) from DG Ruparel College, Mumbai |
Profession | Agriculturist, Consultant |
Enrolled as Voter in | Serial no 163 in Part no 182, Mumbai North West constituency |
gajanan.kirtikar@yahoo.com | |
Contact Number | +91-22-29270262/9821114872/+91-11-23359303 |
Address | 503, Snehadeep Pahadi School, RD 2, Aarey Road, Goregaon (East) Mumbai – 400 063 |
- Website: https://www.gajanankirtikar.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GajananKirtikar
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gajanankirtikar/?hl=en
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCMohanBJP
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GajananKirtikar
Criminal cases
Gajanan Kirtikar does not have any criminal cases against him.
Assets and liabilities
Gajanan Kirtikar’s assets and liabilities have both shown a steep rise. Total assets – including movable and immovable – have risen by 50%.
Details | Holdings in 2019 | Holdings in 2014 | Rise in 5 years | Change in % |
Movable assets | 2,86,28000 | Rs. 2,22,33,000 | Rs 63,95,000 | 22.33% |
Immovable assets | 7,67,63000 | Rs.3,61,19,000 | Rs 4,06,44,000 | 52.94% |
Total Assets (Movable + Immovable) | 10,53,92,000 | 5,19,32,000 | Rs 5,34,60,000 | 50.72% |
Liabilities | 40,23,000 | Rs 22,57,000 | 17,66,000 | 43.89% |
Read more: Lok Sabha 2024: Know your MP – Gopal Shetty, Mumbai North
Important posts held by Gajanan Kirtikar
- In 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024)
- Standing Committee Membership — Home Affairs
- Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of youth affairs and sports.
- In 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019):
- Member – National Shipping Board
- Member – Telephone Advisory Committee for Mumbai West (West -II)
- Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Member- Standing Committee on Railways
- Member -Public Accounts Committee
- 1998-1999 – Cabinet Minister for Transport, Information & Public Relations, Govt of Maharashtra
- 1995 – 1998 – Minister of State for Home, Tourism
- Guardian minister – Thane, Nanded, Gadchiroli and Vidarbha, government of Maharashtra.
- 1990 – 2009 – Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (Four Terms)
Gajanan Kirtikar’s performance in Parliament
MP | Attendance | No of Debates participated | No of questions asked | Private Member’s Bill |
Gajanan Kirtikar | 71% | 41 | 580 | 0 |
National average | 79% | 46.7 | 210 | 1.5 |
State (Mah) average | 74% | 57.6 | 386 | 2.9 |
Gajanan Kirtikar has raised questions about slum redevelopment and allocations of funds for metro projects among others. Similarly, he also raised questions about the issue of long waiting periods to adopt children, about the need to review drug price control mechanisms. He also raised the issue of compensation for fishermen affected by the Tauktae cyclone.
Most of his questions in Parliament pertain to issues related to transport such as trains, roads, metro network and if toll points on national highways could be shut down.
![Gajanan Kirtikar felicitated by residents](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/gajanan-kirtikar-twitter.jpg)
He has also discussed about implementation of the Smart Cities Mission and policies on exporting rice and cars. He also focussed on drawing attention on subjects like starvation deaths, to check if tatkal ticketing system was being misused by unscrupulous agents. He raised questions about the national policy for the elderly and old age home facilities. He also asked about the possibility of linking Aadhaar with election card.
Gajanan Kirtikar’s MPLADS spending
Entitlement received for Mumbai North West constituency (2019-24) | Rs 17 cr |
Recommended amount for work | Rs 19.34 cr |
Amount sanctioned | Rs 12.28 cr |
Funds released | Rs 9.5 cr |
Expenditure incurred | Rs 6.99 cr |
Unspent balance | Rs 2.82 cr |
% of utilisation of funds | 71.57% |
Kirtikar says that he has been successful in getting grants and aid for his constituency beyond the entitled local area development fund of Rs 5 crore per annum. For instance, he was able to get funds worth Rs 131.94 crore in his second term between 2019-2024, including Rs 61.73 crore from the urban development department, Rs 12.39 crore from the tourist sites development fund programme, Rs 4.99 crore for improving sanitation in slums.
He also got Rs 7 crore for the protection wall fund programme towards building walls around the forest to prevent leopards from straying into residential complexes. He is currently trying to build a new jetty at Versova and got approval for a train terminus for long-distance trains at Jogeshwari.
Similarly, he had managed to get funds worth Rs 46.50 crore for various public utility services during his first term for the years 2014-19.
Gajanan Kirtikar in news
Gajanan Kirtikar has been more in the news for the tussle with his son, Amol Kirtikar as much as the exchange of barbs with ex-Shiv Sena colleague Ramdas Kadam. The shift of allegiance of Kirtikar, from the Uddhav Thackeray camp to the Eknath Shinde wing of the Shiv Sena, was also much written about.
![Gajanan Kirtikar with Eknath Shinde](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/gajanan-kirtikar-1-twitter-1024x768.jpg)
He has more in the news for his political activities rather than regarding his civic issues or even issues concerning his constituency. Though he has served as a member of Parliament from Aarey for about a decade, he has never been very vocal about it.
During his tenure, Gajanan Kirtikar came out in favour of the construction of the metro car shed in Aarey, even as residents opposed the plan to cut trees in the much needed lung space for the city.
The right-wing leader led a campaign for the naming of the Ram Mandir Railway station serving the Oshiwara locality. He has agitated in front of the parliament along with fellow Shiv Sena MPs demanding classical language status for Marathi.
Citizen speak
Narendra Soneji, an active resident of Andheri west says a lot can be done for his locality. He says the root of the problem is lack of urban planning, adding that foresight to handle evolving needs of the city is crucial.
Citing redevelopment as a major change driver, Soneji feels that the city leadership needs to think through concerns like additional need for resources like water.
He is also aghast that the Gokhale-Barfiwala bridge design blunder, which has led to a 6-ft gap between the bridges, could be allowed to happen. That blunder has directly impacted access for citizens like him.
Though implementation of the metro network has improved connectivity in his locality, Soneji feels that the names of metro stations need to be changed to avoid confusion. He also raises the problem of indisciplined public behaviour such as double parking and encroachments on footpaths, that have marred last mile connectivity.
Also read:
- Nine years of ‘Save Aarey’: The unique citizens’ movement lives on in Mumbai
- Mumbai N-W candidates: Son of the soil, former Mumbai North MP and UP MLA seek votes from diverse base
- Gajanan Kirtikar, Mumbai North West : Shiv Sena veteran seeks reelection as strong local voice in Parliament
- Explainer: How to find your electoral constituency in Mumbai
Limits on using water
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has drawn up some guidelines to celebrate Holi on March 25th. While the festival can be followed in households or in public, potable water for any such event cannot be used. A rain or pool dance should not be organised for monetary gains and Cauvery or borewell water should not be leveraged for the event, said BWSSB Chairman, V. Ramprasath Manohar.
However, several hotels are selling tickets for pool parties.
Meanwhile, it is mandatory for bulk water users to install flow restrictors or aerators by the end of the month. Bulk users in malls, commercial establishments, apartments, government offices, hotels, restaurants and religious places need to install flow restrictors or aerators.
The Board will supply only about 50% to bulk users who fail to install flow restrictors. Violators will also be fined Rs 5,000.
A number of citizens are reluctant to implement rainwater harvesting (RWH) due to the infrastructure involved. BWSSB data shows that 1,96,591 residential buildings have implemented the system but 39,213 buildings have not, even though since July 2016, many users have paid fines of Rs. 1.98 crore to Rs. 2 crore for non-implementation every month.
While new residents have complied with rules to prevent their building plans from getting cancelled, the older owners are reluctant. Under new rules from March 15th, people will not be allowed to drill borewells if they do not have RWH systems.
Source: The Hindu, Economic Times, Indian Express
Read more: Gaps in BWSSB data, public scepticism: Why rainwater harvesting is not popular in Bengaluru
500 MLD shortage every day
The city faces a shortage of 500 million litres of water per day (MLD), said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Currently, it requires 2,600 MLD for drinking water and industries, of which 1,450 MLD are being pumped from Cauvery, while 650 MLD are from borewells. There is enough storage in Cauvery and Kabini rivers, with 11.02 TMC stored in Krishna Raja Sagara and 9.02 TMC in Kabini.
A worrying issue is that 6,900 of 14,000 government borewells have dried up. An expert committee will be formed to examine the shortage. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the BWSSB will be held responsible for any further lag. About 1,700 water tankers are available. Water from private borewells, including from malls, are supplied to affected areas. Meanwhile, the government is drilling borewells at 313 areas and taking measures to revive 1,200 borewells.
Siddaramaiah outlined the hope from the Cauvery Five project, which will begin in June. It will be able to cater to 110 villages, which were added to the municipal corporation in 2006-07.
Moreover, water ATMs or water dispensers, which are purification or RO (reverse osmosis) plants, function from early morning to late evening at various wards. Cleaned every month, each plant supplies 20 litres for Rs 5. The local MLAs give funds and erect the plants for affordable, clean drinking water.
Even though the BWSSB promotes the use of treated water, about 50% of the sewage treatment plants (STPs) do not follow the National Green Tribunal (NGT) rules and have not been upgraded. Experts do not encourage filling lakes with secondary treated water, which the BWSSB had proposed to improve groundwater levels. Experts warn that filling lakes with secondary treated water would pollute groundwater and lead to health problems.
Source: Indian Express, The New Indian Express, Deccan Herald
Model Code of Conduct for polls
A number of BBMP centres are being set up to monitor the model code of conduct (MCC) for the Lok Sabha elections. Helpline 1950 will receive complaints. Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath, also the district electoral officer, checked out the Media Certification and Supervision Cell, Control Room, Transport Cell as well as Election Expenditure Cell in the head office. The Scrutiny Cell will keep an eye on news reports and advertisements, while another cell will monitor news channels.
Chief Election Officer Manoj Kumar Meena met representatives of national and regional political parties and outlined the methods of campaigning that could be taken up. He asked representatives to enroll people, check names and create awareness.
Many apps such as cVIGIL have been created for candidates and citizens to seek information. Complaints can be registered or 1950 can be dialled for help. Voter Helpline app can be used to check voting details, apply for a voter ID or make changes. Suvidha is another app created by the Election Commission to file nominations and get clearances. The apps are available on Android platforms, while a Know Your Candidate (KYC) app can give details to bring in transparency.
Source: Deccan Herald, The New Indian Express
Read more: Video explainer: How effective is the Model Code of Conduct, really?
Linking Yellow and Blue Metro lines
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will set up a travelator and walkway to connect commuters between the Yellow Line and Blue Line as part of its Phase-II projects, said officials.
It is the first time that a travelator will be introduced in Namma Metro. The Silk Board junction will have two bus stations, designated pick-up and drop-off bays, three ramps and multi-level parking infrastructure in collaboration with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation.
![https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CG2_Changi_Airport_Linkbridge_20200919_212128.jpg](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Changi_Airport_Linkbridge.jpg)
Another 18.82-km metro line will connect RV Road with Bommasandra in the Yellow Line. It will begin commercial operations by the year end. The metro route will stretch 16 stations and intersect with the Green Line at RV Road Station and the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital Station.
Meanwhile, after getting the Namma Metro elevated corridor, the tech hub of Whitefield is likely to get an elevated suburban rail link from the Central Business District.
Source: The Hindu, The Times of India
No fine for late payment of March power bills
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) will not levy any late fee or disconnect power supply for March, as the online services of electricity supply companies (escoms) were not available due to upgradation of IT systems from March 10th to 19th.
As March 20th had been the due date for most consumers, there were long queues outside Bescom offices. Yet, they were not able to pay due to technical glitches. Many consumers found it difficult to pay their bills even on the following days of March 21st and March 22nd, due to snags in the online portal.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Revathi Siva Kumar]
Also read:
- Bengalureans’ tax outlay: Discover the amount you contribute
- Mount Carmel College turns co-ed: Students allege mismanagement
Bhushan Gagrani replaces Iqbal Singh Chahal as BMC Commissioner
On Monday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) asked the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to immediately transfer the Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Iqbal Singh Chahal. Besides this, it also asked for the transfer of all Additional Municipal Commissioners and Deputy Municipal Commissioners, who have been in their current posting for over three years and are posted in their home district in Maharashtra.
![new BMC chief bhushan gagrani addresses a meeting](https://citizenmatters.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bhushan-gagrani-1024x569.jpg)
On Wednesday, the ECI cleared the appointment of IAS officer of the 1990 batch, Bhushan Gagrani for the post of BMC Commissioner. Abhijit Bangar also replaced P Velrasu as Additional Commissioner (projects), and Amit Saini took over from Ashwini Bhide as Additional Commissioner.
Iqbal Singh Chahal has been the administrator in charge for the longest time in the history of the civic body, as municipal elections have not taken place.
Source: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times
Two children drown in a tank in Wadala
Ankush Wagre 5, and Arjun Wagre, 4 drowned in an open water tank at Maharshi Karve Garden at Wadala. They had gone to play in the garden when the incident occurred. The boys went missing on Sunday. The Matunga police were informed about this on the same day.
Their bodies were found on Monday morning in the tank. They were taken to the hospital immediately where they were declared dead before admission. A senior police officer said that the lid of the tank was missing, and it was covered with a thin sheet of plastic, causing the children to fall.
Source: The Indian Express
Read more: Explainer: When can you sue your municipal body for accidents due to potholes?
Signal failure causes delays on WR
On Tuesday, a signal failure between Vasai and Virar,. resulted in chaos. A signalling cable was damaged due to construction work between Vasai Road and Virar railway stations. This led to disruption of train services on both slow and fast train routes during the peak rush hour. Overcrowding was also reported at some stations.
Work is being carried out for the quadrupling of the Virar-Dahanu suburban network. The signalling cable was damaged by the contractor who has been assigned this work by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC).
Source: The Times of India, Free Press Journal
New scheme solves water problems of Vasai-Virar
The Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme (SRWSS), the development of which was started in 2016 has enabled the residents of Virar and Vasai to avail of continuous water supply.
Earlier, the water supply was available only for a few hours a day or worse, once in eight days. The first phase of the SRWSS has benefited Virar and Vasai, and the completion of the second phase will solve the water problems of Mira Road and Bhayandar.
The SRWSS is a project initiated by the MMRDA. Under this, a water treatment plant has been built to provide treated water to the citizens of Mira-Bhayander and Vasai-Virar municipal corporations, and 44 villages in and around Palghar district. The scheme is expected to arrange 403 million litres of water per day.
Source: Hindustan Times
Mumbai’s new Coastal Road gets 20,000 vehicles a day
After the initial enthusiasm and curiosity of trying the new Coastal Road, traffic has regularised. The new road, which is open from Nariman Point till Worli, is getting an average of 20,000 vehicles per day since its opening on March 12.
“As the days passed, the number of joyrides reduced. As per our estimation, regular traffic flow has started now. Once the Worli and Haji Ali interchanges open and the Coastal Road connects with the sea link, many more motorists will opt for the route,” Mid-day quoted an official from BMC’s Coastal Road department as saying.
Source: Mid-day
(Compiled by Shruti Gokarn.)