GENRE: Solutions | Citizen Matters, Bengaluru

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.

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.

Bengaluru’s traffic nightmare during floods: IISc study shows policy measures can help

November 6, 2020 Ashish Verma

Most Bengalureans would know what it’s like to get stuck in traffic jams for hours, or having to cancel their trips entirely, due to floods. An IISc study shows this scenario will only worsen with time unless specific policy measures are taken.

Tree felling in progress on Neelamangala-Doddaballpura road for road widening. Pic: Mahesh Bhat

Essential questions to ask when considering new transport projects in Bengaluru

October 26, 2020 Ashish Verma

Bengaluru has seen hundreds of projects aimed at reducing traffic jams, but these do not solve the problem. Why is this so? And what could be the solution?

How shopping streets can be COVID-safe during Dasara: Here’s a template from Malleswaram

October 22, 2020 Ankit Bhargava and Suchitra Deep

With crowds in commercial areas during Dasara, Bengaluru’s COVID count is expected to increase. In Malleswaram, a local group has created a street plan to make 8th Cross COVID-safe, and has sought BBMP’s support for implementation.

34-km Cycle Lane coming up on Outer Ring Road soon. Know the details

October 11, 2020 Rajeev Malagi

As more Bengalureans are taking to cycles during COVID, plans are afoot to create dedicated cycle lanes. The pilot project on ORR is expected to be completed in months.

Unused materials in your home can help B’luru kids get back to school: An eco-group shows how

September 23, 2020 G Nagaraj

The eco-group Indian Ploggers Army has been collecting unused smartphones, toys and books, and distributing these to children in need. The initiative has helped many children access online classes even as it ensures sustainable waste management.

It’s high time BMTC got people with disabilities on board. Here are five steps to ensure this.

September 4, 2020 Euan Morrison, Prajwal N and Prof. Ajay Bailey

A recent survey finds that even the bus stations included under the Accessible India campaign are unfriendly towards people with disabilities. Lower fares, better infrastructure and participatory planning can ensure the BMTC is equally accessible to all.

Stray cat problem: How a community ensured safety of both cats and residents

August 19, 2020 Sumana Paul and Kalpita Mane

Residential communities often consider stray cats a menace. But in a Whitefield community, a few cat lovers got together to trap and neuter strays, which ensured the safety of both the cats and the community.

Rainwater harvesting: Apartment’s water bill goes from over a lakh to zero in monsoons

August 14, 2020 Amal Padmanabhan

An apartment off Outer Ring Road in Bengaluru used to spend Rs 1-2 lakh on tanker water supply every month. But with rainwater harvesting, they no longer need to buy water for almost half the year.

Setting up a COVID Care Centre in your apartment? Here’s what you need to know

July 23, 2020 Siddhant Kalra

Apartment associations can now set up their own COVID Care Centres for patients with mild or no symptoms. But many find the process difficult. Here are some pointers on how to go about it.

How can BMTC ensure commuters’ safety during COVID? Share your ideas with us

July 13, 2020 News Desk

Post lockdown, lakhs of Bengalureans have resumed travelling in BMTC buses. What should be done to make these buses safe enough for commuters? Share your thoughts with us.

Podcast: What makes citizen activism in Bengaluru unique

May 21, 2020 Grace Madigan

Bengaluru has a extraordinarily large number of citizen activists working to make the city more liveable. Listen to our podcast on how these groups evolved and what they’ve been doing.

Podcast: Why citizen groups alone can’t save Bengaluru’s dying lakes

May 19, 2020 Grace Madigan

In Bengaluru, neighbourhood citizen groups have worked to revive many lakes. While some groups like PNLIT have been successful, some others have failed due to lack of government support and resources.

Stuck between govt, builders and contractors, workers court hunger and destitution

May 17, 2020 Navya P K

How well did builders in Bengaluru support migrant workers during lockdown? And should they have reason to worry at all about the workers’ exodus now?