GENRE: Voices

A view contrary to the prevalent one brings with it an alternative perspective. Krishna Rao Jaisim provides just that, about urban design.

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?

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

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.

The disconnect between nature, people and governance in cities, have reduced cities into uninhabitable spaces. This needs urgent correction. The BBMP bill is an excellent opportunity to reimagine urban governance. Moeover, any legislation has to meet the challenges of it’s time: A Green Agenda has to be not only part of, but at the core of any urban governance bill.

Bicycle sale in Bengaluru has soared during COVID. Data also shows that the number of cycling trips have rocketed, especially for recreation.

Bike taxis offer cheap, fast commute, and can provide last mile connectivity to public transport. Many States have already legalised bike taxis; Karnataka too needs to promote it.

Some of the sewage generated in Bengaluru is disposed of efficiently, but the city still uses manual scavengers to handle the rest. How can this stop? How do we find ways to deal with our waste responsibly?

The example of Outer Ring Road shows that rapid, unplanned development can defeat the purpose of a ring road. Without land use regulations, the same is likely to happen in the case of the upcoming PRR.

As the state government appoints an administrator to BBMP and indefinitely delays Council elections, how are citizens affected? History shows that the absence of a Council makes BBMP more unaccountable and inaccessible.

Solving Bengaluru’s problems of water, traffic, pollution, etc., requires a powerful, efficient body. A Bengaluru Metropolitan Council headed by the Chief Minister could be a solution.

State government is planning to soon enact the BBMP Bill for Bengaluru’s governance. But the city’s growing problems cannot be solved with the current governance structure or by merely increasing the number of wards, as envisioned in the Bill.