Articles by Navya P K

Ten apartments in Bellandur area have recently received show cause notices from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for flouting STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) norms. The apartments, all of which were built by Sobha developers, are Sobha Carnation, Mayflower, Daisy, Jasmine, Dahlia, Lavender, Quartz, Aquamarine, Hibiscus and Primrose. They received notices in April. Pollution Control Board authorities say that there is no specific drive to check on apartment STPs, but that surprise checks would continue. "Regional Officers (ROs) inspect apartments periodically and also if they receive complaints from the public. In this case, we came to know about these…

BBMP's plan to clear encroachments and de-silt Storm Water Drains (SWDs) and install Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) in big properties, will launch soon, say officials. The Commissioner's action plan, intended to combat flooding during monsoon, is supposed to get completed within 2-3 months. The works are de-centralised - EEs in each zone are responsible for doing this in areas under their jurisdiction. Officials should submit a daily action plan to the Commissioner and update him of each day's work, says documents from the Commissioner's office. If accidents continue during monsoon despite these actions, the concerned officials will be held responsible,…

The famed Jayanagar Shopping Complex in Jayanagar 4th block is soon to undergo a makeover. While BBMP and BDA have been making plans for renovating the complex, shopkeepers here have been kept out of the loop. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the renovation project is almost complete, but it does not mention rehabilitation of shopkeepers. Many shopkeepers are not aware of the renovation plan either. While some are opposed to the project, others believe that they will be rehabilitated. The project costing Rs 115 crores, is expected to be complete in 18 months. Mani, a shop owner, has been…

Bangalore has many residential projects coming up for occupancy this year, and the most popular location seems to be South Bangalore. Citizen Matters got details of around 45 new projects from a property bazaar organised by realtor Magicbricks.com last month in the city. In addition to popular builders, lesser-known companies are also introducing many projects. Most projects are located in the outer limits of the city. Many new residential projects are coming up this year in South Bangalore. Pic: Navya P K Of all projects, 11 are located along Hosur Road. While many of them are coming up near Hosur…

On Friday, April 29, by 10 am, BBMP Council had decided its next Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Sharadamma Ramanjaneya (45) and S Harish (42) were the only candidates who had filed their nominations. BJP activists were in a celebratory mood soon after. But the events that followed showed the constraints that the new Mayor will likely face. Sharadamma and Harish were nominated this year as the Mayor's post was reserved for SC-woman and Deputy Mayor's post for Backward Class A category.  'Minister will be consulted' Mayor Sharadamma and Deputy Mayor Harish at a press conference after they officially took charge…

Seven months after their first ‘Gandhigiri' protest, residents of Sachidananda Nagara layout in Rajarajeshwari Nagar held a second protest at the BBMP Commissioner's office on 25th April for the same reason - non-issuance of Khatas. In September last year, a group formed by residents named Sachidananda Nagara Nyayapara Andolana (SNNA) had presented roses to the Commissioner saying that they should be provided khatas without having to give bribes. But despite an order from the Commissioner in November, only 120 residents have got khatas so far. There are nearly 800 residents in the layout. Another set of 120 khata applications have…

In the Cauvery Phase II, stage IV project, 500 MLD (million litres per day) will be supplied to the entire city. This will be divided among ten reservoirs, which will supply water to areas surrounding them. The project is expected to be complete in March 2012. Reservoir construction work is in progress and about 50% of pipeline work is complete, say BWSSB officials. Reservoirs are being built in GKVK campus in Vidyaranyapura (which will be allocated 151 MLD), Hegenahalli reservoir near Peenya (98 MLD), Jambu Savari Gudda in JP Nagar (27 MLD), Central Jail in Bilekahalli ward (43 MLD), Hoodi,…

In the last ten years, Bangalore (urban) district's population density has increased by about 147%, according to provisional data from the Census 2011. While the population density - number of people per sq km for the district - was 2,985 in 2001, now it is 4,378. Compare this with Dakshin Kannada, the second most densely populated district. DK's population density is only 457, about one-tenth that of Bangalore. Though population density has increased to a small extent in almost all districts, the average population density for the state itself is only 319. Kodagu has the lowest population density at 135.…

In November 2010, 15 families of survey number 27 in 4th main, OMBR layout, had their houses demolished by the BDA. While the residents had plan sanction copies from village panchayat and a CMC khata, the layout was illegal. They did not own either a BDA or BBMP khata. The residents, mostly senior citizens, had invested their life's savings in the property. BDA recovered the land saying it was under its jurisdiction.  Citizen Matters came to know about this through a letter from the residents. Times of India also reported on this late last year. This land was a revenue…

On the third day of the fast in Bengaluru, more than one thousand citizens gathered at the Freedom Park. The candle light vigil today (April 8th) is expected to bring close to ten thousand people. Veteran theatre personality Bhargavi Narayan extending her support to the movement, on the third day. Pic: Navya P K From April 5th, eminent individuals led by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare have been campaigning from New Delhi for a powerful and undiluted Lok Pal Bill to deter rampant corruption. In Bangalore, eight citizens went on an indefinite fast at Freedom Park during the week, joining tens…