Bengaluru this week
February 19th 2016
CITIZEN MATTERS
The important story of the week – on how there are no rules or regulations for water tankers that most apartments, especially those outside the core city area, are dependent on. Nobody monitors whether the water tankers are safe enough. What water are we drinking? Some good news after that shocker – plastic ban trending across the city. Koramangala, HSR Layout, Sanjay Nagar – who is next? We track the various citizen-led single-use plastic bans. And The Green Ogre counted the birds in our backyard and neighbourhood, and shares his observations on our lovely feathered friends. All this and more… This week’s highlight: Water tanker regulations How many private water tankers are operating in Bengaluru? Is there anyone monitoring the legality of water tankers? How does one ensure the water in the tanker is safe? All this answered here: Water tanker ply without permits. Tanker data collection Please add the details of any water tanker supplier you know of, for this crowdsourced list. Click here » BBMP’s new Pet Dog rules Only one pet dog per flat, every dog to have a collar, badge and microchip, clean up after your pet. Rottweilers, Pitbulls and other aggressive breeds to be muzzled in public places. These and some more new rules are part of BBMP’s draft by-laws for pet dog licensing. More details>> The heroes among us Across the city, citizens are leading campaigns to ban the use of plastic. From asking people to carry their own bags, and reject single-use plastic bags, to helping shops switch to eco-friendly alternatives, there’s plenty going on. Citizen Matters tracks what is happening. Read: Bengaluru is being swept by citizen-led plastic bans. Street dogs typically feed on garbage. But here’s a couple that actually cooks food for 100+ strays. Bismi and Anil are the good samaritans of Whitefield whose work with strays, is awe-inspiring and inspirational. Read: The hands that feed over a hundred strays In the ‘hood In November 2015, residents of Indira Nagar 2nd stage were delighted when BBMP agreed to clear up a garbage dump that had piled up over the years on an empty plot in the area. Today, the pile stands as is, and BBMP claims it will cost Rs 50,000 to clear the garbage! An RTI response reveals that most commercial establishments in the residential streets of Indira Nagar do not have a trade licence. RWAs in the area are now waiting for the BDA and BBMP to act. Read: RWAs say no to commercialisation on residential streets. The Supreme Court has earlier said Aadhar card was not mandatory to have a LPG connection, and LPG suppliers seemed to follow it. Deepa Mohan says that Indane is once again forcing some consumers to have an Aadhar card. Food for thought A two-wheeler rider was mowed down by a speeding lorry near Thippagondanahalli, who finally died donating his eyes. Here’s a poetic interpretation of the whole incident. Read: The Me, My gadget, My video generation. Ideas for change Imagine if Bengaluru were to get yet another Cauvery… Would that quench the city’s thirst? Ashwin Mahesh explains how it is possible. Read: Matthondu Cauvery. Urban wildlife The annual Great Backyard Bird Count is an event that birders across the globe wait for. A birding enthusiast recounts his experience at the Great Backyard Bird Count 2016, and on the joys of birding solo. Read: Great Backyard Bird Count, it’s a wrap! Also read: Backyard birding at Kaikondrahalli and Kasavanahalli lakes. Culturati INTACH Bangalore is calling for entries for the 2nd edition of its Heritage Awards. If you know of old buildings which deserve to be recognised, don’t miss nominating them. Read: Showcase Bengaluru’s heritage. Chitra Srikrishna draws attention to an age-old phenomenon at Carnatic concerts; where the audience steps out for a break even before the performance is over. Read: Thani Avarthanam or Restroom Break? From co-existing with cows, to worshipping in public places, Kiran Keswani takes us through what happened at the Everyday City workshop. Read: The story of everyday practices. The week that was
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