Bengaluru this week
January 28th 2016
CITIZEN MATTERS
This week, we present to you several stories that will make you think about the time we spend on the road – What is the toll that bad roads take on the economy? Should Bengaluru adopt the odd-even policy? Does the city really need dedicated lanes for cyclists? How a new railway track to Tirupathi could possibly decongest traffic on Old Madras Road. We also invite you to collaborate with us to document Bengaluru for a new series. This week’s highlight: Lessons Bengaluru can learn from Delhi There are talks of Delhi’s odd-even policy making its way to Bengaluru. But can the city’s public transport infrastructure support its implementation? Read: Lessons Bengaluru can learn from the odd-even policy. On your commute That potholes are a nuisance is apparent. What isn’t is the cost that it puts on the economy. Nidhi Gupta of The Takshashila Institution crunches some numbers: A pothole can cost Rs 1,185 per day in Bangalore! Vittal Mallya road which was built five years ago is proof that a well-planned road can stand the test of time. If that’s the case, should BBMP not invest more in good quality roads, asks Ashwin Mahesh. Read: The economics of roads. Bengaluru got its first cycle track in Jayanagar in 2012. But within months, thanks to lack of enforcement, motorists began to use the lane for parking their vehicles. Now, HSR Layout is all set to get cycle lanes. Will it be successful, remains the question! Here’s a new rail route that could reduce the distance between Bengaluru and Tirupati by 71 km, and in turn possibly reduce traffic on Old Madras Road. Read: This new railway line will help decongest Old Madras Road. Data insights Data shows that Bengaluru typically receives the highest rains in the months of September and October. Hence, there are likely to be more floods in these months than others. Read: Data from 100 years reveals rainiest months in Bangalore. On January 25th, National Voter’s Day, PG Bhat provided a reality check on Bengaluru’s electoral rolls. Read: Mystery of deleted voters in Whitefield and other blunders. In the ‘hood According to the Koliwad Committee report, 10,472 acres of land have been encroached in Bangalore Urban and Rural districts. The list of encroachers includes government offices, builders and several educational institutions. The committee has issued show-cause notices to these parties, giving them time till February 29th to file objections and grievances. Read: Who encroached Bengaluru? What do you do when a newly repaired road in your neighbourhood begins to show signs of damage? Do you vent your frustration on social media or do you silently bemoan the sorry state of affairs in the city? Here’s a story from Whitefield that proves that the system does work when you speak up. Bengaluru’s disappearing professions Do you remember the knife sharpeners, kulfi walas/ice cream carts, salt sellers, son papadi sellers, metalware repairmen, etc? Not many of them are seen now! Collaborate with us to document their stories: Bengaluru’s forgotten professions. The leaders of tomorrow Have you ever thanked a traffic policeman? To appreciate the efforts of the traffic police, CMCA celebrated Traffic Police Day on January 22nd. Through this month, local school children will be expressing their gratitude to these unsung heroes of the city. B.PAC, in association with Shell MRPL Aviation launched the Safe and Green School project. The project aims to create a clean and safe environment in government schools that is conducive for learning. Read: Palace Guttahalli government school to become ‘Safe and Green’. The lives of others The Karnataka Slum Janara Sanghatanegala Okkoota has called for a public hearing today to discuss highlight the socio-economic and cultural impact of slum evictions. The hearing will be on till 5 pm at Gandhi Bhavan. Culturati On January 25th, music lovers from south Bengaluru were privy to Yamini, all-night classical music festival, held at IIM-Bangalore. Deepa Mohan who attended the event, shares her experience. The week that was
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