In the past month, Citizen Matters raised a little over 2.31 lakh. This was made possible by five people, who we are so pleased to have collaborated with. Here’s our thank you note to them: Our champions at the TCS World 10K.

A big thank you to all the folks who pitched in this time around too! Your contribution will ensure that we continue to stay afloat.

We will be keeping the payment gateway for our summer fundraiser open for one more day. If you’d like to contribute past the 11th hour :), please click here.

This week’s highlight: Planting trees in Bengaluru

This summer’s heat made us all nostalgic about the cooler weather of the past. Though the urban area has expanded in Bengaluru, there is no reason why the tree cover should not! Time to plant trees!

Also read: Common names and uses of trees that can be planted.

Waste management at the TCS 10 K

After the Bengaluru Marathon and Pinkathon, it was time for TCS World 10K to go green. An in-depth look at how waste was managed at last week’s run. Read: Races in Bengaluru going green.

Citizens protest against new vision group

The Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC), the body that must plan the city is dysfunctional. But forming another body to run the city does not go well with citizen groups. What does this entail for the future of Bengaluru Blue Print Action Group?

How to ensure there is water for everyone

The roles of lakes and stormwater drains has changed in the era of urbanisation and industrialisation. What can be done with them in the newer times? Here’s a solution – create a river out of them!

While Bengaluru received good rainfall in 2015, this year’s summer was brutal. Biome Trust’s analysis of the rainfall that the Yamalur watershed received last year shows that there is enough water available for everyone if rainwater harvesting is done properly. Read more »

Getting an occupancy certificate

Do you have your house documents in order? The Occupancy Certificate is an important document to have before you move in to your new dwelling; one that the builder is supposed to get, but often doesn’t. Read: How to get your occupancy certificate.

On the road

On account of the operation of the Metro East-West corridor from Byappanahalli to Nayandahalli, BMTC has announced that it will operate feeder services for commuters. Read: BMTC announces feeder services for Metro.

In Bengaluru, it is quite common to be told by a security guard that you cannot park your vehicle at a specific spot because it is ‘reserved’. In truth, however, the area is probably a public space. How can one deal with it, asks Deepa Mohan.

Citizen action

If you are part of a community that ensures that a bulk of the waste generated is recycled in the right manner, this is for you! Tomorrow is the last day for sending in applications for the 2016 edition of the Recyclathon Awards.

House documents, plastic ban, good news from Kundalahalli lake – Here’s a roundup of all that’s happening in Whitefield.

Bonded labour still prevalent

The people rescued from the brick kiln in Anekal. Pic: IJM

Early last week, 18 people from Odisha, including three infants, were rescued from a brick kiln in Anekal. The rescued families were working as bonded labourers at the kiln. Read: Bonded labourers rescued from Anekal brick kiln.

Disappearing Professions

What happens when a piece of jewellery that you own snaps or needs some repair? Here are the folks that you can pay a visit to, to get it fixed. Read: Jewellery repair – craftsmen at work.

How gaming helped a teen understand math concepts

Most often, video games are considered addictive and a waste of time. Ritvik Mandyam, our young blogger explains how they have instead helped him understand math concepts and even build a robot. Read: The learning game.

News you can use

• SSLC results were declared on Monday and the overall pass percentage in Karnataka is 79.16 per cent. Bangalore Rural district stood first with a total pass percentage of 89.63. The pass percentage of students from BBMP schools is 56.17 per cent.

• The Legislative Committee on Lake Encroachments headed by MLA K B Koliwad has instructed officials from BDA, BBMP and Revenue Department to conduct a survey of lakes and rajakaluves in the city. He has directed them to ascertain the encroachment of buffer zones and submit a report within a month. The direction has come in the wake of National Green Tribunal’s recent order on lake buffer zones.

• The depression caused in Bay of Bengal has resulted in heavy rains in Bengaluru. The rain is expected to continue for few more days.

• Bengaluru City railway station has been renamed after freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna. Speaking after the renaming programme, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that the government was mulling over a semi-high speed rail link between Bengaluru-Mysuru and Bengaluru-Hubballi.

• Two cases of sexual assault were reported in Bengaluru this week. A 26-year-old Bhutanese national was gangraped in an apartment building in Electronic City. The police have arrested three culprits. In a separate incident, the police have arrested a head constable for allegedly sexually abusing a minor at his home.

Events this week

 An Evening in Paris – May 25th – Alliance Francaise

• Head to Kavade Attic with your child in tow to watch How Cow Now Cow on May 19th, 20th and 21st.

• Tell me a Story, a book reading and storytelling session for children is happening at British Council on May 20th.

• Take a stroll through one of Bengaluru’s oldest suburbs at the Malleswaram Darshan on May 21st.

• Watch You’ve Got Hate Mail, a play about a young email account at Alliance Francaise on May 21st and 22nd.

• For a bellyful of laughs, make your way to LOL, Urban Solace’s weekly standup comedy show on May 25th.

• Spend An Evening in Paris by attending a piano and flute concert at Alliance Francaise on May 25th.

• French comedy film, Radiostars is being screened at Alliance Francaise on May 26th.

To know more about events in Bengaluru, click here