Bengaluru this week
September 18th 2015
 CITIZEN MATTERS
We hope you had a very happy Ganesha Habba. In this edition of Bengaluru This Week, we feature a story on upcoming shuttle bus services from mobile-based app service, Ola and ZipGo; this signals the entry of private players into public transport. Read about why residents of HSR Layout are excited, yet wary about having a vehicle-free day in their area. We also have an analysis of the BDA’s 2,200 crore mutual fund scam. All this and more… This week’s highlight: On the road From anywhere to anywhere in Bengaluru for just 29 rupees. Sounds attractive, doesn’t it? In what is seen as an alternative public transportation to BMTC, private cars and rickshaws, app-based service providers like ZipGo and Ola have entered into the arena of public transport system in Bengaluru. What’s the consequence? Read: Now: private carriages in Bengaluru. Will BMTC face the heat?
A government move to make HSR Layout vehicle-free for one day has been met with support and criticisms. What’s the big deal about Open Streets? Read: Some HSR residents to hit the streets this Sunday, others worried Changing a few roads to one-ways from the traffic-ridden two ways at Chalukya Circle could help reduce the bottlenecks in the area, says Sridhar. Read: Making Chalukya Circle a signal-free junction. In other news… Ever wondered what BDA – BMRCL mutual fund scam is all about? BDA’s money was invested in mutual funds, which is recoverable. Why is this still called a scam? Read: BDA’s 2200 Cr mutual fund scam: Who gets the commission? National Green Tribunal-appointed committee submits report on the SEZ project at Agara and gets blasted for shoddy job : Green Tribunal pulls up expert committee on Agara SEZ report. Though BJP won majority in BBMP council, Congress-JDS coalition has won the Mayor’s election, because all MLAs, MLCs and MPs from Bengaluru area can vote in mayoral elections. Read: Congress-JDS coalition wins BBMP Mayor’s seat. Living in the city You have read her witty takes on food and lifestyle in Bengaluru. Holly Thorpe bids adieu to Bengaluru with a poignant write up: Farewell Bengaluru! This is Holly Thorpe signing off… It’s that time in democracy when you, the citizen of Bengaluru, can actually get things done by the elected representatives. Here’s how you can get in touch with the corporator from your ward: BBMP corporators and their contact numbers – 2015. How much water does your ward need? How much has BWSSB been able to supply? Check out How much water your ward consumes each month? Living by the lake
It is now official. Puttenahalli Lake Birds Conservation Reserve is now a reality! Puttenahalli Lake in Yelahanka has been declared a “Conservation Reserve” by the Karnataka Government. Around 30 children got together for a storytelling session with The Boy and His Drum on september 12th. Here are some snapshots from the day. See: How the boy got his drum. Of private clubs and public officials The new bill to restrict entry of people into clubs says that there can be no dress code. The bill also says membership of clubs should be easily given to people’s reps. You can send your objections to the draft. Read: Karnataka govt publishes draft of the bill on entry to clubs and public places. By clubbing the dress code issue and free club memberships for elected reps under one law, is the State government trying to kill two birds with one stone? Here’s how Ashwin Mahesh has to say about it: Should elected reps be granted a free pass into clubs? No! What to do with waste? Members of GoGreenGoCycling and BinBag met at Cubbon Park on the morning of September 13th to raise awareness about the safe and responsible disposal of e-waste. Read: A good way to ‘waste’ away a Sunday morning… Why does garbage seem like an insurmountable problem in Bengaluru? Anuradha T blames BBMP’s negligence on the failure to keep the city clean. Read: Is BBMP’s apathy responsible for Bengaluru’s garbage crisis? Down memory lane
WP engine. Pic: IRFCA – www.irfca.org Chandra Shekhar Balachandran reminisces about a time when steam engines ruled the rails, and when the ‘backside gate’ of the City railway station was still the entrance. Read: Riding the rails. The heroes among us Would you consider sleeping out of your home? Participate in Under The Stars and experience the realities of the homeless. Your participation will help NGOs working towards the prevention of homelessness, raise money. Read: Sleep out under the stars for the homeless. Voice of the people A satiric note about solving Bengaluru’s problems that also highlights the causes of problems remaining as they are for ages: How to solve a problem in Bengaluru The process for getting an entry ticket into Lalbagh has been outsourced to a private organisation. Deepa Mohan asks if this is a move to extort more money from the public. Read: Harassment of visitors at Lalbagh. Also read: The inconvenient convenience. Photo feature: Scenes from the city The week that was
Events this week
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