We’re ecstatic to inform you that our March fundraiser was a grand success – we reached our target. A big thank you to all of you who contributed and spread the word. Here’s where you can have a look at our list of donors.

Here’s a round-up of the latest news from Bengaluru, before we get into our stories:

• In continuation to unearthing irregularities in the BBMP, the Lokayukta raided the BBMP on April 7th, and unearthed irregularities in clearing bills worth Rs 500 crore. The sleuths also arrested Chief Accounts Officer Kanakaraj and Accounts Superintendent Narayanaswamy.
• Town Hall has been opened for the general public once again. The Town Hall, closed for the renovation work last October, has been renovated at a cost of Rs 7 crore and now boasts of full-fledged facilities including AC and projector.
• The High Court has lashed out at the Karnataka Pollution Control Board for failing to monitor noise pollution in the city. While hearing a petition, the HC has directed the KSPCB to furnish data on noise pollution in Bengaluru and Mysuru
• Even as the government has made a move towards issuing an ordinance dividing BBMP, Bengaluru MPs from the BJP, including Ananth Kumar, D V Sadananda Gowda and P C Mohan have flayed the move and have asked the chief minister to withdraw the decision.
• A writ petition was filed in the High Court questioning the state government’s decision to conduct BBMP elections, while the process of dividing BBMP is on. Petitioners Muralidhar Rao and Satish Chandra argued that this will lead to wastage of public money, as there will be yet another election for the divided Bengaluru, once the process is complete.
• KR Market observed a day-long bandh on Tuesday demanding the clearance of 18 illegal shops.
• Kannada organisations have called for Karnataka bandh on April 18 over the Mekedatu reservoir row.

This week’s highlight: Top 10 most accident-prone areas in Bengaluru

Between 2012 and 2014, Bengaluru registered a total of 4,191 accidents. Madivala tops the list with 931 accidents. KR Puram, on the other hand saw 641 accidents, of which 23% proved fatal. Here’s our take on the most accident-prone areas in the city, why they are so and what is being done to fix this.

Read: Top 10 most accident-prone areas in Bengaluru.

If that depressed you, we have some light stories to make you smile!

Pic: Deepa Mohan

Rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru – can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Eden, our intern from the University of Illinois, writes an open letter to the men in tan.

A lovely April Fools day special from the good people of Bellandur on the new sauna in the neighbourhood, a refreshing new cocktail and the return of the wouldbe-corporator. Read: I solemnly swear…

Living in the city

When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Here’s how some fraudsters, claiming to be from LIC, tried to con a resident of Koramangala. Read: Beware! Fraudsters posing as LIC officers.

As of now, there are no safety guidelines that are prescribed to college hostels in the city. So how can they ensure safety? Read: Self regulation the only way forward.

The Urban Development Department published the draft reservation list on April 4th. BJP councillors however allege foul play in the list, as many of them not be eligible to contest from their current wards. Read: Will BMMP reservation list spark another court battle?

Public perceptions

Collage: Ganga Madappa

How did the media and the public react to IAS officer DK Ravi’s death? A visiting student goes through scores of news stories and television debates, and reflects on the case. Read: Was DK Ravi perceived as Batman?

But naturally…

Bangalore-based firm, Mapunity has developed an online platform where people can make a record of the Ashwath kattes in the city. Read: Map your own neighbourhood katte.

Going on a nature walk does throw up many beautiful sights. Here’s all that a nature walk at Lalbagh with a group of senior citizens had to show.

World Water Day is celebrated every year on March 22nd. Biome shares what transpired at the World Water Day celebrations at Rainbow Drive layout and WIPRO.

Events this week

• To mark GK Gokhale’s death centenary, Bangalore International Centre is hosting a talk on Gokhale and  Liberal Nationalism on April 10th.
• Celebrate the abundance in nature with music, art, games, learning, food and fun at the Madiwala Kere Habba on April 11th.
• Vidushi Sumithra Vasudev will be putting her vocal stamina to the test at a special four-hour Carnatic concert at Sobha Lakeview Club on April 11th.
• Make your way to Yelahanka this Sunday April 12th to celebrate yet another edition of Cycle Day.
• Short + Sweet, the annual 10 minute play festival is back! Watch the second round of the qualifiers at Alliance Francaise on April 12th.
• Goethe Institut is hosting an IDM (International Dance Music) workshop with German DJs, Chymera & Pawas  on April 11th.
• Parents with children on summer vacation, here’s something for you – there are several interesting  summer camps lined up in April and May.

Click here for the complete list of events happening in Bengaluru.

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