As political parties in Bengaluru prepare for the upcoming polls, so are we at Citizen Matters!

For each zone we have mapped ward details, past council details, number of voters, etc. In each ward page, we will be adding details about the state of the ward — the demographics, infrastructure details, the tenders and development works executed, issues raised by citizens and more. We are also adding details of contesting candidates as we get info. We hope this will help you make an informed decision when the time comes to cast your vote. Click here to get started. You can also keep a track of the latest news and updates on the elections here.

Our pre-poll survey is still open – please share your feedback about how your corporator has performed in the last five years. Your inputs will help us in analysing the governance at a ward level. Available in English and ಕನ್ನಡ.

We are also giving aspiring corporators a chance to reach out to voters. So if you are going to be contesting, or know someone who is, have a look at our Candidate Information Form. This too is available is English and Kannada.

Zone-wise representation of tax paid vs. funds allocated

Elections are happening for BBMP all right, but will it change the state of affairs in Bengaluru? Mahadevapura and East zones in BBMP are the highest tax-paying zones, but get very less in return. What does this mean? Read: The property tax you pay, and what you get in return

In the lead up to the elections, the BBMP Commissioner has asked political parties to follow the model code of conduct. This means no political programs without prior permissions,  flex banners, buntings or loudspeakers. If you see any of these, here’s where you can complain.

Also read:

• Don’t divide Bengaluru, but restructure it, say civic organisations
• Getting a duplicate voter id in Bengaluru: Experience of a voter

Environment

Despite there being so much talk about conserving Bengaluru’s lakes, the reality is bleak. The latest CAG report reveals rampant encroachment, several cases of buffer zone violation and low level of participation from citizens. Read: CAG report on lakes.

Vibhutipura lake. Pic: Subha Priya

Several plants and animals in Bengaluru are not native species – they could have a devastating effect on local biodiversity in the long run. A new campaign starts in Bengaluru to track them. Read: This August, track down the aliens.

Update on Bellandur-Agara SEZ

While August 8th was the deadline for the NGT’s Expert Committee to submit a report on the Bellandur SEZ, the Committee is expected to submit an interim report on the project for the time being. Read: Expert committee on Bellandur SEZ to submit interim report soon.

The heroes among us

For the past five years, the Government Higher Primary School in Nallurahalli in Whitefield served as a storage yard for builders. And now, a group of out-of-school children from the nearby slums will get the school for themselves. Here’s how citizens from the group Nallurahalli Rising made this happen.

Living by the lake

 Over 2,000 people turned up for Cycle Day. Pic: Jagadeesh Giri

The recently concluded Cycle Day at Yelahanka Lake was dedicated to the memory of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Here are some snapshots from the event. Read: Yelahanka Lake Cycle Day dedicated to Dr Kalam.

Laugh out loud

An American student’s reflections on learning to use an Indian toilet in her first week in Bengaluru, where she says that foreigners may have to relearn bathroom basics. Read: Potty training in Bangalore.

In other news

• Senior IPS officer N S Megharik has been appointed as the police commissioner of Bengaluru, replacing out-going commissioner M N Reddi. Speaking to media after taking charge, Megharik has said that he will give equal importance to basic policing and social media: “There is no alternative to human policing. Even those who have lack of knowledge about social media too should be heard.”
• Bengaluru city police have launched Whatsapp complaint registration service last weekend. People can file complaints through Whatsapp on a dedicated mobile phone number 9480801000. Soon after the complaint is lodged, complainant will get a standard acknowledgment message, saying the complaint has been forwarded to the concerned police station.
• During a recent inspection by BBMP teams, it was found that of the 4.6 lakh streetlights in the city, 11,277 are non-functional. Acting upon the inspection report, the BBMP Commissioner has imposed a penalty of Rs 33.83 lakh on electrical contractors. The maximum number of non functional streetlights have been found in East zone, where a fine of Rs 8.48 lakh has been imposed on contractors.
• BESCOM will hereafter punish those indulging in power theft and reward those who bring it to light. BESCOM Vigilance SP has announced a reward of Rs 10,000 and maximum of one per cent of the penalty amount for the informers. Citizens can call BESCOM call centre on 1912 to inform the department about power theft.
• A three-year-old nursery-going child has been sexually assaulted in a private school in Indira Nagar. The police have detained the chairman, the principal and a security guard from the school. While the school authorities maintained that the incident did not occur on the school campus, protests broke outside school premises.
• The BBMP has planned to reorganise property tax zones to suit the development activities taking place in the areas in outer zones. The areas coming under the IT corridor have not seen a property tax revision in last few years, despite the booming real estate. The proposal has to be submitted to the government after which a gazette notification will be issued on the same.

Events this week

• A Hundred Hands is hosting The Monsoon Collective, a flea market featuring over 40 artisans from across the country at the NIFT Campus, HSR Layout from August 6th to 9th.
• Bangalore International Centre is hosting a panel discussion on SV Raju’s writings on August 7th to discuss the intellectual ideas propagated by him.
• PNLIT, in association with Le Pont Cafe is organising a fundraiser breakfast on August 8th. Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast at Le Pont Cafe in JP Nagar and help raise funds for Puttenahalli Lake while you are at it.
• Watch Andhon ka Haathi, a satire based on the old parable of how five blind people interpret an elephant, and depicts the political/social scenario in India at Rangasthala on August 8th.
• Visit Alliance Francaise between August 8th and 23rd to view a special exhibition showcasing paintings from Bengaluru’s longest-running children’s art class, mentored by acclaimed artist Balan Nambiar.
• Treat your ears to Hindustani vocal recital by Sanjukta Biswas, followed by Rattan Bharati on the Slide Guitar at Alliance Francaise on August 9th.  
• Watch the film Quai d’Orsay (The French Minister) at Alliance Francaise on August 12th.

Click here for the complete list of events in Bengaluru.

Subscribe