City: Bengaluru

Karthik, a 12-year-old boy, studying in Class 5 at Sacred Children School and PU College, was trampled to death by a tusker on 9 September, 2013. The incident took place in Doddamaranahalli, near Tavarekere, which is around 23 kms from City centre. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when Karthik went too close to the tusker to get a better glimpse in the morning. The tusker, which is said to be aged around 12 years had separated from its herd in Savandurga and appeared near Hunasamaranahalli. The Forest Department and police officials say that seven boys spotted the elephant and…

My father used to often quote a popular saying - Yathaa raja, thatha prajaa - meaning that if the rulers are corrupt, you can’t expect the praja or populace, to be any better. Quite right. I remember once arguing with an auto rickshaw driver over his demand for an extra Rs 5 on top of the meter charge. He pointed to the massive flyover that we were under, and said, “Amma, do you know how many crores have been eaten up by corrupt politicians in constructing this flyover? And you are scolding me for asking for a paltry five rupees…”…

At the beginning of the year, BBMP finally started the process of formation of ward committees (WC). But many WCs remained only on papers. High Court intervened again on 27 August and asked the government to finalise rules for the committee soon. The state Urban Development Department (UDD) has issued draft rules. Environment Support Group (ESG), an NGO that has, for many years, campaigned to establish local government or 'Nagar Palike,' organised a discussion to suggest revisions to the draft rules formulated by the state government for the formation and functioning of WC. An open discussion was held on 4…

Metro Phase II work takes off, with KIADB starting the land acquisition process. File pic. Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board  (KIADB) conducted the first hearing for the owners of properties to be acquired for alignment of Metro Phase II on 4 September, 2013. The properties notified were for Ragigudda and Silk Board stations, on RV Road- Bommasandra line. Metro is all geared up to start the Phase-II work by January 2014. To achieve this target, the process of identification of properties was already initiated by KIADB officers deputed to the Metro, in the last few weeks. In the first hearing,…

The second session of 'My School My Voice – Children’s Parliament' was attended by 120 budding parliamentarians from 17 schools in Bangalore. Childreach International India organised the event at The United Theological College on 4 September 2013. The children discussed and debated solutions to Right to education with focus on ensure 25% EWS in public schools, how to integrate children whow ere never enrolled, in class rooms and ensure safe mid day meal. The guest of honor was Ramakrishna Upadhaya, Senior Editor, Deccan Herald and President of Press Club, Bangalore. He addressed the gathering and gave some valuable suggestions. The…

Ganesh festival is around the corner, on Monday 9 September 2013. BESCOM has urged public and the Mandallîs/ assocìatíons/ groups who set up Ganesha at public places not to tap power illegally."It has come to the notice of the Company that in the past during festival at several places Ganesh Mandallis/ associations/ groups plug wires to street light ports and some tap electricity from street light poles. (sic) This can prove fatal during monsoon and may cause electric shock or electrocution. BESCOM will not be responsible for any such untoward incidents owing to unauthorised power connections," said the press release.Unauthorised…

Chalet Hotels Private Limited, promoted by K Raheja Corp Group, has sued Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for revoking the No Objection Certificate (NOC) given for the construction of  Raheja Vivarea, near HAL surroundings. The hearing of WP 37571/2103, Chalet Hotel V/s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, took place on 28 August, 2013. Revoking of NOC for Raheja Viverea by HAL has led to a law suit. File pic - representation purpose only. Earlier, residents of Koramangala, under the banner of Koramangala Infrastructure Task Force, had written to Defence Minister A K Antony urging him to take action regarding what was supposedly an…

Yelahanka Satellite Town was once a very peaceful little town. But the boom in the land prices due to the opening of the International Airport is turning this town into another messy metropolis centre.  Every other road is being converted into a commercial road and every vacant site is being filled with huge complexes at jet speed.  What is hurting is that the Karnataka Housing Board, which designed this beautiful township, themselves are causing this sudden spurt of construction activities.  A huge piece of land with nearly 70-80 trees is now being turned into a concrete structure of some commercial…

It is that time of the year when the roads and colonies in Bangalore will host Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations. Though one believes in God or not, such events add colour to the otherwise monotonous life, and bring the families and friends together together in the name of celebration. However, the Ganesha idols, especially the big ones, are made up of Plaster of Paris, which is a non-biodegradable substance. Add to that the lead-based paint that gives a glossy look and feel to the idol. In the name of celebration, we pollute the water bodies when we immerse such Ganeshas in…

The Bangalore Development Authority’s ambitious project of selling apartments has no takers. The demand for a decent home does not seem to end in Bangalore, but people are not interested in BDA flats. The last date by which buyers had to apply for the flats was 31 June, 2013. Under Phase-I, total 4502 flats were constructed by the BDA, in Nandini Layout, Halagevaderahalli, Malagala, Gunjur phase-1, Thippasandra, Doddabanahalli Phase -I, Alur, Kothanur and Doddabanahalli units. Of these, according to BDA, only 700 have been allotted. BDA apartment constructed near Kengeri. Pic: Bosky Khanna Why did BDA get into apartment business?…