City: Bengaluru

Almost all of us own a private vehicle, which means that we also visit petrol bunks frequently. But how many of us are aware of the fraudulent practices happening at these bunks? And how many of us are able to take any action against them?  A couple of months ago, I encountered a situation where I asked for Rs.500 worth of petrol, but got petrol worth Rs.200 instead. On questioning the employee, he said he had not heard it well and gave me petrol worth another Rs.300. On switching on the ignition, I noticed that my indicator pointed well below…

I guess today every soul in the city is happy after the much-awaited rains; sitting by the window I quickly messaged my hubby to look at sky outside, the sounds of frequent thunders gave signs of hope. Suddenly a song came to my mind – ‘This town’ by Frank Sinatra. Songs have been written on different cities on the globe. As a dweller of the city, I also would love to have a song for the erstwhile ‘city of gardens.’ Instantly, I started juggling so many thoughts in my mind; not that I possess the expertise to compose a song…

Waiting for the Chief Ministers. Many officials, security personnel, political leaders were present. Pic: Meera K. The first thing that hits you is the strong smell of bleach all over. Then you realise something looks different, cleaner. The roads look recently cleaned, potholes have a temporary filling of wet quarry dust. The debris dumped on the side, that was there till yesterday is now missing. This was the scene at Kaikondrahalli lake. And at Agara lake, Mekhri Circle, Malleshwaram and probably a few other places in the city on Saturday. All thanks to the chief minister who was on a…

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…