City: Bengaluru

The Karnataka Animal Welfare Board (KAWB) sits at the nexus of policy and compassion, charged with enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act—including its Dog Breeding and Marketing  Rules 2017(DBM) and Pet Shop Rules 2023—and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023. Yet, despite clear legislation, implementation remains uneven. The result is illegal breeding and buying, increased cruelty and a huge impact on not only the state exchequer but also rescuers and shelter finances. Citizens, veterinarians, breeders, kennel clubs, and even government agencies often overlook or misunderstand these regulations, rendering them toothless. Here’s why active outreach, education and…

Karnataka has long worn its forests as a crown, steeped in folklore, sanctified in song, and stitched into its cultural identity. None captured this reverence better than cultural icon and cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, whose evergreen lines, "Naaviruva Thaanave Gandhada Gudi. Andada Gudi Gandhada Gudi. Chandada Gudi Srigandhada Gudi," remain etched in the Kannada psyche. These words weren’t just poetic tributes—they were declarations of love for the sacred groves of this land. At the heart of this green devotion lies Bengaluru. Now known for its traffic and tech parks, the city once breathed through its 35 forest blocks, spread across…

A narrow walkway curves gently around the edge of Lower Ambalipura Lake in Haralur, flanked by fruit-bearing trees, herbs, and medicinal plants. Birds nest on the island at its centre, and the air carries only the sound of wind as it whispers through rustling leaves. What was once a weed-choked, sewage-contaminated water body is now a thriving urban lake, restored by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in 2009 and diligently maintained since 2014 by Mahadevpura Parisara Samrakshane Mattu Abhivrudhi Samiti (MAPSAS), a citizens' trust. At the heart of its transformation is Seenappa, the resident gardener, who spends his days…

It’s 6.45 am, and the first rays of sunlight bounce off the dense foliage at Sundaravana, an urban forest located in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. A gentle breeze carries the scent of wet earth. Calls of birds like the Gray Heron, Black Drongos and even the occasional peacock add to the morning chorus. A few early risers and joggers walk on a wide trail around Somansundarapalya Lake. The land around Somasundarapalya Lake wasn’t always a lush canopy. For years, it served as an RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) dump yard, with layers of processed plastic waste piling sky-high. But afforestation turned the tide.…

The dust has settled over the IPL frenzy and the Royal Challengers’ win, following the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, and the government is working to establish accountability. Now, it is time to calmly review the systemic flaws that have come to light and introspect on how citizens may also have contributed to the tragedy.  What appears to be the chief cause is the ‘culture of lawlessness’ that pervades our entire society — from elected representatives and bureaucrats to private enterprises, fans, and ordinary citizens. Did the government compromise public safety?    What was the urgency, or even the necessity, for…

With rapid urbanisation and increasing strain on public water supply systems, especially in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, sustainable water management has become essential. Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) is one of the simplest and most effective methods to address water scarcity, reduce urban flooding, and restore groundwater levels. This guide provides a clear overview of what RWH is, why it matters, how it works, and what it costs. What is RWH? Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) refers to the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for use or directing it into the ground to replenish groundwater. This can be achieved through two main…

Bengaluru’s cultural scene is a dynamic blend of history and modernity. From Kempegowda’s legacy to its evolving cosmopolitan spirit, the city embraces tradition and change equally. It boasts several cultural landmarks such as the Bengaluru Palace of the Wodeyar dynasty, Rangashankara, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum and Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR), alongside green retreats like the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Cubbon Park and Bannerghatta. From the neighbourhoods of Basavanagudi celebrating 'Kadlekai Parishe' (groundnut fair), flower shopping at Malleshwaram, to the renowned 'Karaga' in Chickpete, the city flaunts many micro-cultures tied to communities and shared local narratives. Bengaluru has also become a…

Aruna runs a tiffin stall on the footpath along Hosur Road, close to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). Her setup is temporary—just a foldable cot to lay out her dishes, partially shielded by a blue tarpaulin. The stove and dosa tawa sit exposed to the elements. “When the sun is out, the heat becomes unbearable, and when it rains, we can’t make dosas at all. That directly affects our earnings,” she says. Every day, she spends nearly two hours setting up and packing down this makeshift stall, even though the tarpaulin sheets offer little protection from…

Bengaluru’s floods keep getting worse each year. Even before the monsoons arrived, the city was already submerged this year, raising serious questions about mitigation measures. While the state government continues to toot horns about more construction projects, like elevated corridors, tunnels and flyovers, basic storm water drain (SWD) infrastructure remains inadequate and incomplete, leading to urban flooding. For 2024-25, the Karnataka government has allocated ₹2,000 crore to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) under the ‘Karnataka Water Security and Disaster Resilience Initiative.’ In a press release dated May 17, 2025, BBMP had identified 209 flood-prone areas in Bengaluru, with mitigation…

Every day, they show up, in the relentless heat or pouring rain. Bengaluru's outdoor workers — traffic police, auto drivers, pourakarmikas, construction workers, street vendors and gig workers — battle dehydration, exhaustion, and health problems in extreme weather with hardly any relief. They keep the city running but get little in return. This photo-essay puts a spotlight on their daily struggles and calls for urgent heat mitigation measures. No exit lane from the heat: A traffic police officer’s account Three hours under the sun daily — not a choice but a daily reality for Assistant Sub-Inspector Satish KP of Bengaluru…