bangalore journal

Those of us who have had green around our homes must have had perennial Money plants tucked in collectible pretty bottles (which could never been thrown away) or even pots that had the creeper trailing on the wall or balcony.  They were sunned once in a while or may never have seen the sun but yet they gave out new leaves and looked healthy.  If you now go to a nursery and ask for indoor plants you will be shown a wide range to choose from.   Indoor potted  plants thrive in the shade and beautify our homes and give us…

No public meeting organiser ever takes in to consideration waste management. Whether it is an exhibition or a hunger strike, it is rare to see dustbins. Food stalls all around Freedom Park. Not a bin in site. Pic: Meera K. Hawkers and vendors naturally gravitate to any large group, selling icecreams, tea-coffee, groundnuts, roasted corn and more. They too never provide a bin to collect the waste. The visitors eat and throw trash in corners, sometimes just anywhere. Litter at Freedom Park. Pic: Meera K. At Freedom Park last week, visitors enthusiastically stuck stickers of I am Anna and wore…

A commercial building located in between Fortis Hospital and Apollo Hospital along Bannerghatta road in Bengaluru is being demolished by the BBMP since August 19. The building, ‘Amalodhbhala Tower', is located in one part of a 2 acre 32 guntas government land which was encroached by the complex's owner, one Shantharaju. About half the demolition of 'Amalodhbala Tower' was complete by August 22. Pic: Navya P K. This encroachment was mentioned in the report of V Balasubramanian (IAS, Retd.), Chairman of the Task Force for Recovery and Protection of Public Lands, which was published in June. In addition to Shantharaju,…

On the sixth day of the IAC protest at Freedom Park, more than five thousand people gathered to show their support. Thousands signing the banner supporting Anna Hazare. Pic: Padmalatha Ravi Master Hirannaiah, a theatre personality, known for his ability to deliver scathing views on politics, did not dissappoint. Dr Devi Shetty who gave a brief speech got a rousing welcome from those gathered. Hundreds of organisations pledged their support. Many of the particpants were joining in for the first time. A businessman, Anup, in his mid-thirties, said 'I was holding back because, I have paid a lot of bribe…

Far away from the booming crowds of Freedom Park, the protest for Jan Lokpal turned several notes melodious on Saturday, 20th August. An all-night concert was organised by Kumaresh, one half of the sibling violinist  duo, Ganesh-Kumaresh to express their support for Anna Hazare's protest. Over 40 musicians performed at the 106 year old Gayana Samaj on K R Road in Basavanagudi, one of the oldest cultural organisations in the country. The concert went on from 6 pm in the evening till the wee hours of the next morning. Over 100 people attended the concert. Varijashree Venugopal, of 'Antardhwani', playing…

In action replay of last year, BBMP has presented a massive budget outlay of Rs.9100 cr for the city on a base of unproven revenues and uncommitted grants. BBMP Council's budget session in progress on August 18th 2011. Pic: Navya P K. Last year BBMP's actual receipts were Rs 4930 cr lesser than the projected amount of Rs 8447 cr. This year, the gap may be bigger, with a seemingly impossible expectation of receipts of Rs 9112 cr. This, along with opening balance of Rs 85 cr, is expected to cover expenditure of Rs 9196 cr for 2011-12.Reading out the…

Many Bellandur residents have been enthused by the anti-corruption campaign. They are organising small and large local rallies, candle light vigils and protests.It started earlier this week itself - Aug 16th saw a human chain and singing of the National Anthem on ORR.One of the organisers of a protest on 19th August, Geetha Arvind, shared this on our federation mailing group, "Started at around 9am with one person and kept growing with time and by 11am there were more than 60-70 people... Cab drivers joined, auto drivers joined... Many junta from softzone companies were present". Another march from Iblur Junction…

With rising petrol prices, electric bikes are fast becoming popular in the city. Those below 18 years are opting for low speed bikes, which have maximum speed of 25 km/hr. These bikes are not categorised as motor vehicles and hence do not need a driver's license, registration or insurance. Like any retail product, they can be purchased and used directly.Not yet 18 but can ride a bike Jayanagar-based Kushal Pabbi, 16, owns iStar, a 25 km/hr electric bike. A Ist PUC student in St Joseph's PU College in Richmond Road, he uses the bike mainly to travel to college and…

In its third day, the Bangalorean protest for Jan Lokpal at Freedom Park does not seem to be slowing down in the least. What began with large masses of students in support of Anna Hazare has now broadened into drawing Bangaloreans from several other walks of life. Thousands more gathered on Thursday August 18th, stepping up their demand for passing the Anna Hazare version of the Lokpal bill in Parliament. An overcast sky with dark clouds looming did not dampen the spirits. One of the most spirited moments of the day came when thousands sang ‘Vande Mataram' in unison. By…

 The second phase of'B' Division Hockey tournament being held by Karnataka State Hockey Association (KSHA) began yesterday, 18th August and will go on till 23rd August after which the thrid phase will begin. Twelve teams, split into four pools will play in the second phase.Thegames are being played at the hockey stadium in Shanthinagar.Pool Table Pool A - DYSS ‘B’, HMT, Primrose H.C Pool B - Vidyaranyapura H.C, S.B.M.Jain College, Hassan H.C POOL C -RDT H.A, ASC Boys, Adhyamaan Engg College POOL D - Govt Sports School, Kudige, SAI ‘C’, Ideal S.C ‘A’ KGF Match result on 18th August1st Match: ASC…