bangalore problems

The Delhi’s Odd-Even experiment has ended. The Jury is still out on the outcome of this ‘Odd-Even’ experiment, i.e. reduction in pollution. There is no concrete evidence to prove one way or the other. Pollution reduction numbers may not be visible instantaneously with the absence of vehicles partially on roads in just 15 days. However, people of Delhi ensured high compliance to the odd-even rule, leading to success of this experiment in terms of less traffic. The Chief Justice of India’s voluntary compliance in spite of having the waiver just reiterates the citizen’s desire for healthier environments and surroundings, in…

As 2015 has drawn to an end, it would be worthwhile for the government to reflect and learn from the issues that the citizens raised their voices about this year. The tech-savvy residents of various regions of Bengaluru increasingly took to public protests this year to voice their discontent with the myriad infrastructure problems that beset their neighbourhoods. These problems are symptomatic of the underlying issues arising out of a myopic vision and a deficit (sometimes bordering on absence) of governance. As long as the state government and the city’s administrators remain mired in a cycle of firefighting, band-aid fixes…

This true story is typical of the experience of thousands of residents of Bengaluru who are at the mercy of ‘service’ providers like the municipal corporation (BBMP) and water supply (BWSSB). In the first week of December, BBMP’s contractors began re-laying pavement stones in Jayanagar. Gangs of workers piled the dug up mud, concrete chunks, broken stone slabs and bricks all along the pavement, blocking my entrance. How do I get in and out of my home? I protested. The labourers suggested I step into the two feet deep drain and access my entrance. As a 75-year-old senior citizen with…

Anything in plenty loses its value. Anything–even human life! That’s why when we read of treacherous genocide of thousands of innocent people somewhere away from our vicinity, the intensity of the sorrow that we feel is short-lived—we are able to carry on with our lives quite normally. We know, as individuals we can do jolly little to change anything on this planet.  Is that wholly true? I went to Calgary in Canada recently to spend time with my son and daughter-in-law. The wonderful roads, neat and even footpaths and walking trails and the marvelous traffic sense of the drivers of…

Bangalore has a lot of problems. Here is a  guide to solve Bangalore's problem in 20 short steps. Cut some trees. Form a committee with a catchy name - B-SOMETHING. Involve famous citizens - KMS, NM, NN etc. Don't analyse the problem. Analysis is for losers. Cut some more trees. Come up with an absurd suggestion which will cost several thousand crores. Cut some more trees. Lament the loss of green cover in Bangalore. Assure everyone that for every tree you cut, you will plant 10 more. Hand out lucrative contracts to your friends for planting `saplings'. Start your absurd…

ADDRESSED TO ALL POLITICAL PARTIES FIELDING CANDIDATES AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES STANDING FOR BBMP ELECTIONS 2015 AN OPEN LETTER FROM CITIZENS’ ACTION FORUM- CAF’S Citizens' Charter of Demands for the BBMP Elections 2015 Manifestoes. We from Citizens’ Action Forum (CAF) have met with our partner RWAs and have compiled critical suggestions for the manifestos of all the political parties fielding candidates and independent candidates alike for the BBMP Elections 2015. At the outset, we would like to thank the BJP-Bangalore for taking a welcome step of inviting CAF for a discussion and seeking suggestions for their manifesto for the BBMP Elections…

News Tracker ELECTION RESULTS Congress-JDS coalition wins BBMP Mayor's seat The 260-member juggernaut: Will it drive BBMP haywire? Answers to FAQs on BBMP Mayoral elections How much richer have the re-elected corporators become in five years? B.PAC asks BBMP corporators to take oath: "Na Khaoonga, Na Khane Dunga" View more Resources Set to vote? Here's a quick guide Look for your name in the electoral roll Locate your polling booth Full list of candidates Candidate affidavits A guide to Bangalore's civic agencies Manifestos Congress | BJP | JDS Candidate debates Ward 12: Shettihalli Ward 19: Sanjay Nagar Ward 149: Varthur…

Citizens of Mahadevapura and East zones, including Bellandur and Whitefield area are up in arms against the system that surrounds them. They pay taxes every year, but the infrastructure around them is broken. They have to fight with the system everyday for everything: good roads, clean water, garbage disposal, pollution, traffic problems and more. There is a good amount of citizen activism in the area where there is a presence of well-educated people employed in various corporates. However, the issues don’t get sorted as quickly as they should. This brings us to the question: how did a part of the…

      Bengaluru this week   <!-- -->   Here's what happened in the city last week: Bengaluru is about to get a modern abattoir near Ramanagara. HC has dismissed a plea from residents that opposed the proposed slaughterhouse for animals. This is expected to minimise pollution and waste disposal issues. Electronic City has got many new direct buses from other parts of the city, routed through NICE Road. BMTC has started women-only buses between Central Silk Board and Electronics City during peak hours, which could be extended to other routes based on feedback. BBMP’s vigilance committee has found…