CITIZEN JOURNALISM

Ripples of excitement ran through the assembled gathering when Margaret Alva, the governor of Uttarakhand came to inaugurate a little plant fair in Bangalore. Simple and unassuming in her trademark silk saree and bindi, the governor who has been associated with The Association of people with Disability (APD) for years, inaugurated the sale without any fanfare. Sale: The Association of People with Disability,  6th Cross, Hutchins Road, Off Hennur Road,  Lingarajapuram, St. Thomas Town Post, Bengaluru 560 084. Ph:  25470390, 25475165 "Margaret Alva is on a visit to Bangalore and supports anything that can help people with disability, as well as the environment of Bangalore,” says…

National Games Village has taken a lead in creating a sustainable zero waste community. Tungabhadra block in the games village have been actively involved in managing the waste their homes generate within their complex for the past three months. It all started with inspiration from Vellore Srinivasan, who has 16 years of experience in implementing Zero Waste Management (ZWM) Projects and the non-profit group AID India coming forward to fund the initial cost of implementing ZWM in NGV. Segregating waste With tremendous support from residents, volunteers and the association, they kickstarted something that today can proudly be a shining example…

The Metro is becoming a reality. The first leg is getting ready. The trial run has begun. The stations are getting ready. The foot over bridge is nearing completion at many stations. The stations have been named sensibly. The glass facade is being errected at many stations. The appearance is one of class and style that every Bangalorean can feel proud of whether or not he belongs to Karnataka.Now comes the risk. Political groups and anti social elements who are used to damaging public property have another beautiful target. It is very essential that apart from the government and civic…

I had written an email to BMTC Managing Director, K R Srinivasa, IAS, regarding various issues related to BMTC buses on June 29th. On July 8th, I got a reply from CTM Operations for the same. He replied, "BMTC appreciates your concern about the matters related to its operations and thanks for your valuable suggestions". He provided a point by point reply  with details of action taken. 1.   General lack of punctuality with unreliable services: Bus timings are rarely maintained. Drivers are forced to follow the old time sheets in spite of the worsening traffic conditions and hence many drivers…

This is an analysis based on measurable data that shows running buses on time will reduce traffic on roads to 1/3rd its current value. Next, a strategy is outlined to get buses running on time -we can take a hint from the metro: the metro will run on time since it has its own track, so we can do the same for buses: a dedicated lane for buses or specific roads earmarked only for buses. Additionally, the cost of having traffic wardens (who will maintain traffic discipline) for every kilometre of road works out roughly to be Rs 5 crore…

When you feel really really satisfied after a meal, it's worth a mention. "In the Pink" is tucked away on a road where you least expect it; a thoroughfare but maybe you missed noticing it because you were trying to beat the traffic? Pic source: inthepink.in But what's so special about the place anyway? Well, for one it boasts of being "Organic", a restaurant and a store all in one. The store has been around for over a year now and stocks vegetables, bulk rice, lentils, wheat flour etc., as well as organic brand names such as 24 Letter Mantra…

At our Resident’s Welfare Association (RWA) in LB Sastry Nagar, we started working on anti-plastic cause right from Apr 2006. Our association Uthkarsh had conducted a door to door campaign convincing people about hazards of plastics. Dry waste being sorted and stored in Sarovar Apartment. Pic: Anamika Gupta While talking to people, we found out that most people take plastic bags to throw away garbage, since the dustbins get dirty because of wet waste.  It was, therefore, a natural progression to waste management. We began to think about how to avoid plastic bags being used as garbage bin liners. If…

When I first heard about the magical properties of Aloe Vera, I was unprepared for the absolute bitter taste of the product which wouldn’t leave my mouth for at least 15 mins! I went ahead and swallowed it anyway, telling myself it is medicinal and good for so many of my medical problems. I am so glad I stuck with it. Today after one year of taking 50 ml of Aloe Vera on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, I can vouch for it. My aches and pains are reduced considerably, my skin is glowing and my hair…

While BMTC has started some good initiatives like introducing new routes and Bus Day, there was a huge blow to the corporation - rise in diesel rates by Rs 3 per litre. Immediately BMTC announced a bus fare increase - was this hike seriously necessary? Bus tickets. File pic. The diesel fares rose by Rs 3. An average BMTC bus gives about 4 km/litre and some new ones go up to  5 km/litre. That means an average increase of about 75 paise per kilometre. The number of passengers travelling in a bus averages 40-45, meaning there is absolutely just less…

"Help us to help you" - Impassioned pleas from C R Geetha, Station–in-Charge of the Fraser Town (Pulakesinagar) Police Station! And rightly so, according to this writer, since the general trend is for the public to disbelieve or mistrust the Police. Geetha has been in charge of Traffic for East Division for more than four years and finds that except for a very small percentage of the general public within the limits of her jurisdiction, the majority do not wish to either come into the station or call the police at any given point of time. Geetha (third from left)…