privatisation

In his report placed before the Karnataka High Court on 23 June 2008, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka Dr P J Dilip Kumar has observed that the privatisation of lakes in Bangalore would be detrimental to the eco-system, the fallout of which would most affect communities living in the surrounding areas. Kumar heads the state's forest department and is the state's highest ranking forest official. The 91-page report was compiled at the order of the High Court in response to a writ petition filed by the Environment Support Group and others against the privatisation of lakes. Notice Board…

Ever thought of a Bangalore without Cubbon Park and Lalbagh? What if M.G.Road disappeared one day? Or what if you woke up to headlines that read you would never be able to see another Gulmohur or Asoka tree in the city again? Thankfully, none of the above seem to be happening yet. However, going by recent developments, there is a strong chance that the Hebbal Lake will soon become a thing of the past. For in a few months from now a swank, new 'floating restaurant' may sit in its place. If you've been past the lake recently, you may…

We all want our roads to be broad enough to ensure smooth flowing traffic. But with more than 27 lakh vehicles in Bangalore and more than 800 new vehicles getting registered every day, the road infrastructure just cannot keep up to the growing vehicle count. However much the administration tries to widen the roads, there is a limit to this approach. Public Transport - limited by BMTC capacity (pic: Madhav Pai) The unchecked growth and usage of private vehicles which constitute almost 90% of the total vehicles in Bangalore can be countered with an excellent public transport service. The Bangalore…

Created in 2002 to check the deterioration of lakes in the city, the LDA has identified 30 lakes for ‘development’. One of these, Nagvara Lake, has already been turned into an amusement park. Next on the list are Hebbal Lake and Agara Lake.The LDA has signed an agreement with East India Hotels Pvt. Ltd, which operates the Oberoi chain of hotels, for the ‘development’ of Hebbal Lake. The privatization of Hebbal Lake has created a storm of protests from environmentalists and concerned citizens who fear that a precious community resource will be out of bounds for all but a select…

Lying between bustling Koramangala and H.S.R. Layout in South Bangalore, Agara lake is a picture of tranquility. Its 39.58 hectares of greenery and water, which attract a variety of birds, make it valuable lung space that many area residents cherish. But, if recent developments are anything to go by, it could be under threat. Vigilant residents are aghast that this green oasis could soon be turned into an amusement park. The last thing they want is for Agara lake to be lost to big money and pollution. They are determined that they will do all they can to preserve the…