Environment

A dying lake in the city. File pic. In a significant decision, a Division Bench of the High Court of Karnataka constituted by Justice Mohan Shantanagoudar and Justice B. Sreenivase Gowda ordered notice on Thursday (29/08/2013) to the state government.  The High Court bench asked S V Ranganath, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka, as to why action should not be initiated as per Contempt of Court Act, 1971 for not complying with the directions of the Court in WP. 817/2008 (Environment Support Group and anr. vs. State of Karnataka represented by Chief Secretary and others), more than…

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike seems to be serious this time, in taking steps towards implementing the waste segregation and management compulsorily in the city. For the second time in this week, the BBMP has issued an advertisement that announces fines for various offenses, in accordance with the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Act - 1976. The BBMP advertisement signed by the Commissioner states: "lt has been noticed that even after repeated notices the guidelines given are not being followed. BBMP will henceforth strictly enforce the rules and regulations and defaulters will be fined as detailed below."1) Littering, spitting, urinating, open defecating,…

Children from three branches of a play school visited the lake today, 26th Aug. 2013. They had been learning about birds and flowers from books and had come to see them in real.     The first excitement was an insect in the gazebo and then the walk began.      As if flowers in our garden, butterflies flitting everywhere and birds in the sky and water were not enough, the sight of the chicks of the Common Coot made the three year olds open their eyes even wider. A couple of slugs and a wriggling earthworm added to their…

The Alahalli Lake cleaning event received good support from the neighbourhood, and could not be ignored by the local MLA, M. Krishnappa.   Anand Yadwad, Managing Trustee of the organisers of this event, Alahalli Lake & Neighbourhood Development Trust (ALNDT) provided this first-hand report.      On Sunday, 25th August morning at 7 am, residents of Alahalli, Anjanapura, Gollahalli, Royal Park Residency and Gurukul School children gathered to clean up Alahalli Lake. The lake which currently falls under BDA is completely ignored by BDA and elected representatives. The residents silently protested against the apathy of the system and took on the…

Bhargavi Rao addresses the gathering on Puttenahalli lake premises. Pic: Nikita Malusare. Cracked footpaths; unattended garbage on the street; destruction of roads due to delayed Metro work; high water prices - all these have left Bangalore in chaos. With the sun peeking out from clouds every few seconds and cold wind sending shrivels in the body, many Bangaloreans joined the discussion on Puttenahalli Lake premises, on the issues that concern a Bangalorean, but are ignored as the city tries to catch up with development.   Born and brought up amid the greenery of Bangalore, Bhargavi S Rao, Trustee, Environment Support…

Our beloved lake is now fully functional and teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. The lake is brimming with water thanks to bountiful rains and water flowing in from Kasavanahalli lake clean up work. BBMP's role in renovating and rejuvenating the lake is mostly complete except for a few jobs like building sewage diversion pipes, getting the toilets functional and finishing the security cabins. The lake is teeming with vibrant flora and fauna now, courtesy bountiful monsoon rains. Pic: Kaikondrahalli Lake Facebook page From now on, the task of maintaining the lake and its environs is entirely the community's responsibility…

Most of us in our city would have gone to Lalbagh (or any of the other lakes)  at some time or the other... but the next time you do, do go to the lake and look at one very common bird...so common that we often do not see the incredible beauty it is! Purple Moorhen with Waterlily. Pic: Deepa Mohan This is the Purple Moorhen, or the Purple Swamphen. The colours of this purple bird shine iridescently in the sunshine, and it looks as if it’s got bright red lipstick on! You can find these birds in large numbers, clambering…

Alahalli Lake & Neighborhood Development Trust (ALNDT) has organised a lake cleaning activity on Sunday 25th August 2013, 7a.m. to 10 a.m. The public is requested to spare some time to help and support the trust's efforts to bring life back to this lake.  This Sunday's target jobs:- Cleaning the bund area- Removing the plants which are covering the fencing- Tree plantations on the bund- Removing the parthenium and other wild bushes that have grown around the lake. Volunteers can come with comfortable clothing and closed shoes. And if possible, with an apron and whatever gardening tools they have. Arrangements for…

Kanaka Champa tree with its seeds Pic: Usha Hariprasad Walking amid heritage trees can give you a sense of history and a deep connection towards nature. The fascinating facts revolving around these leafy guardians, the deep bonds between trees and the winged birds, animals and other creatures can whisk you away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The two-hour walk organised by Hasiru-Usiru on 10 August at Hebbal Lake proved to be an eye-opener in every sense. At the onset, the walkers were introduced to a giant fig tree which showcased the delicate balance existing between the fig tree and…

To mark the 66 years of India's Independence, Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake and Bird Conservation Trust (YPLBCT) organised a clean up drive at the 10-hectare Puttenahalli Lake this morning. The event received an overwhelming response from the neighbourhood, with about 175 people sacrificing their Independence Day holiday morning and turning up at the lake. Notable by their presence were large groups of students from the Yelahanka Seshadripuram College and jawans from the CRPF. Students of Seshadripuram College with YPLBCT Trustee Dr Sangunni   The Honorable MLA of the Yelahanka Constituency, Sri S.R. Vishwanath and the Range Forest Officer of the Forest Department, Sri Appurao also…