Taking Stock

So much has been done. Over the coming days, we will share a series of newsletters focused on a topic or two at a time so we don’t overwhelm you in one annual review :). In summary however, its been a year of phenomenal citizen engagement. It is only when we pause a moment and look back can we see how far we have come. All this work however, brings us only to Base Camp. The climb will begin now and we are ready for it.

Stay current with all the happennings via our blogposts at www.whitefieldrising.org as well as our very active facebook group.

Challenges

How do we solve the numerous problems we are still encountering despite so much work done? As you dig deeper, the problems appear graver.

1. Encroachment of the Lake is obvious and in your face and every government agency knows it as well as the resident next to it. What will it take to stop that as well as the toxic waste entering it and rejuvenate it?
2. Large Infra structure projects run into sudden standstills. The government claims money has run out just as newspapers reveal various corrupt practices.
3. Where is the urban master plan for our area? Rampant development without commensurate Infrastructure. Even Sewage lines are yet to be laid functional across our ward!
4. Truck ban is on, yet we see them ply our roads. Will enforcement really happen?

And the list goes on.

What next?

To bring in change:
* There are things an individual can do – check
* There are things a citizen group can do – check
Now its time focus on what else we can do that can really shake things up.
Maybe a corporate lobby from our area that controls 26,000 crores of revenue for our city could be the answer. They could demand better infrastructure, better civic amenities.
Protests? Petitions? Lobby CM and Modi? These will be on our mind in the coming days.

We leave you with: A beautiful poem that captures our essence by our resident poet Ritu George.

Whitefield Rising-a citizen movement
Of volunteers trying to bring improvement
To whom a common goal appealed
Whose vision is a beautiful Whitefield

Garbage & several challenges we find on our roads
Broken pavements & open storm drains showed
Undeterred, on the streets volunteers have strode
A year on & their dedication has not slowed

The Ugly Indians model pioneered Spot fix
`See the change you want to be’- their great tip!
Kaam Chalu Mooh bandh; work is where hands must dip
Everyone pitches in, absolutely no ego trip.

Mobility team is handling woes of Traffic
Residents are writing details in graphic
Volunteer traffic wardens & Promoting Cycling
New traffic routing & road widening

Empowerment of local Nellurhalli women
CPR classes & waste management community driven
Workshops on Safety and self defense
Stray dog neutering and feeding commence

Violator challans &truck ban on Varthur road
Vigilance on illegal sewage that flowed
Route rationalisation of BMTC buses
Pedestrian crossings & new bus stops are pluses

Program for school dropouts to build confidence and skill
Koota awareness sessions for maids get their goodwill
School kids benefit from bake and book sale
Intra Whitefield bus &Commuter rail

Signal Free Corridor & lake rejuvenation
Victims of Kashmir floods get generous donation
`Namma Benguluru’ Award nomination
This platform deserves a standing ovation!