Dipika Bajpai, the award-winning and dynamic former Deputy Conservator of Forests in Bangalore, praised a middleman the other day. Actually, it was a boy. She was reacting to an impressive story shared by Bhubaneshwar IPS officer Arun Bothra who summed up the tale by saying, “We are a nation of middlemen.” And Dipika responded with: “What a novel and nobel way of employment.”
Why are these civil servants so impressed with the boy, you ask? According to Bothra, this youngster apparently helped a senior citizen’s legal issue by tweeting about it to the cops. After looking at the grouse on Twitter, Bothra apparently invited the harassed citizen to his office, and resolved the issue. But what surprised him most was the passing remark by the elderly gentleman. “While leaving he told that a young boy in his area tweets for others. Charges Rs. 500/- for every resolved issue,” tweeted Bothra.
Clearly, where there is an opportunity, there is money to be made. The tweet received over 238 comments, was retweeted over 600 times and registered over 2500 likes.
However, Bothra did clarify that only 5-10% of complaints are resolved through Twitter. The rest is through the respective police stations.
Here are some of the best comments on Twitter about this boy’s side venture:
Aishwarya P: On a positive side, we can appreciate the boy for using his skill and time to earn money and also enabling others to solve their issues. After all, what he is rendering is also a service. I believe he is much better than those who depend on parents or govt for money.
Sitanshu Mahapatra: The Boy is the Entrepreneur of the Year👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾
Sandip: Is he mentioned anywhere that he is doing social service? If not, then he is doing nothing wrong. You must have heard the dialogue “if you are good at something never do it for free”.
Arun Chopra: He’s making money out of his education while doing social service, better than selling pakoras.
C J Karira: He saw a business opportunity! Fifty years ago, letter writers sitting outside GPOs did a similar job… only difference is that paper sheet has become smartphone and pen the finger.
Syeda Sabaun Noor: Wow!!! This thing is making us less of a community… Everyone is doing a side business.. sad.
Jay Jagdev: These jobs carry more respectable names like Advisor, Consultants…
TenderSure footpaths in central Bangalore are the toast of the city for their neatly-designed spaces for pedestrians. However, on MG Road, this has helped two-wheeler riders more than the walkers as this video proves. Clearly, where there is a way, there is a vehicle!
The only way to remove illegalities on roads and footpaths is to equip all the high density roads with high-end CCTVs for automatic traffic violations like speeding, footpath riding, overtaking, cutting signals and so on. This will bring order where none exist. Importantly, three such violations should result in automatic cancellation of driving licences for a year. No human involved means no corruption either. Will the central ministry of transport implement this immediately please?
The video above by Anantha Subramanyam says the story of footpath encroachment in just 30 seconds. A must-watch.
#BBMP is keen to save existing trees in #Bengaluru. Formally launched #FreeTheTree initiative in Malleshwaram this morning by removing tree guards hampering growth of trees. In the coming days, such guards will be removed from hundreds of trees across the city. @theuglyindianpic.twitter.com/HTajgCOxTw
It is a travesty of the times. Activists, and non-profit organisations team up with civic agencies to plant saplings and erect tree guards with much fanfare. Later, the sapling grows into a tree, and the metal barricade is still there, stifling its growth. In addition, the trees planted on footpaths touch the live wires above them, posing a danger to everyone around.
Thankfully, the BBMP seems to have realised this as Commissioner BH Anil Kumar, who appears to be making the right noises ever since he took over, began a citywide ‘Free The Tree’ campaign today in Malleswaram. Hundreds of tree guards will go under the cutter in the next few days. However, we urge him to ensure that this is made a mandatory exercise at every ward where one person is only in charge of ensuring that the trees are looked after. Importantly, they should chop the trees that had taken over the footpaths and the roads and also touching the live wires. In addition, a heavy penalty needs to be levied on those who park on footpaths meant for pedestrians. This has become rampant across the city.
Though the formal launch was today, the BBMP’s forest department and citizens, including those going by the monicker The Ugly Indians began the campaign a few days earlier. They freed 17 trees each in Indiranagar and HSR Layout. More will follow like it happened today in Malleswaram.
Resident Uday Chopda has some words of caution and constructive feedback about this issue. “They should not cement the pavement as trees don’t get water, nor does the ground water get re-charged,” he says. “Every tree should have at least one box of 2ft by 2ft for the water to seep in. They should sow saplings at places where trees are cut for development like Indiranagar 100 Ft Road. All shops and houses have either removed the tree in front of the property or they cut; please make it mandatory to grow in such areas.”
Dear BBMP, let #freethetree campaign not remain an adhoc measure, but a consistent effort by you.
The Vasantnagar-headquartered Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) is inviting all Bengalureans to take part in a survey that we would share with city planners on how best to offer first and last mile connectivity to public transport. Will they have to be monorails, a plan mooted earlier? Or mini buses run by BMTC? Or increasing the bike and cycle rentals around bus and train stations? The alternatives are many.
Go ahead, take part in this survey. It will take a few minutes of your time, but by doing this, you will not only be helping yourself but also the future generation. Because what we ideate today gets done much later. The future is now. Take charge of it now. Click this B.PAC survey link and answer the questionnaire.
Remember, B.PAC is a non-governmental organisation patronised by city luminaries like Kiran Mazumdar, Charu Sharma, Prasad Bidapa, Prakash Belawadi, Nisha Millet, Harish Bijoor, RK Misra, and K Jairaj, among others.
The other day, an Indian Pitta, was rescued by BBMP wildlife volunteers in HSR Layout. This was tweeted on November 15 by no less than BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar. This is significant not only because this jungle bird travels to cities in the winter while on its way to the Western Ghats, but also due to the many incidents of its collision with glass buildings leading to its injury and death.
Similar rescues have taken place this month in Jayanagar and RR Nagar. Wildlife enthusiasts contend that these birds are often mistaken for Kingfisher birds due to their colourful facade – they have nine colours and are also called Naurangi in Hindi. While it is tough to blame the glass buildings alone, experts say that the birds fall on the ground due to their sheer long distance travel. They get tired along the way to the nearby forests, causing many residents to call the BBMP about the injured birds. Many Indian Pittas were treated in hospitals and released into the forests, including the bird found in HSR Layout.
Inspired by the recent Mahadevapura protest, the areas bordering HSR Layout are rising to voice their concerns this Sunday, November 16 at 9am. The areas of neglect that they are focussing on are Harlur, Somasundrapalya, Silver County Road and Kudlu.
With hashtags like #IPaidTaxForThis, #KillBill, #RoadFrequentlyTravelled and #OurLifeMatters, the residents, largely from apartments, have come together to “Fight4Right”. Several resident welfare associations in the areas have teamed up for this citizens march against civic apathy by the politicians and the authorities.
Despite informing, educating and complaining to the politicians and civic officials for years, the residents have not been able to develop their area that is “worse than a slum”.
According to Lalithamba BV of Kudlu Hosapalya Somasundrapalya and Parangipalya Residents Welfare Association (KHSSP), some of their demands are as follows:
1. Tar all the bad roads and fix potholes immediately.
2. Make all the footpaths safe for pedestrians.
3. Address traffic congestion as pollution is high.
4. Create alternative routes for public from Somasundarapalya to Haralur Road.
5. Fix KCDC stink and garbage disposal issues.
6. Quickly revive and open Somasundarapalya Lake for public use.
7. Fence Mangammanapalya lake and divert sewage from entering the water body.
8. Install drains that are not present in Ward 190 on an immediate basis on both sides of the roads.
Jagriti Theatre auditorium. Below: Founders Arundathi and Jagdish Raja.
Jagriti Theatre on Varthur Road in Whitefield is inviting all corporates to conduct their events and conferences at its premises on weekdays. While the charges are reasonable for all; they will be more cheaper for NGOs. As the 200-seater auditorium is only used on weekends for plays, concerts and recitals, it is empty on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Therefore, the founder couple of Jagdish and Arundathi Raja are offering their space for any kind of corporate event that could keep the space occupied all the time.
In addition to the auditorium, there are three other spaces (Lumbini, Terrace and Rooftop) that can serve as breakout areas for smaller groups or teams. Not to mention, a dedicated parking space for vehicles. “Jagriti is centrally air-conditioned with a thrust stage, 59 lights and a 24 channel sound system with a choice of microphones,” says Jagdish Raja. “Two projectors can beam stills or videos on two screens. Below is a large Green Room and two dressing rooms which are also air-conditioned.”
The Fat Chef, the attached restaurant, can cater morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Or you can get your F&B catered. The daily rental is Rs 70,800 plus 18% GST. Jagriti is run by The Art Foundation, a registered charitable trust.
The proceeds from the corporate events would go towards sponsoring theatre education for underprivileged children, among other things. So not only will the corporate be able to make use of the space but also contribute to someone’s academic upliftment as theatre education is known to enhance academic performance and career preparedness.
For more details, you can contact Jagriti at 080-41248298, 98440-33373. For the schedule of their events, you can visit Jagriti Theatre online.
It takes a while for the citizens to get the BBMP officials to take action on pigs loitering in their neighbourhoods. However, when they do make an appearance like a few days ago, the pigs run into the military grounds that is out of bounds for both the authorities and citizens. Despite the escape plan of the pigs, the BBMP was able to catch around 50 pigs in Sector 2 and Sector 3. Though they received reports of pigs being seen in Sector 1, they had vanished into the area of the defence forces by the time the catchers turned up.
The pig catching haul is significant because many years ago when the then corporator Latha Narasimhamurthy decided to rid HSR of pigs, she had to call off the drive when she was apparently threatened by the pig mafia. Later, BBMP designated officials of animal husbandry to catch the pigs. But the drive was never carried out for various reasons, including the pig mafia.
Residents also reported that vans carrying pigs would come to the edge of Sector 2 and drop them off in groups. However, that appears to have stopped as one resident said, “We don’t see such groups anymore, atleast not in the last 6-8 months. However, those who escape into the military grounds come back to HSR the next day. That’s when we know where they had been to.”
However, the cleanup drive for pigs in Sector 2 is always an incomplete exercise as the pigs escape into Sector 3, Sector 1 and the military grounds. However, this time, the BBMP did visit all the three sectors to nab a significant number of pigs.
Sector 3 resident Srikanth says: “There are around 50 pigs roaming on 25th Cross.” Another resident says that there are around 500 pigs in the military area. “Whenever they feel like, they enter the surrounding areas,” says one resident. “This info was given by contractors hired by BBMP for catching pigs.”
According to Dr Ravikumar of the BBMP, “fencing or compounding of the military area will restrict the movement of pigs.” Can the defence forces listen to his advice or do something else that will alleviate the problem?
But when will the military exterminate or relocate the pigs from their area remains to be seen. It’s a long-pending problem that refuses to go away permanently until the military acts on pigs.
The next time you spot pigs, report to Ravikumar (98452-73175).
The other day, prominent civic actists debated over a newspaper report about BBMP’s new proposal to allow local provision stores, milk booths, and bakeries to come up on residential roads. While some don’t agree with the idea altogether, others mentioned that such stores already exist in many parts of Bangalore, and this move will only regularise them. Others debated that the BBMP’s move to expand its tax base by regularising an illegality was tantamount to awarding the guilty rather than penalising them. A few others felt that the BBMP proposes many things, but implements nothing on ground, so what use is another proposal anyway? One person summed it up well by saying, it’s another ‘akrama sakrama all over again’. Akrama Sakrama was a move by the state government several years ago to regularise building violations across the state. But the proposal could not be enforced as the residents went to court against the move as it favoured big builders more than the small land and house owners. In addition, it would lead to more haphazard development of the city, which has already gone from bad to worse.
Ancillary services
In the existing 2015 masterplan that is in use today, there is already a provision for ‘ancillary use’ for provision stores and such small entities on roads above 40 feet width. “They are permitted for up to 50 sq. metres,” says Nitin Seshadri. But now, the BBMP wants to allow them on roads that are 40 ft. and less. “This has already happened on ground, so why the formal statement now?” asks Pushpa S. Another resident activist disagrees with the BBMP’s move by saying, “The logic is ridiculous. Something illegal exists, the BBMP is losing revenue, therefore they want to make it legal! It emphasises the point that the law-abiding citizen is a fool to be so. Break any rule, wait long enough and it will be regularised with a paltry penalty.”
Realistic requirements, anyone?
If you ask any average resident who has no clue about the law, they will get back to you and say, but we need these shops, as they are close to where we stay. Agrees Vijayan Menon: “From a holistic point of view, residents need the kiranas… maybe not the eateries. Most of them don’t have trade licence, so there are two options: regularise and take the trade licence fees for kiranas which came up before January 2012. The commercial tax licence can be used to find the dates. the second option is to work the masterplan to designate areas and roads for local markets, like the commercial axis concept.” Meera K agrees to this by saying, “Kirana stores are important; many apartments have small shops too.”
However, Pramod Kapur disagrees by saying that there is a reason why the current law holds its value. “Not having any commercial activity on roads of 40-feet and less has some logic,” he says. “Congestion resulting from two-wheelers and possibly the odd four-wheelers belonging to owners and more customers will create huge problems. People must be encouraged to walk a bit longer if necessary. Convenience to some can become a nuisance for everyone in the future.”
New proposal or law, BBMP should not be taken seriously, say some residents. “The problem is that we have no faith that the BBMP will implement whatever they say,” said one resident. “Agreeing to anything is pointless.” Kapur agrees: “The only solution is to maintain the status quo. No exceptions because then, one gets into debates. One simple single rule and that’s it.”
However, what about shops that don’t have a trade licence even though they came up before 2012? “If we close them, it will hit the functioning of a residential layout,” says Menon. Swarna V says, “Small shops had designated spaces even before 2012 in BDA layouts under shop sites. They didn’t adhere to that then and now that’s what has become this colossal cancerous monster.” Indira adds to this, by saying, “Not to mention, the umpteen eateries that have come up creating havoc and much garbage.”
The problem is also about how these initial small shops grew into larger entities. “Any shop starts small, but they aim to grow big,” says Mina Prabhu. “And as they grow bigger, they just expand the space they are in, because they believe it is lucky for them. They rarely want to move out.”
Agrees Neeraja Shetty: “Nowadays, everyone wants to expand beyond capacity. So a kirana shop starts selling bakery items, sets up a chips counter with a stove on the footpath, and so on. These kind of adhoc food services are really causing major issues.”
The argument continues. To amend or not to amend the zoning regulations is the question. However, Seshadri has an important fact to share about the importance of a sustainable master plan for the city. “The majority in this city couldn’t care less about commercialisation,” he says. “They don’t want to stop at a traffic light. It’s okay for them to go the wrong way on a one-way street. It’s the minority, people like us, who are paying all the taxes and running the country anyway. The majority only matters during elections. We need to focus on sensible policies and not check what the majority feels about each issue. The government is supposed to look at implementing progressive policies that help the long-term growth of the country in every way. What the majority feels about each issue is totally irrelevant.”
However, the implementation will “touch’ the majority, says Mina Prabhu. “And in a situation of elections every year, no party wants to risk implementing any policy that can damage their potential votes.” Menon had the last word on this issue: “It’s a bunkum proposal anyway. It is proposed by people who have no jurisdiction on the matter, not even UDD (Urban Development Department). They can only do this with the next Master Plan… which is also out of their hands.”
What do you think, dear reader? Let us know by WhatsApp at: +919880585748.
Bengaluru-based Cult.Fit is based in HSR Layout. Yesterday afternoon, Hrithik Roshan, the brand ambassador of the fitness firm, visited its corporate office on 18th Cross, Sector 3.
A huge crowd had gathered when they realised that the actor was suddenly in their midst. The actor later performed at Embassy Tech Village as part of the Cult Fitness Party. The visuals above convey the story better than anything else.
In September last year, a portion of the jogging track inside Agara Lake park collapsed. The reason were the incessant rains that had loosened the mud, exposing the BWSSB’s sewage line running underneath. Thankfully, it had not contaminated the lake water. Later, it was fixed, but temporarily. Yesterday, this portion of the track caved in again.
This is the state of civic affairs in the capital of Karnataka. Imagine what is the case across the state? On a recent lake visit by former Supreme Court justice Santosh Hegde, the BWSSB had promised to fix the issue permanently.
“The BWSSB promised that it will be done and agreed to the technical issue I had raised but nothing is done yet,” says an enraged Kavitha Reddy, one of the caretakers of Agara Lake. “Now we have to fight again to fix it. Apathy is the word for these incompetent people.”
