# Residents Watch > Connecting Communities Through Stories ## Posts - [Here’s how HSR roads can go pothole-free](https://residentswatch.in/heres-how-hsr-roads-can-go-pothole-free/): Square sections of tar have appeared on various roads, as BBMP and the government scramble to resurface the city. While these will provide immediate relief, they will also become the reason why we end up with the same problem later. - [HSR gets its own public library](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-gets-its-own-public-library/): Book lovers and magazine readers are in for a treat. Their long-pending demand has finally been met. Last month, a public library opened its doors to HSR residents at the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled building in Sector 4. - [The Radio Gal](https://residentswatch.in/the-radio-gal/): Pinky Chandran's next-door neighbour is Sector 5. A resident of Teacher's Colony, she runs Bangalore's first community radio station, Radio Active 90.4 MHz. "I moved in here 14 years ago," says the 38-year-old. - ['HSR is full of pot roads'](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-is-full-of-pot-roads/): Say residents as officials look the other way and residents bear the brunt By Sindhu MR Senior citizen MR Krishnamurthy has a pressing question: “When will they permanently fix the mess?” The resident of Sector 7 is pointing to the mess on 18th Cross off 14th Main Road. Not only is the road non-motorable, it becomes a cesspool of sewage as stormwater drain overflows on to the road and inside his house when it rains rhinos. Pointing at the cross road next to his house, he says, “These roads have not been tarred for over ten years now.” Two-time MLA Satish […] - [An official app for HSR, please!](https://residentswatch.in/an-official-app-for-hsr-please/): By Zahid H Javali This month, Residents Watch enters the 6th year of its existence. Our constant endeavour is to better HSR Layout and bridge the information gap between commercial establishments and the constantly floating residential population. However, a lot more needs to be done. And here is how. The local neta should build a mobile app specifically for HSR Layout where residents can post their complaints that make the officials accountable and the administration, transparent. It should have a complaint received and complaint resolved button with a timeline, and the name of the official and contractor responsible for it. It […] - [IIMB study on Residents Watch](https://residentswatch.in/iimb-study-on-residents-watch/): The Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) is now doing a case study on Residents Watch and it’s use of social media for bettering the community. Five years ago, we set up the Facebook Group, which now boasts of almost 2500 members. More recently, we created a Facebook Page (ResidentsWatch) for real-time updates to the residents and already, over 1000 people are following it. And more than two years ago, we set up the Residents Watch group involving all the sectors of HSR Layout – there are eight resident welfare associations and more than 10 apartment associations. It is still the […] - [Editor honoured by NSUI](https://residentswatch.in/editor-honoured-by-nsui/): Residents Watch, your monthly neighbourhood magazine’s editor Zahid H Javali was honoured by the National Students Union of India on the late Dr Abdul Kalam’s 86th birth anniversary celebrations last month. And the timing was just right. The magazine celebrates its 5th anniversary this month. It’s perhaps the only glossy magazine in India that is dedicated to just one neighbourhood. There are tabloids and newspapers ofcourse, but never has there been a magazine for one locality. Zahid has been a journalist for the last 21 years. “I am honoured because Dr Kalam is someone I respect the most,” he says. “And […] - [Water conservation at Vibgyor](https://residentswatch.in/water-conservation-at-vibgyor/): Vibgyor High School on Harlur Road has successfully installed 200 water aerators (3 litres per minute) in both its buildings. “This means, savings of atleast 8000 litres of water every day,” says Sector 2 resident Lalithamba BV. Kudos to the school management and Sector 2 resident Shashidhara K for completing this project. Every drop of water counts. We urge everyone else to do the same and save water. - [Sector 3 residents foil future flooding](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-residents-foil-future-flooding/): Resident Mohan Rajaram sent a Whatsapp message to the informal Sector 3 Whatsapp group that the storm water drain, footpath and road was encroached to make a private garden on 17th A main in Sector 3. “The drain height needs to be rectified too. It is higher than 17th A Main Road… the water will flood the road rather than flowing into the drain,” he complained. The problem was soon rectified simply because the neighbours intervened with the house owner who obliged because it was also in his best interest. In the meanwhile, the flooding woes continue. According to BWSSB engineer […] - [Fresh Menu fined](https://residentswatch.in/fresh-menu-fined/): Responding to repeated complaints by residents Thota and Faraz in Sector 3, the BBMP finally took action on the Fresh Menu restaurant on 18th C Main. It had become a nuisance in the locality as its kitchen waste was flowing on to the road. Health inspector Vinod fined them twice and they appeared to have been behaving since then. If you have a similar establishment causing untold misery, you can call or SMS Vinod to get your problem addressed. His number is 98446-29911. - [Civic monitoring app required](https://residentswatch.in/civic-monitoring-app-required/): City Development minister KJ George launched the ‘Fix My Street’ app for citizens to report on civic problems involving the BBMP. However, there are already two popular apps that do exactly the same thing: BBMP Sahaya and IChangeMyCity. And yet, we have not seen real issues getting solved, first-hand. And this is particularly when we raise a pothole complaint. We get an SMS that the case is assigned, and then, escalated and then closed, but the pothole remains. How will the Fix My Street app really help if these have already failed? Will the minister’s inner circle monitor the app, issue […] - [Film shoot disturbs residents](https://residentswatch.in/film-shoot-disturbs-residents/): The other day, Sector 4 resident Fazal Khalil complained on our Residents Watch group about a film shoot happening late into the night. Says Fazal: “It’s such a nuisance to all of us… the fumes from the generator van and the mess they make after eating, by throwing the food leftovers all over the place.” MLA Satish Reddy, who is also in the group, immediately got into action and stopped the photoshoot by calling the cops. The film’s lead actor even went up to the residents’ houses and apologised to them. - [BDA Complex to turn into a mall?](https://residentswatch.in/bda-complex-to-turn-into-a-mall/): The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) planned to revamp the Indiranagar BDA complex more than three years ago but nothing happened because the deeply entrenched shopkeepers protested that they would lose their livelihood. But that is just one of the reasons. The real reason is that the BDA is good at mooting ideas but bad at implementation. Now, the BDA has come back with the same proposal, this time, to revamp six of their BDA complexes, including HSR, at a collective budget of Rs 330 crore. A tender has been floated for a public-private venture, but we don’t know if this will […] - [Organic farming, anyone?](https://residentswatch.in/organic-farming-anyone/): Last month, experts from the Horticulture department conducted a workshop on simple, traditional organic farming techniques that can do wonders in a limited space, including a tiny balcony or backyard. The event was followed by a session on the dos and don’t to lead a health life by an acupressure expert. The two-hour session was held at an unconventional venue: Muneshwara Temple in Sector 4. Entry was restricted to those who had registered earlier. - [Cow falls into an open drain](https://residentswatch.in/cow-falls-into-an-open-drain/): Open drains are not only an assault on our noses but can also be fatal, animals included. The other day, a resident found a cow that had fallen into a drain near Nagarjuna Apartments in Sector 2. It’s about time the BBMP officials covered all the drains to stop this from happening again. “Or should we wait for someone to die?” ask the concerned residents of HSR Layout. We agree. - [Storm water drain work begins](https://residentswatch.in/storm-water-drain-work-begins/): After much dilly-dallying and making populist announcements, the state government has finally released Rs 29 crore towards drain work in HSR Layout. “Much of that money will go into erecting culverts on rain-affected drains like 5th Main, 9th Main and so on,” says resident Prem Kumar. Another of his ideas to make McDonald’s junction signal-free hit a road hump when proactive traffic inspector Rao Ganesh was shunted out within 15 months because a section of residents was not happy with his no-parking implementation in HSR Layout. The new traffic inspector Rajashekar is no patch on him. Therefore, the idea remains on […] - [Car wheels stolen](https://residentswatch.in/car-wheels-stolen/): Resident Kaarthikeyan Mani says car thieves struck twice in his lane in Sector 2 recently, behind Kapoor’s Cafe. “My neighbour has handed over the CCTV footage to the police,” he said on Residents Watch’s Facebook group. “The footage shows two men parking their yellow board Etios nearby and swiftly stealing the wheels. They appear to be cab drivers.” It’s time for the HSR cops to act. - [Abandoned vehicles galore in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/abandoned-vehicles-galore-in-hsr/): Anywhere there is some vacant spot, people are abandoning vehicles. We have noticed garage owners doing that quite often. Thieves could also be dumping them in places to pick them up later. However, when the residents complained to the HSR cops to remove these vehicles, the cops threw up their hands saying there is no space around the police station to relocate them. We urge the netas, residents and cops to come together and resolve this burning issue. - [Cycle Day, HSR Federation, garbage mafia, pig menace & more stories](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-news/): What's hot and what's not in HSR Layout. A monthly round-up of the best and the worst trends that HSR registered last month. - [Beware of suicide bombers](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-suicide-bombers/): When will better reason prevail over the general public, officials and our netas? When the entire HSR goes down under? Buck up, guys! - [Will KCDC plant reduce intake?](https://residentswatch.in/will-kcdc-plant-reduce-intake/): If all goes well, the tonnage at the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) will come down to 120 tonnes from the current 180-200 tonnes per day. But doubts remain. - [The Swachch Man](https://residentswatch.in/the-swachch-man/): Anil Benni (38) is one of those rare individuals who impresses you with his prompt customer service as the chief garbage supervisor for HSR Layout. - ['Will remove footpath encroachments first’](https://residentswatch.in/will-remove-footpath-encroachments-first/): BNR Reddy is the new chairman of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association. This is his wishlist for the MLA and corporator. - [Residents mess up garbage disposal](https://residentswatch.in/residents-mess-up-garbage-disposal/): Some landlords and residents are making the job of BBMP garbage contractors, a tougher proposition. - [Sector 3 residents cry foul](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-residents-cry-foul/): Alleging foul play, they don't recognise the self-appointed new office bearers of Sector 3 Residents Welfare Association and approach the Registrar to derecognise him. - [Cops catch drug peddlers in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/cops-catch-drug-peddlers-in-sector-1/): On October 1, between 7pm and 1145pm, the city crime branch officials arrested two drug peddlers in Sector 2 while two are still absconding.     Cannabis plant   The two accused are Balagopal (27 years), a resident of KK Residency, Sector 2 and Sanoj (28 years), a resident of Harlur. The other two accused who are still at large are Sejay (30) and Saiju (age not given). While Sejay is a resident of TC Palya, Saiju belongs to Kerala, according to the police.   Under the leadership of VD Shivaraju, the CCB police pounced into action when they received information […] - [‘Flush hub or posh hub’](https://residentswatch.in/flush-hub-or-posh-hub/): Ask HSR residents when rains entered their homes - [And the winners are...](https://residentswatch.in/and-the-winners-are/): Meet the selfless citizens who make their neighbourhood a better place - [Residents protest new zoning rules](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protest-new-zoning-rules/): RWAs across the city file a public interest litigation. - [My wish-list for the MLA](https://residentswatch.in/my-wish-list-for-the-mla/): Being an election year, MLA Satish Reddy cannot afford to sit idle while the neighbourhood goes from bad to worse. - [Blood donation camps, clay Ganesha workshops, GAIL, solar energy, Telegram & more stories](https://residentswatch.in/blood-donation-camps-clay-ganesha-workshops-gail-solar-energy-telegram-more-stories/): What's hot and what's not in HSR Layout. A monthly round-up of the best and the worst trends that HSR registered last month. - [It's time to travel](https://residentswatch.in/its-time-to-travel/): Cafe Travel in HSR Layout for all your dream vacations. - [Aerators, pigs, traffic, tree cutting & more stories...](https://residentswatch.in/aerators-pigs-traffic-tree-cutting-more-stories/): A lot happens in HSR Layout. Here's a round-up of what happened in July 2017. The Good. The Bad. And sometimes, the Ugly. - [The Residents Watch readership survey](https://residentswatch.in/the-residents-watch-readership-survey/): We are listening, where are you? - [Tree plantation drive in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/tree-plantation-drive-in-hsr/): Boulevards are better than random planting, say some residents opposed to this idea. - [Preventing crime and saving people](https://residentswatch.in/preventing-crime-and-saving-people/): That's community policing. Meet the convenor for HSR, Vikas Gnanamurthy. - [Cycle day enters its 5th year today](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-day-enters-its-5th-year-today/): Cycle day was celebrated with great gusto this morning and ended at 930am. Today was it’s 4th anniversary. It now enters the fifth year of its functioning in HSR Layout. For more details about it’s long history, please read yesterday’s story.   It was a mix of cycling, music, yoga, tug of war and many other games today where the children and the adults enjoyed just as much. The organisers thank BikeStudio HSR for supporting the event in addition to DULT (Directorate of Urban Land Transport), Bangalore Traffic Police, and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for their continued support.   Not […] - [MP Kupendra Reddy loses his father](https://residentswatch.in/mp-kupendra-reddy-loses-his-father/): Member of Parliament D Kupendra Reddy, a resident of HSR Layout, has lost his father.     MP Kupendra Reddy     Sources tell us that Reddy’s father VS Dasa Reddy and the father of state minister DK Shivakumar’s father were childhood friends.   The MP’s father was not keeping well for sometime now, and expired about ten days ago. “He was supposed to come to our function today but he could not make it to our community lunch as he is busy conducting all the rituals following his father’s death, and is right now in Chennai,” said Vilas Deshmukh, member […] - [HSR traffic inspector bereaved](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-traffic-inspector-bereaved/): HSR traffic inspector Rajashekar NH is on leave for a few days now as his father Dr Hanumanthappa NR expired recently.     HSR Traffic inspector Rajashekar NH   All those who were trying to reach him can contact him from next week when he is expected to report to his office in Iblur.   An MBBS doctor, a physician to be precise, Dr Hanumanthappa was 75 when he breathed his last.   The inspector is right now in his hometown and is not picking up any phone calls, unless really important.   If the residents have any traffic-related complaints, it’s […] - [Accident at 22nd Cross-17th Main; most mishap-prone, say residents](https://residentswatch.in/accident-at-22nd-cross-17th-main-most-mishap-prone-say-residents/): Sector 3 resident Karunaprasad Kanavi was witness to an accident this afternoon involving three cars on 22nd Cross right in front of the house where he stays. This mishap happened before the showers inundated HSR Layout. Thankfully, no one was grievously injured in the accident.   “At this same spot, there was an accident on the first day of Ganesha festival in 2016, resulting in the instant death of a motorcyclist,” he told Residents Watch. “The residents have been asking for a scientific road hump on both the sides of 22nd cross and 17th Main junction for a long time in […] - [Residents demand mechanised sweepers to contain vehicular and construction dust on main roads](https://residentswatch.in/residents-demand-mechanised-sweepers-to-contain-vehicular-and-construction-dust-on-main-roads/): With vehicular pollution, construction and roadside dust polluting the main roads of HSR Layout, the residents are now asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to implement mechanised sweeping of the main roads atleast.         “Where are the mechanical sweepers that were supposed to be deployed on all the major roads of Bangalore?” asks HSR resident and civic activist Kavitha Reddy in a tweet to CM and Deputy CM of Karnataka. “If the CM and Deputy CM continue to let the corporators and MLAs to decide on it, they will destroy the city further! Just visit the strech […] - [Residents ask for dividers, speedbreakers on 19th Main, 27th Main; top cop promises action](https://residentswatch.in/residents-ask-for-dividers-speedbreakers-on-19th-main-27th-main-top-cop-promises-action-2/): On September 4, the residents of HSR Layout tweeted to the city traffic police about fixing the messy and dangerous gridlocks on 19th Main-11th Cross Road and 27th Main-7th Cross. Additional Commissioner of Police R Hithendra immediately responded that he would have the situation examined. The Traffic East police division was activated who, in turn, asked the HSR cops to look into the complaint.     27th Main Road     19th Main Road   Now the local traffic wing has promised to inspect the spots during peak hours and figure out ways to fix the gridlock and avoid accidents. “We […] - [Residents ask for dividers, speedbreakers on 19th Main, 27th Main; top cop promises action](https://residentswatch.in/residents-ask-for-dividers-speedbreakers-on-19th-main-27th-main-top-cop-promises-action/):   On September 4, the residents of HSR Layout tweeted to the city traffic police about fixing the messy and dangerous gridlocks on 19th Main-11th Cross Road and 27th Main-7th Cross. Additional Commissioner of Police R Hithendra immediately responded that he would have the situation examined. The Traffic East police division was activated who, in turn, asked the HSR cops to look into the complaint.     27th Main Road     19th Main Road   Now the local traffic wing has promised to inspect the spots during peak hours and figure out ways to fix the gridlock and avoid accidents. […] - [Agara lake under threat? High Court's final hearing on privatisation case in November](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-under-threat-high-courts-final-hearing-on-privatisation-case-in-november/):   The controversy over the privatisation of Agara Lake is far from over. On September 10, 2018, the Karnataka High Court admitted an appeal by the Lake Development Authority (LDA) against Biota Natural System (India) Pvt. Ltd who won the case over lake ownership against the LDA in a city civil court in January 2017. Biota is claiming that the LDA wrongfully terminated its 15-year lease agreement to manage the lake. However, the Karnataka High Court admitted the opposing plea filed by the LDA in April 2018, and has stayed the execution of the earlier city civil court order until the […] - [DID YOU KNOW? Somasundrapalya & HSR 5th Main junctions manned by Electronic City traffic cops!](https://residentswatch.in/did-you-know-somasundrapalya-hsr-5th-main-junctions-manned-by-electronic-city-traffic-cops/): Did you know that the border areas of HSR Layout are managed by traffic cops from Electronic City? We are talking about the Somasundrapalya Main Road junction and 5th Main junction of HSR Layout.   That’s a 10 kilometre distance from HSR Layout that the cops are being put in charge. The problem is shortage of staff. The remedy? They hop from one junction to the other to ease the traffic flow during peak hours. We spotted them at the 5th Main-MG Palya junction between 6.30pm-8.30pm.   When we pressed them to also look at the jam at the MG Palya-HSR […] - [Residents complain of cell reception issues in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/residents-complain-of-cell-reception-issues-in-hsr/): Call drops and ‘out of range’ complaints are rising in HSR Layout. Airtel appears to be the biggest offender to some, while others say that Vodafone is just as bad. The worst, some believe, is actually Jio. “It’s great for internet, but no good to call somebody,” said one resident. “Therefore, I have Jio as my secondary phone for internet usage and Vodafone for phone calls.”         “I changed from Vodafone to Airtel because of cell reception issues, but Airtel is just as bad,” complained yet another user in HSR Layout. “When people call me, they get fed […] - [BWSSB to penalise residents letting rainwater into sanitary pipes](https://residentswatch.in/bwssb-to-penalise-residents-letting-rainwater-into-sanitary-pipes/): The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has issued a notice to all the residents of Bangalore. The notice says that their officials have observed that some houses have connected their rain water collection outlets to sanitary pipes, causing heavy pressure on the underground pipes that have led to water gushing out of manholes during the rainy season. Not only does the water flow on to the road but also flood the area and even enter houses in low-lying areas. Therefore, the BWSSB mandates that the rain water outlet should be connected either to the RainWater Harvesting pit or to […] - [Want to turn a Govt school, into a model institution? You can do your bit](https://residentswatch.in/want-to-turn-a-govt-school-into-a-model-institution-you-can-do-your-bit/): The residents plan to make the Somasundrapalya Government Primary School into a model school. The school has recently been painted by a charitable organisation, but there is more to be done.   “If anyone is keen to volunteer and teach spoken English to the kids, they can contact me,” says Lalithamba BV. “If we citizens join hands, wonders can happen. Even 1 or 2 hours per week is good enough.”   The school has an open platform to conduct events. The principal is seeking funds, so the stage can be closed on three sides and make it rain-ready.   You can […] - [It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park](https://residentswatch.in/its-a-mela-like-atmosphere-at-agara-lake-park/): Cornwalas, coconut vendors, cycle rentals, bhelpuriwalas, panipuri stalls… The Agara Lake Park is recording a high turnout of residents on weekends, and today was no different. Estimates peg the number at 8000-9000 each on Saturdays and Sundays.   People squatting on grass to watch the sunset. Children and adults riding cycles. Play area packed with small kids and parents in tow… It was a mela alright. Importantly, ample parking space on the service road made it an enjoyable evening for kids, college goers and families alike.   There are several other stories related to Agara Lake park which we will discuss […] - [SBI on do's and don'ts of banking transactions](https://residentswatch.in/sbi-on-dos-and-donts-of-banking-transactions/): The other day, we received this release from the State Bank of India branch of HSR Layout. Please do note each of the following tips to safeguard your life’s earnings. Forewarned is forearmed. Do’s and Don’ts of ATM transactions Do’s Conduct your ATM transactions in complete privacy, never let anyone see you entering your Personal Identification Number (ATM Password) After completion of transaction ensure that welcome screen is displayed on ATM screen Ensure your current mobile number is registered with the bank so that you can get alerts for all your transactions Beware of suspicious movements of people around the ATM […] - [Just do it, dear CM](https://residentswatch.in/just-do-it-dear-cm/): Here is a list that the Kumaraswamy government can do to fix the civic infrastructure of the city that is crumbling by the day. - [Have STP and fire hydrant in your apartment?](https://residentswatch.in/have-stp-and-fire-hydrant-in-your-apartment/): Officials across BESCOM are informally aware of KERC’s recent amendments highlighting the tariff of apartments with STPs and fire-hydrants under LT-2A category. - [HSR needs a bus stand](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-needs-a-bus-stand/): HSR Layout has no dedicated bus stand, but residents have a couple of options that the BMTC can consider for optimum use of the location. - [Stray dog menace in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/stray-dog-menace-in-hsr/): Suffering from a stray dog or pig problem? Call Ravi Kumar of the BBMP now. His number is: 94806-85209. - [The Rs 1,700 crore ‘Smart City’ plan](https://residentswatch.in/the-rs-1700-crore-smart-city-plan/): A Smart City is one where all the departments work cohesively to ensure the best city infrastructure. Will HSR and the whole of Bangalore benefit from it remains to be seen? - [A free pre-primary school in Whitefield for the poor](https://residentswatch.in/a-free-pre-primary-school-in-whitefield-for-the-poor/): Affordable, quality education should be the focus of the governments today. This NGO shows the way. - [‘Run smaller buses, not pod taxis’](https://residentswatch.in/run-smaller-buses-not-pod-taxis/): Pod taxis is not a good idea, according to one expert who advocates smaller buses for door to door connectivity. What do you think? - [August Wrap: BBMP apps, basement shops, flooding threat, vedic astrology & more](https://residentswatch.in/aug-wrap-bbmp-apps-basement-shops-flooding-threat-vedic-astrology-more/): Basement shops should go, say residents. Drain desilting is yet to be completed. Traffic and parking woes continue. - [Flooded roads, nowhere to go](https://residentswatch.in/flooded-roads-nowhere-to-go/): There are no pipes at the edges of roads to take the rainwater into the drains on 30 anf 40 feet residential roads, causing potholes and flooding. - [July Wrap: Brand audit, bad road, changemakers, encroachments & more](https://residentswatch.in/august-wrap-brand-audit-bad-road-changemakers-encroachments-more/): New road loses sheen quickly. Footpath encroachments removed and plastic wholesalers raided. Brand audit shows surprising results. And more. - [How about a transport hub at city airport?](https://residentswatch.in/how-about-a-transport-hub-at-city-airport/): Deploying new capital investments where it matters — the suburbs and industrial zones — is the need of the hour. - [Victim of cybercrime?](https://residentswatch.in/victim-of-cybercrime/): Report the bullies to the service providers and the platform; be specific about your complaints. A vulgar, offensive or annoying stalker can just be banned from Facebook if you report him or her. - [Righting the wrong-side traffic on Sarjapur Road](https://residentswatch.in/righting-the-wrong-side-traffic-on-sarjapur-road/): Road accidents due to wrong-side traffic has caused much concern among residents of Sarjapur Road. - [MLA wants a playground on a landfill](https://residentswatch.in/mla-wants-a-playground-on-a-landfill/): If you leave it open as a playground, the area will never heal itself and neither can it be a curved playground. - [Residents say ‘no’ to commercialisation](https://residentswatch.in/residents-say-no-to-commercialisation/): The Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association has petitioned the Lok Ayukta to take action on errant landlords and BBMP officials for allowing building violations and commercialisation. - [Cult.Fit congests residential road with staff cars](https://residentswatch.in/cult-fit-congests-residential-road-with-staff-cars/): Split ACs, rooftop chimney faces the houses, dirty water floods footpath. The fitness centre promises to take action to this magazine. We will wait and watch. - [OFCs, GAIL mess up HSR](https://residentswatch.in/ofcs-gail-mess-up-hsr/): HSR Federation writes to Lok Ayukta to stop the patchy works of optic fibre companies and GAIL despite repeated complaints to BBMP. - [Road overbridge for HSR and Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/road-overbridged-for-hsr-and-koramangala/): A road over bridge planned for HSR Outer Ring Road has the residents concerned as the upcoming Metro work might derail it. - [Don't be compromised](https://residentswatch.in/dont-be-compromised/): The rich and the poor have been punished. Abide by the law and stay safe and secure. - [Free table tennis, basketball courts](https://residentswatch.in/free-table-tennis-basketball-courts/): Citizen activism has saved another playground in HSR Layout. Now thanks to the Department of Youth Services & Sports, the residents will reap the benefits. - [June Wrap: Yoga, nail mafia, seed balls & more](https://residentswatch.in/june-wrap-yoga-nail-mafia-seed-balls-more/): Street yoga, GAIL mess, Garbage segregation, organic mela, plastic in drains and more. - [Go natural at Salt World](https://residentswatch.in/go-natural-at-salt-world/): Get rid of all your skin and breathing disorders with this salt room in HSR Layout. - [Residents to create a city forest by 2028](https://residentswatch.in/residents-to-create-a-city-forest-by-2028/): Earth Day celebrated with great gusto by concerned citizens. May there be more urban forests. - [The many limitations of pet licensing](https://residentswatch.in/the-many-limitations-of-pet-licensing/): It is a war between the animal lovers and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in the last two months on corporation's proposal to limit the number of dogs in residences. - [Hacking to manage parking](https://residentswatch.in/hacking-to-manage-parking/): Techathons are the newest way to find solutions from young minds to fix the many problems affecting metros across India. - [Organic certification enforced too early](https://residentswatch.in/organic-certification-enforced-too-early/): Genuine small organic farmers find the new legislation implemented too soon and too quickly. The government should give them more time. - [Lose your pessimism](https://residentswatch.in/lose-your-pessimism/): It pays to be positive and resourceful rather than be a naysayer throughout. - [RW May 2018 Wrap: MLA's hat trick, Agara lake fest, garbage dumping & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-may-2018-wrap-mlas-hat-trick-agara-lake-fest-garbage-dumping-more/): All the events and happenings you may have missed in HSR Layout and surrounding areas. - [Act on your own](https://residentswatch.in/act-on-your-own/): Don’t wait for your RWA to do something. Get up and fix the problem yourself. Take charge. - [Bengaluru’s first Bicycle Mayor](https://residentswatch.in/bengalurus-first-bicycle-mayor/): To boost cycling in city, including HSR Layout. - [Bellandur residents protest tree felling](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-residents-protest-tree-felling/): After 24 trees were chopped along Outer Ring Road, the residents gave a police complaint and protested a week later. - [Tendersure standards coming to HSR](https://residentswatch.in/tendersure-standards-coming-to-hsr/): Cycle tracks, bollards, islands, pelican signals and more. - [Loudspeaker volume in mosque brought down](https://residentswatch.in/loudspeaker-volume-in-mosque-brought-down/): Another Residents Watch impact story. - [Suburban Rail project in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/suburban-rail-project-in-bengaluru/): To benefit the stretch from Hosur to Whitefield the most, there are still some more projects that are proceeding at a slower pace. - [Agara Lake is a success story](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-is-a-success-story/): The Rs 16 crore revival project faces newer challenges, albeit small. - [RW April 2018 Wrap: MLA, abandoned cars, tree-cutting, Residents Watch impact & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-april-2018-wrap-mla-abandoned-cars-tree-cutting-residents-watch-impact-more/): Acid test for Sathish Reddy. Playground being put to good use. Resident activist honoured. Residents Watch impact fetches better roads. - [Species of HSR (Part 3)](https://residentswatch.in/species-of-hsr-part-3/): In this final instalment, get face to face with many more people inhabiting HSR Layout. - [Citizens band together for a better Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-band-together-for-a-better-bangalore/): Join the 'Citizens for Bengaluru' Facebook group and do your bit for society. - [Building basement catches fire](https://residentswatch.in/building-basement-catches-fire/): BBMP yet to enforce plan sanction rules; shops in parking spots. - [27th Main sewage overflows](https://residentswatch.in/27th-main-sewage-overflows/): BWSSB takes action; but problem is still not fully resolved. - [Watch out for your head](https://residentswatch.in/watch-out-for-your-head/): What’s the cost of not wearing an ISI helmet? Quite a bit, and spurious helmets abound. - [Multi-level parking over graveyard to decongest 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/multi-level-parking-over-graveyards-anyone/): One resident suggests, but a civic activist and RWA member recommends an easier way out of this. - [Proceed with caution](https://residentswatch.in/proceed-with-caution/): Fire safety tips for Piped Natural Gas customers in HSR Layout. - [Rooftop pub shutdown by residents](https://residentswatch.in/rooftop-pub-shutdown-by-residents/): Residents prevent the opening of the booze joint, Botellon. - [How to beat cholesterol!](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-beat-cholesterol/): Wet cupping or Hijama is the way out for a healthy heart. - [Victory for community journalism](https://residentswatch.in/victory-for-community-journalism/): How this monthly magazine fetched its editor a nomination in the 'Media Person of the Year' category at the Namma Bengaluru Awards 2018. - [RW March 2018 Wrap: Residents victory, kids open letter, RWA trends, Rainwater harvesting, donation & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-march-2018-wrap-residents-victory-kids-open-letter-rwa-trends-rainwater-harvesting-donation-more/): Kid writes letter to top cop. Three HSR residents nominated for citywide awards. Residents anti-corruption drive. RWH at apartments and more. - [Species of HSR - Part 2](https://residentswatch.in/species-of-hsr-part-2/): In this second installment, sample many more personas ruling the marquee in HSR Layout. Some noble, and some downright atrocious. - [Residents Watch impact](https://residentswatch.in/residents-watch-impact/): No eateries can operate from basements. Similarly, no shops can function out of basements meant for parking lots. - [Residents team up against civic violations](https://residentswatch.in/residents-team-up-against-civic-violations/): Bangalore residents have come together to say 'no' to widespread building violations and rampant commercialisation of residential areas. - [KCDC success story](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-success-story/): The four-year struggle by the residents is bearing fruit. The garbage processing has come down from 150 to 80 tonnes per day. But the stench continues. - [Pinpoint faults, prevent cyber attacks](https://residentswatch.in/pinpoint-faults-prevent-cyber-attacks/): The upgraded Bescom office not only wards off cyber attacks but also helps in resolving electricity supply bottlenecks within no time. - [Scrap RMP 2031: HSR Federation](https://residentswatch.in/scrap-rmp-2031-hsr-federation/): The state government's proposed Masterplan 2031 is opposed vehemently by every resident welfare association in HSR Layout. They want the status quo accorded by CDP 2015 to be maintained. - ['I'm injured because of BBMP apathy'](https://residentswatch.in/im-injured-because-of-bbmp-apathy/): BBMP contractor fails to barricade a drain that was opened up for repair work, and one HSR resident falls into it and injures himself. - [How a specialist saved my bleeding mouth](https://residentswatch.in/how-a-specialist-saved-my-bleeding-mouth/): General practitioners are fine for everyday health issues. But when it concerns things that are chronic, it's time to consult a specialist. - [Species of HSR - Part 1](https://residentswatch.in/species-of-hsr-part-1/): There are all sorts shaping up HSR society. Here are a few of them in the first of a series on them. Know them. And be them (the noble ones, that is). - [RW Feb 2018 Wrap: Road cutting, potholes, encroachments, demolitions & more](https://residentswatch.in/feb-2018-wrap-road-cutting-potholes-encroachments-demolitions-more/): An illegal building was demolished after resident protests. Road digging was stopped by them. A human chain was formed against KCDC. The curious case of two bus stops when even the earlier one wasn't being used. Residents oppose smokers' haven. Potholes are back. Stop encroachment in the name of god. And more stories from HSR Layout. - [Good health for all](https://residentswatch.in/good-health-for-all/): Keva Ayurveda offers that and a lot more in HSR Layout and across Bengaluru. - [Residents stop drainage work](https://residentswatch.in/residents-stop-drainage-work/): Allege that BBMP's adhoc measures could cause flooding again. When will it get its act together? - [Indane, the dinosaur](https://residentswatch.in/indane-the-dinosaur/): Pet peeves of one gas consumer and how it should grow up. - [Habba! Habba!](https://residentswatch.in/habba-habba/): The festival at Kaikondrahalli Lake hit the right notes. - [How to stop conflict of commercialisation](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-stop-conflict-of-commercialisation/): A few measures can address this raging issue between the residential and commercial interests. - [We are not running out of water yet](https://residentswatch.in/we-are-not-running-out-of-water-yet/): Here's how water is managed in the city and it's actually good news. But proper rainwater harvesting will make us completely water-secure. - [Air pollution up 42% in 1 year](https://residentswatch.in/air-pollution/): Avoid walking or cycling during peak hours at busy intersections because the suspended particulate matter is way above permissible limits. - [Accidents on Sarjapur Road worry residents](https://residentswatch.in/accidents-on-sarjapur-road-worry-residents/): The Kaikondrahalli-Sarjapur Road junction is proving to be a mishap-prone zone for the residents living in and around the area. - [Sewage treatment plants have no standard design](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-treatment-plants-have-no-standard-design/): Three workers died while cleaning the collection tank at an apartment in HSR extension. This could have been avoided if the authorities had standardised the operational parts of STPs. - [Pyramid meditation and more](https://residentswatch.in/pyramid-meditation-and-more/): Get healed for free by visiting the pyramid meditation chamber at Soul Trends. Or buy healing tools at an economical price. - [Meet the proactive health inspector of HSR](https://residentswatch.in/meet-the-proactive-health-inspector-of-hsr/): Vinod GM impresses residents with his implementation of garbage segregation and plastic ban in HSR Layout. - [Pay it forward](https://residentswatch.in/pay-it-forward/): Help us to help you. Join our Telegram group to make a difference in HSR. Promote our magazine to the commercial establishments you frequent, so it's win-win for everyone. - [Why you must vote in 2018 state elections](https://residentswatch.in/why-you-must-vote-in-2018-state-elections/): The May 2018 state elections are coming. Does your name appear on the electoral list? If not, get your voter ID now and cast your valuable vote. - [Residents opposed to Masterplan 2031](https://residentswatch.in/residents-opposed-to-masterplan-2031/): Stick to CDP 2015 and stop retrospective implementation of the Supreme Court ruling regarding buffer zones, demand residents. - [RW January Wrap: Sakala, crime, airport, aadhaar, CCTVs, flex banners & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-jan-wrap-sakala-crime-airport-aadhaar-cctvs-flex-banners-more/): Local netas continue to erect flex banners much to the irritation of residents. Sakala for greater convenience. HSR has second highest crime in city. HSR has the nearest airport, and more stories. - [Corner the BBMP to act!](https://residentswatch.in/corner-the-bbmp-to-act/): It's time the residents cornered the corporator, MLA and the BBMP Joint Commissioner to deliver justice. - [Gnan Srishti School hides its fees](https://residentswatch.in/gnan-srishti-school-hides-its-fees/): The admission process should be transparent. Why should there be any selective pricing at Gnan Srishti? - [Community garden on 18th Cross](https://residentswatch.in/community-garden-on-18th-cross/): The median park on 18th Cross diagonally opposite The Punjabi Rasoi restaurant in Sector 3 is now playing host to a community garden. - [Flooding issue unites citizens](https://residentswatch.in/flooding-issue-unites-citizens/): The residents of Sector 6 and 7 have created the HSR Civic Action Task (CAT) Force to resolve the flooding issues. - [Lane composting begins in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/lane-composting-begins-in-sector-3/): With 12 lane composters donated by MLA Satish Reddy, residents have begun by installing two in Sector 3. - [RW December Wrap: HSR Habba, tree pruning, ewaste, walkathon, seed balls & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-december-wrap-hsr-habba-tree-pruning-ewaste-walkathon-seed-balls-more/): HSR Habba turned out to be a mega noise and visual pollution creator. Illegal buildings galore. E-waste pickup point and more stories. - [Healing sanctuary](https://residentswatch.in/healing-sanctuary/): Salt World treats symptoms related to breathing and skin disorders. Bangalore being the allergy capital is just the perfect city for a salt room. - [HSR impacted by demo & GST](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-impacted-by-demo-gst/): Most businesspersons in HSR Layout have blamed demonetisation and GST for their losses in the last one year. Some say their turnover came down drastically for the first few months after demonetisation. The others contend that their profitability has suffered, and forecast that it may take another year or two for things to stabilise. - [Residents install CCTVs on their own](https://residentswatch.in/residents-install-cctvs-on-their-own/): Prompted by several thefts in their vicinity, 18 residents of 21st B Main in Sector 1 pooled in to setup a CCTV surveillance system. And already, it is showing some results. - [HEAL your LIFE](https://residentswatch.in/heal-your-life/): A bunch of HSR residents headed by Bharathi S, a resident of Sector 7, are doing their bit to usher in peace in their neighbourhoods. No, they are not propagating any particular religion, cult or regime. They are just telling everyone to chant 'HU' (pronounced 'Hue') whenever they feel stressed, unwell or just want some peace of mind. - [CCTV cameras in HSR are a farce](https://residentswatch.in/cctv-cameras-in-hsr-are-a-farce/): Two months ago, the residents of HSR Layout were pleased when MLA Satish Reddy announced 100 CCTVs for HSR Layout. Months later, his party spokesperson clarified that 100 was for the entire Bommanahalli constituency and 20 were sanctioned for HSR Layout - 10 installed and 10 more to be done shortly. - [RW Monthly Wrap: Voter IDs, encroachments, garbage & more](https://residentswatch.in/quick-news-of-hsr/): Mad man in HSR. Footpath encroachments. Bad roads. Inept civic agencies. Storm water contamination. Illegal food vendors. Rampant tree cutting and more. - [Who is responsible for cyclist Vijay’s accident?](https://residentswatch.in/who-is-responsible-for-cyclist-vijays-accident/): Vijay Kundaji didn’t really figure in my list of friends, though we met at regular intervals during Citizens for Bengaluru meetings. He seemed reticent and a man of few words who liked a comfortable corner — unlike me. - [What I’ve Learned](https://residentswatch.in/what-ive-learned/): Mind Blogs 1.0 is a book authored by Christina Daniels, Nirmala Govindarajan and Zahid. Here is an extract from one chapter authored by Zahid. - [Here’s how HSR roads can go pothole-free](https://residentswatch.in/heres-how-hsr-roads-can-go-pothole-free/): Square sections of tar have appeared on various roads, as BBMP and the government scramble to resurface the city. While these will provide immediate relief, they will also become the reason why we end up with the same problem later. - [HSR gets its own public library](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-gets-its-own-public-library/): Book lovers and magazine readers are in for a treat. Their long-pending demand has finally been met. Last month, a public library opened its doors to HSR residents at the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled building in Sector 4. - [The Radio Gal](https://residentswatch.in/the-radio-gal/): Pinky Chandran's next-door neighbour is Sector 5. A resident of Teacher's Colony, she runs Bangalore's first community radio station, Radio Active 90.4 MHz. "I moved in here 14 years ago," says the 38-year-old. - ['HSR is full of pot roads'](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-is-full-of-pot-roads/): Say residents as officials look the other way and residents bear the brunt By Sindhu MR Senior citizen MR Krishnamurthy has a pressing question: “When will they permanently fix the mess?” The resident of Sector 7 is pointing to the mess on 18th Cross off 14th Main Road. Not only is the road non-motorable, it becomes a cesspool of sewage as stormwater drain overflows on to the road and inside his house when it rains rhinos. Pointing at the cross road next to his house, he says, “These roads have not been tarred for over ten years now.” Two-time MLA Satish […] - [An official app for HSR, please!](https://residentswatch.in/an-official-app-for-hsr-please/): By Zahid H Javali This month, Residents Watch enters the 6th year of its existence. Our constant endeavour is to better HSR Layout and bridge the information gap between commercial establishments and the constantly floating residential population. However, a lot more needs to be done. And here is how. The local neta should build a mobile app specifically for HSR Layout where residents can post their complaints that make the officials accountable and the administration, transparent. It should have a complaint received and complaint resolved button with a timeline, and the name of the official and contractor responsible for it. It […] - [IIMB study on Residents Watch](https://residentswatch.in/iimb-study-on-residents-watch/): The Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) is now doing a case study on Residents Watch and it’s use of social media for bettering the community. Five years ago, we set up the Facebook Group, which now boasts of almost 2500 members. More recently, we created a Facebook Page (ResidentsWatch) for real-time updates to the residents and already, over 1000 people are following it. And more than two years ago, we set up the Residents Watch group involving all the sectors of HSR Layout – there are eight resident welfare associations and more than 10 apartment associations. It is still the […] - [Editor honoured by NSUI](https://residentswatch.in/editor-honoured-by-nsui/): Residents Watch, your monthly neighbourhood magazine’s editor Zahid H Javali was honoured by the National Students Union of India on the late Dr Abdul Kalam’s 86th birth anniversary celebrations last month. And the timing was just right. The magazine celebrates its 5th anniversary this month. It’s perhaps the only glossy magazine in India that is dedicated to just one neighbourhood. There are tabloids and newspapers ofcourse, but never has there been a magazine for one locality. Zahid has been a journalist for the last 21 years. “I am honoured because Dr Kalam is someone I respect the most,” he says. “And […] - [Water conservation at Vibgyor](https://residentswatch.in/water-conservation-at-vibgyor/): Vibgyor High School on Harlur Road has successfully installed 200 water aerators (3 litres per minute) in both its buildings. “This means, savings of atleast 8000 litres of water every day,” says Sector 2 resident Lalithamba BV. Kudos to the school management and Sector 2 resident Shashidhara K for completing this project. Every drop of water counts. We urge everyone else to do the same and save water. - [Sector 3 residents foil future flooding](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-residents-foil-future-flooding/): Resident Mohan Rajaram sent a Whatsapp message to the informal Sector 3 Whatsapp group that the storm water drain, footpath and road was encroached to make a private garden on 17th A main in Sector 3. “The drain height needs to be rectified too. It is higher than 17th A Main Road… the water will flood the road rather than flowing into the drain,” he complained. The problem was soon rectified simply because the neighbours intervened with the house owner who obliged because it was also in his best interest. In the meanwhile, the flooding woes continue. According to BWSSB engineer […] - [Fresh Menu fined](https://residentswatch.in/fresh-menu-fined/): Responding to repeated complaints by residents Thota and Faraz in Sector 3, the BBMP finally took action on the Fresh Menu restaurant on 18th C Main. It had become a nuisance in the locality as its kitchen waste was flowing on to the road. Health inspector Vinod fined them twice and they appeared to have been behaving since then. If you have a similar establishment causing untold misery, you can call or SMS Vinod to get your problem addressed. His number is 98446-29911. - [Civic monitoring app required](https://residentswatch.in/civic-monitoring-app-required/): City Development minister KJ George launched the ‘Fix My Street’ app for citizens to report on civic problems involving the BBMP. However, there are already two popular apps that do exactly the same thing: BBMP Sahaya and IChangeMyCity. And yet, we have not seen real issues getting solved, first-hand. And this is particularly when we raise a pothole complaint. We get an SMS that the case is assigned, and then, escalated and then closed, but the pothole remains. How will the Fix My Street app really help if these have already failed? Will the minister’s inner circle monitor the app, issue […] - [Film shoot disturbs residents](https://residentswatch.in/film-shoot-disturbs-residents/): The other day, Sector 4 resident Fazal Khalil complained on our Residents Watch group about a film shoot happening late into the night. Says Fazal: “It’s such a nuisance to all of us… the fumes from the generator van and the mess they make after eating, by throwing the food leftovers all over the place.” MLA Satish Reddy, who is also in the group, immediately got into action and stopped the photoshoot by calling the cops. The film’s lead actor even went up to the residents’ houses and apologised to them. - [BDA Complex to turn into a mall?](https://residentswatch.in/bda-complex-to-turn-into-a-mall/): The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) planned to revamp the Indiranagar BDA complex more than three years ago but nothing happened because the deeply entrenched shopkeepers protested that they would lose their livelihood. But that is just one of the reasons. The real reason is that the BDA is good at mooting ideas but bad at implementation. Now, the BDA has come back with the same proposal, this time, to revamp six of their BDA complexes, including HSR, at a collective budget of Rs 330 crore. A tender has been floated for a public-private venture, but we don’t know if this will […] - [Organic farming, anyone?](https://residentswatch.in/organic-farming-anyone/): Last month, experts from the Horticulture department conducted a workshop on simple, traditional organic farming techniques that can do wonders in a limited space, including a tiny balcony or backyard. The event was followed by a session on the dos and don’t to lead a health life by an acupressure expert. The two-hour session was held at an unconventional venue: Muneshwara Temple in Sector 4. Entry was restricted to those who had registered earlier. - [Cow falls into an open drain](https://residentswatch.in/cow-falls-into-an-open-drain/): Open drains are not only an assault on our noses but can also be fatal, animals included. The other day, a resident found a cow that had fallen into a drain near Nagarjuna Apartments in Sector 2. It’s about time the BBMP officials covered all the drains to stop this from happening again. “Or should we wait for someone to die?” ask the concerned residents of HSR Layout. We agree. - [Storm water drain work begins](https://residentswatch.in/storm-water-drain-work-begins/): After much dilly-dallying and making populist announcements, the state government has finally released Rs 29 crore towards drain work in HSR Layout. “Much of that money will go into erecting culverts on rain-affected drains like 5th Main, 9th Main and so on,” says resident Prem Kumar. Another of his ideas to make McDonald’s junction signal-free hit a road hump when proactive traffic inspector Rao Ganesh was shunted out within 15 months because a section of residents was not happy with his no-parking implementation in HSR Layout. The new traffic inspector Rajashekar is no patch on him. Therefore, the idea remains on […] - [Car wheels stolen](https://residentswatch.in/car-wheels-stolen/): Resident Kaarthikeyan Mani says car thieves struck twice in his lane in Sector 2 recently, behind Kapoor’s Cafe. “My neighbour has handed over the CCTV footage to the police,” he said on Residents Watch’s Facebook group. “The footage shows two men parking their yellow board Etios nearby and swiftly stealing the wheels. They appear to be cab drivers.” It’s time for the HSR cops to act. - [Abandoned vehicles galore in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/abandoned-vehicles-galore-in-hsr/): Anywhere there is some vacant spot, people are abandoning vehicles. We have noticed garage owners doing that quite often. Thieves could also be dumping them in places to pick them up later. However, when the residents complained to the HSR cops to remove these vehicles, the cops threw up their hands saying there is no space around the police station to relocate them. We urge the netas, residents and cops to come together and resolve this burning issue. - [Cycle Day, HSR Federation, garbage mafia, pig menace & more stories](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-news/): What's hot and what's not in HSR Layout. A monthly round-up of the best and the worst trends that HSR registered last month. - [Beware of suicide bombers](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-suicide-bombers/): When will better reason prevail over the general public, officials and our netas? When the entire HSR goes down under? Buck up, guys! - [Will KCDC plant reduce intake?](https://residentswatch.in/will-kcdc-plant-reduce-intake/): If all goes well, the tonnage at the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) will come down to 120 tonnes from the current 180-200 tonnes per day. But doubts remain. - [The Swachch Man](https://residentswatch.in/the-swachch-man/): Anil Benni (38) is one of those rare individuals who impresses you with his prompt customer service as the chief garbage supervisor for HSR Layout. - ['Will remove footpath encroachments first’](https://residentswatch.in/will-remove-footpath-encroachments-first/): BNR Reddy is the new chairman of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association. This is his wishlist for the MLA and corporator. - [Residents mess up garbage disposal](https://residentswatch.in/residents-mess-up-garbage-disposal/): Some landlords and residents are making the job of BBMP garbage contractors, a tougher proposition. - [Sector 3 residents cry foul](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-residents-cry-foul/): Alleging foul play, they don't recognise the self-appointed new office bearers of Sector 3 Residents Welfare Association and approach the Registrar to derecognise him. - [Cops catch drug peddlers in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/cops-catch-drug-peddlers-in-sector-1/): On October 1, between 7pm and 1145pm, the city crime branch officials arrested two drug peddlers in Sector 2 while two are still absconding.     Cannabis plant   The two accused are Balagopal (27 years), a resident of KK Residency, Sector 2 and Sanoj (28 years), a resident of Harlur. The other two accused who are still at large are Sejay (30) and Saiju (age not given). While Sejay is a resident of TC Palya, Saiju belongs to Kerala, according to the police.   Under the leadership of VD Shivaraju, the CCB police pounced into action when they received information […] - [‘Flush hub or posh hub’](https://residentswatch.in/flush-hub-or-posh-hub/): Ask HSR residents when rains entered their homes - [And the winners are...](https://residentswatch.in/and-the-winners-are/): Meet the selfless citizens who make their neighbourhood a better place - [Residents protest new zoning rules](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protest-new-zoning-rules/): RWAs across the city file a public interest litigation. - [My wish-list for the MLA](https://residentswatch.in/my-wish-list-for-the-mla/): Being an election year, MLA Satish Reddy cannot afford to sit idle while the neighbourhood goes from bad to worse. - [Blood donation camps, clay Ganesha workshops, GAIL, solar energy, Telegram & more stories](https://residentswatch.in/blood-donation-camps-clay-ganesha-workshops-gail-solar-energy-telegram-more-stories/): What's hot and what's not in HSR Layout. A monthly round-up of the best and the worst trends that HSR registered last month. - [It's time to travel](https://residentswatch.in/its-time-to-travel/): Cafe Travel in HSR Layout for all your dream vacations. - [Aerators, pigs, traffic, tree cutting & more stories...](https://residentswatch.in/aerators-pigs-traffic-tree-cutting-more-stories/): A lot happens in HSR Layout. Here's a round-up of what happened in July 2017. The Good. The Bad. And sometimes, the Ugly. - [The Residents Watch readership survey](https://residentswatch.in/the-residents-watch-readership-survey/): We are listening, where are you? - [Tree plantation drive in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/tree-plantation-drive-in-hsr/): Boulevards are better than random planting, say some residents opposed to this idea. - [Preventing crime and saving people](https://residentswatch.in/preventing-crime-and-saving-people/): That's community policing. Meet the convenor for HSR, Vikas Gnanamurthy. - [The Organic World is now in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/the-organic-world-is-now-in-hsr-layout/): The Organic World has opened its doors in HSR Layout! Located next to MK Retail on 17th Cross in Sector 2, the store is spread over 2000 sq. feet and is equipped with a community cafe and a children’s play area to entertain all age groups.         The store boasts of products in several categories ranging from fruits and vegetables to home and personal care. The Organic World in HSR is not your average retail store. Walk in and experience the store by helping yourself to some aromatherapy, and maybe whip up your own beauty product or grind […] - [Trucks & tourist buses clog 27th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/trucks-tourist-buses-clog-27th-main/): The residents are fed up of complaining to the authorities about the indiscriminate parking by trucks and tourist buses on 27th Main Road.   Says resident Krishnan, who has tweeted to the top cops and complained on their mobile app: “Illegal parking… creating a dangerous haphazard to the community on 27th main. It’s a daily routine, can you please clean this mess?”                         - [Pet lover stops men from catching dogs; gets beaten up!](https://residentswatch.in/pet-lover-stops-men-from-catching-dogs-gets-beaten-up/): Abhilash S, a 30-year-old resident of Sector 4, was beaten up by four unidentified assailants on November 22 at around 1145pm.     Representative pic   This incident appears to be connected to the allegation by pet lovers of HSR that 60 strays have been picked up from HSR and relocated elsewhere. According to this FIR (First Information Report), the incident occurred behind the Government Hostel when Abhilash was feeding the dogs.     Tata Ace mini truck. A representative image.   The four persons allegedly came in a Tata Ace mini truck to catch the dogs. When Abhilash protested that […] - [Lost dog in the afternoon, found him dead at night](https://residentswatch.in/lost-dog-in-the-afternoon-found-him-dead-at-night/): Yesterday at around 3pm, Bingo, a black labrador dog ran away from a house in Teacher’s Colony near HSR Layout Sector 5. Frantic owner Jayashree posted on social network groups and launched a hunt for her pet all day. The pet had gone missing from door number 297 on 4th Avenue.         Today, she is at a crematorium on Magadi Road to bury her pet. During her search, she found her dog at 11pm yesterday. However, the labrador was run over by a car.   Though the locals stopped the car and pulled out the dog from underneath, […] - [Rooftop restaurant catches fire; shut for 5 days!](https://residentswatch.in/rooftop-restaurant-catches-fire-shut-for-5-days/): The Vape, the rooftop restaurant on 27th Main Road in HSR Layout had a freak fire in the wee hours of today. The fire force officials took more than half an hour to extinguish it. No casualties were reported.   A fire force official from the Sarjapur Road station said that they received a call at around 4am about the fire on the fifth floor of Rio Arcade where The Vape is located. “It was due to an electrical short circuit,” he said.   The restaurant staffers clarified that it was due to a short circuit in the generators. The restaurant […] - [Software engineer dies when water tanker runs over him on 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/software-engineer-dies-when-water-tanker-runs-over-him-on-27th-main/):       41-year-old Swaroop Mothidath, a software engineer and resident of Confident Phoenix apartment in Kasavanahalli, died in front of ICICI Bank on 27th Main Road in Sector 1 yesterday (November 22) when a water tanker ran over him at around 1.10pm. He is survived by wife and three year old twins – a daughter and son.   Here is how it happened. Praveena (37 years) decided to step out for lunch with friend Srinivas. While they were both standing in front of ICICI Bank to cross the road, a two wheeler rider was coming from NIFT college and proceeding […] - [What's your 'dosha'?](https://residentswatch.in/whats-your-dosha/): The Organic World is the newest entrant in HSR Layout offering organic produce. What we loved most is the way they have these educational counters on how to check for nitrate content in vegetables and fruits with a tester, to pamphlets on the various doshas in our bodies.   Look at the pictures and answer the questions to know which ‘dosha’ you belong to and accordingly adjust your dietary requirements, according to Ayurveda. Your health is everything. This is for your information only and not a prescription for any ailments.                       - [Top traffic cop inspects Silk Board; junction improvements working well!](https://residentswatch.in/top-traffic-cop-inspects-silk-board-junction-improvements-working-well/): Yesterday, Additional Commissioner of Traffic P Harishekaran visited Silk Board and the surrounding areas of Hosur Road, Madiwala, Bommanahalli and Mangammanapalya. Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy apprised the top cop about the traffic situation on Begur Road, Bommanahalli Main Road and Silk Board junction.   A number of measures were discussed, including the exploration of any government land available near Silk Board junction that can be used to park the buses and ease the congestion. There is a lorry stand behind the existing service road near Silk Board where the buses are parked. The top cop wanted to check if that is […] - [Footpath encroachments removed on 27th Main Road](https://residentswatch.in/footpath-encroachments-removed-on-27th-main-road/): The HSR traffic cops removed several footpath encroachments on 27th Main Road from flyover junction to the HSR police station. The rest of the stretch will be carried out in the next few days, according to HSR traffic police.     Representative picture   Regarding the 24th Main Road encroachment, the cops said that the measures are temporary in nature. “We do it today but the next day, the vendors are back,” said one senior cop. Regarding shops encroaching the footpath, the cop said, “That’s the job of the BBMP officials. They know the law and we are ready to do […] - [HSR Habba is back and the residents are angry!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-habba-is-back-and-the-residents-are-angry/): The last time HSR Habba was held at BBMP Grounds in Sector 2, the residents were mighty upset because the organisers had visually polluted HSR Layout with flex banners and posters across the neighbourhood. Importantly, they had even nailed scores of posters on trees, which is the worst way to propagate anything. In addition, they were also guilty of noise pollution as their cultural programmes went on beyond midnight.         This time around, they have created a flutter among citizens by putting out on social media that they will put up over 1000 “eco-friendly” banners and 1 lakh […] - [Prostitution in HSR rears its ugly head again](https://residentswatch.in/prostitution-in-hsr-rears-its-ugly-head-again/):   We scan all things HSR Layout on social media and we came across yet another sales call by pimps. In October, we had reported about how prostitution had gone bold and brazen and how the HSR cops had trapped them. We have informed the HSR cops to take action on them. They are publicising their services using the Twitter handle: @ovimaniz84. When you click on their message, it takes you to a ‘Locanto’ website that has more details like the one below.         This shows two websites that they are operating from. Please note that not only […] - [HSR Ward Committee or Sham Committee?](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-ward-committee-or-sham-committee/): After the residents went to court asking the BBMP to set up a ward committee, the civic body followed the court orders. They sought refuge in the local corporator who inducted his own contacts. When the citizens protested against this nepotism, the BBMP Commissioner said the residents can send in their applications and he will personally see to it that they get a berth.   However, when the ward committees were finalised, none of the 500 applicants from across Bangalore found their names on the list. Such is the state of affairs in Bangalore. Thankfully, HSR Layout is slightly better off. […] - [BEWARE: OTP cyber crimes are most common!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-otp-cyber-crimes-are-most-common/):   We had reported earlier that there are 13 cybercrime cases being registered at the Cybercrime police station of Bangalore every day. Among the many such cases, OTP (online transaction password) scams appears to be the most convenient and common types of fraud. Therefore, it pays to read this news story and also share it among all your friends on social networks, irrespective of jurisdiction.         Take the recent case of Lt. Gen (retired) Raghunath D. The 81-year-old resident of Jayanagar 7th Block received a call from one Raj Kumar Verma on October 4. Claiming to be a […] - [Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is 'moderate to poor'](https://residentswatch.in/diwali-effect-pollution-in-hsr-is-moderate-to-poor/): Call it the Diwali effect or after effect, but the pollution in Bangalore and HSR Layout that was largely borderline has gone up by three times… from 65 to over 160. That’s an oscillation of pollution levels from moderate to poor. And these are the readings at the Silk Board monitor, the closest to HSR Layout.   The highest reading in the last 24 hours came at 11pm yesterday at 162 (ug/m3) when the safety limit is to be below 60. Anything between 60 and 120 is considered moderate to poor, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. And these readings […] - [Green cover: The refreshing turnaround of Govt PU College](https://residentswatch.in/green-cover-the-refreshing-turnaround-of-govt-pu-college/): Two years ago, the Government Pre University College on 29th B Main in Sector 1, HSR Layout, was just barren land. Today, it sports 30 trees that provide shade and cut the pollution from the surroundings with their green cover.   The story began in 2016 when Kaagaz Foundation, an HSR-based NGO, was planning to plant 3000 saplings in different parts of the neighbourhood. That’s when the volunteers zeroed in on this college. They approached the principal who readily agreed and the 30 saplings were planted and the college students joined in too. It was team effort all the way.   […] - [Resident complains against neighbour for causing pollution!](https://residentswatch.in/resident-complains-against-neighbour-for-causing-pollution/): MC Sunanda is a fiesty 65-year-old woman who is a resident activist of sorts in Sector 1. She has successfully fought against polluters and illegal occupants in her neighbourhood in the past and her latest is against a tenant in front of her house. “The occupants of site number 1879 on 21st A Main have no water facility or drainage. They wash, cook and dirty the place. They use firewood and pollute the area. They urinate in the site itself. It is causing nuisance and is an ugly sight in the morning.”         She has not only informed […] - [The heartwarming story of an HSR pet that was lost and found during Diwali!](https://residentswatch.in/the-heartwarming-story-of-an-hsr-pet-that-was-lost-and-found-during-diwali/): On Wednesday, November 7, Dr Sumana Kaushik lost Angel, a female golden retriever due to a negligent caretaker in Mangammanapalya. On Saturday, November 10, she was reunited with her six-year-old pet, thanks to four dog lovers of HSR Layout.     The message that did the rounds of social media   Dr Sumana had given her female dog to a pet trainer who had in turn given it to a woman in Mangammanapalya. During Diwali, with all the firecrachers going off simultaneously, the dog got scared and ran away. Thankfully for her, dog lovers Prashanth, Bindu and Sindhu Gowda, who had […] - [Stray dog attacks and what you can do!](https://residentswatch.in/stray-dog-attacks-and-what-you-can-do/): In the last six weeks, much has changed in the location of stray dogs in HSR Layout. The saga began when Member of Parliament Kupendra Reddy, a resident of Sector 1, was attacked by stray dogs in Sector 1 on October 11. Seven dogs were impounded. Later, the dog lovers of HSR complained that 60 dogs were missing from their areas in HSR as someone had taken them away. While the BBMP officials say that they have nothing to do with their missing status, residents allege that some unlicenced dog catchers could have relocated them illegally. If this is the case, […] - [Regulate traffic near Gayathri and Saibaba temple during festivals](https://residentswatch.in/regulate-traffic-near-gayathri-and-saibaba-temple-during-festivals/): When it’s festival season, both the Sai Baba temple on 19th Main and the Gayathri temple on 17th Cross congest the major thoroughfares.   Tweeting to the traffic police, resident Tribhuvan Krishnamurthy says, “Dear BTP, can you please regulate the vehicular movement and parking in HSR Layout?” He uploads a picture of a recent such jam on 17th Cross and says, “This was the situation yesterday at Basaveshwara Gayatri temple located in 17th Cross, 24th main, sector 1, HSR. Public park their vehicles at their will due to lack of regulations.”     17th Cross, Gayathri temple   Well, the regulations […] - [Man steals bike in the guise of 'test drive'](https://residentswatch.in/man-steals-bike-in-the-guise-of-test-drive/): Twenty-nine-year-old Aditya Kumar, a marketing executive, was conned in Sector 7 on October 31. However, he filed the FIR only a week later on November 8.   Aditya had put up his 2017-model KTM Duke 200 bike (KA01-HY3145) for sale on Quikr. At around 3.20pm, a person came to his apartment complex on 21st Cross after looking at his advertisement online.     Representative image   On the pretext of taking his bike for a test drive, the person took all the vehicle documents from Aditya and never returned. Citing the value of his vehicle at Rs 1.96 lakh, Aditya has […] - [Bikers cut signals routinely at BDA flyover junction](https://residentswatch.in/bikers-cut-signals-routinely-at-bda-flyover-junction/): Car drivers, but most frequently, two wheeler riders are routinely seen violating the signal rule at BDA Complex flyover junction. Recording this act and sending it to the traffic police, car driver Sharan says, “Unity in Diversity. Gumpalli Govinda from 0.20. All bikers break the rules with impunity here.”                 The remedy is CCTV that catch such offenders and fine them automatically. More than three such violations and their licence for the whole year should be cancelled. What else do you think can stop these violations, dear reader?   - [CEO accused of defrauding his own company in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/ceo-accused-of-defrauding-his-own-company-in-hsr/): Eshwar Reddy who owns Praneet Mobile LLP in HSR Layout has accused his CEO of cheating the company worth Rs 20.04 lakh.         According to the FIR lodged at the HSR police station, the company based on 11th Main Road in Sector 7, had sold 254 mobile phones worth Rs 43.15 lakh. Harish Appanna, the 42-year-old CEO was supposed to have deposited this amount into the company bank account.   However, he allegedly deposited only Rs 24.05 lakh. In addition, he failed to deposit the company’s Konanakunte branch’s cash reserves of Rs 53,000. Also, Rs 41990 that was […] - [Two bus bays but hardly any buses!](https://residentswatch.in/two-bus-bays-but-hardly-any-buses/): HSR Layout can be a study in contrasts. If the footpaths are good, the encroachments take away their beauty. If the roads are wider, triple parking narrows them down anyway. If the roads are well tarred, the lorries use them as parking lots. If the footpaths are cleaner, the errands and passerbys dump garbage and uglify them. In such a scenario, another interesting story has reared its disconcerting head.           The state government recently announced many more bus bays in the city next year. In HSR Layout, there are two of them in Sector 2 at KPTCL […] - [BBMP says these roads are pothole-free. Tell us if they are lying!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-says-these-roads-are-pothole-free-tell-us-if-they-are-lying/): Here is a comprehensive list of roads in HSR Layout which the BBMP says are ‘pothole free’. Please pour through the 32 pages of the PDF whose link is given below and let us know if potholed roads are being declared as ‘pothole free’, with the latest photographic evidence to prove it. This can only be crowd-sourced as HSR is quite a big ward. Help us to help you. Be part of this pothole-free drive.         Spare a few minutes to go through the PDF and look at the areas around where you live. If they are wrongly […] - [Mechanised sweeping of major roads by March; smaller stretches will have to wait](https://residentswatch.in/2899-2/):   In February 2018, the BBMP called for tenders on mechanised sweeping of bigger arterial roads and awarded the contracts only last month. The work order could be issued anytime this month for the Bommanahalli zone. Every zone (there are 8 in Bangalore) will get two big machines by Feb-March 2018. Once that happens, atleast the Outer Ring Road should be largely dust-free. However, the service roads and the arterial roads within HSR Layout will take a longer time as you need smaller battery-operated machines for that. While the BBMP has announced this proposal, the tenders are yet to be called. […] - [Why are traffic lights at Agara flyover and 19th Main not operational?](https://residentswatch.in/why-are-traffic-lights-at-agara-flyover-and-19th-main-not-operational/): When the traffic lights are not operational, why put them there? That’s the question the residents are asking the authorities. This has happened at Nandini Cooljoint junction (which we have reported earlier) and also under the Agara flyover. Residents have seen that these lights have been non functional for the last many months.   But the traffic cops contend that the 19th Main junction doesn’t need traffic lights because of the rerouting of traffic at the 17th Cross and 22nd Cross junction. “It will be a mistake if they install or make the traffic lights operational here,” says former HSR traffic […] - [Agara Govt School broken into during holidays](https://residentswatch.in/agara-govt-school-broken-into-during-holidays/): The government school building in Agara near Sector 1 has suffered damages worth about Rs 1.5 lakh. In the FIR, the school principal has alleged that some miscreants took advantage of the two-week Dussehra vacation and wrecked havoc in school. The result is that they have had to shift three classes and the office elsewhere in the building.     Speaking to Residents Watch, 59-year-old principal Mary Angela said that these kind of incidents have been happening in the school for the last five years. “But this time, the damage is too much,” she said. “They have damaged water tanks, pipes […] - [Top 6 complaints against HSR civic agencies](https://residentswatch.in/top-6-complaints-against-hsr-civic-agencies/): The issues are just too many to warrant a separate story. Therefore, we are collating all the recent complaints made against various civic agencies, so they can address these complaints immediately, if they still haven’t.   STREETLIGHTS           STORMWATER DRAINS         DUST POLLUTION       ILLEGAL SPEEDBREAKERS     ROAD CONDITIONS     GARBAGE DUMPING       - [Maid robbed on dark stretch; resident fights and gets streetlight!](https://residentswatch.in/maid-robbed-on-dark-stretch-resident-fights-and-gets-streetlight/): When the authorities don’t listen, the residents should never give up. Sector 2 resident Lalithamba BV did just that. When she heard that last week, one of the maids lost her purse to three ruffians who luckily spared her life, she called every authority imaginable to ensure that there was a streetlight on this dark stretch of the road where the robbery took place.     BEFORE     AFTER     The theft happened on a dark stretch of Somasundrapalya Main Road near Shyla wine shop. “The stretch near Shyla wines was completely dark as there was no street light,” […] - [Sadashivanagar resident loses Rs 8.64 lakh to an HSR chit fund firm](https://residentswatch.in/sadashivanagar-resident-loses-rs-8-64-lakh-to-an-hsr-chit-fund-firm/):   A 38-year-old Sadashivanagar resident has alleged that he was defrauded of Rs 8.64 lakh by a chit fund firm in HSR Layout, Sector 6.             The scam began in January this year when Mohammed Shahid Shariff came across Chandrashekar Gupta Gala, the MD of a company called SR Blue Chips. The accused allegedly promised to give Shahid 1-2% daily returns on any amount of money he deposited. Enticed by the offer, Shahid and his wife Amreen gave money via RTGS in instalments between January 17 and February 9, 2018 totalling Rs 8.64 lakh.   For […] - [Sadashivanagar resident loses Rs 8.64 lakh to an HSR chit fund firm](https://residentswatch.in/sadashivanagar-resident-loses-rs-8-64-lakh-to-an-hsr-chit-fund-firm-2/): A 38-year-old Sadashivanagar resident has alleged that he was defrauded of Rs 8.64 lakh by a chit fund firm in HSR Layout, Sector 6.             The scam began in January this year when Mohammed Shahid Shariff came across Chandrashekar Gupta Gala, the MD of a company called SR Blue Chips. The accused allegedly promised to give Shahid 1-2% daily returns on any amount of money he deposited. Enticed by the offer, Shahid and his wife Amreen gave money via RTGS in instalments between January 17 and February 9, 2018 totalling Rs 8.64 lakh.   For the […] - [House burgled in Sector 4; Rs 2.5 lakh valuables stolen](https://residentswatch.in/house-burgled-in-sector-4-rs-2-5-lakh-valuables-stolen/): A house on 14th B Cross, 17th Main in Sector 4 was burgled between October 28, 5.45am and October 30, 9.30am. Nobody knows the exact time of robbery as the burglary came to light when the inhabitants were on a trip to Tirupati temple. The FIR was registered at the HSR police station on October 30 at 4pm.             Fifty-eight-year-old Panduranga Rao was residing with his family on the first and second floor of his house in Sector 4. At about 5.45am on October 28, the family left home after locking up their house to visit […] - [Residents protesting sewage overflow on 11th Main for the last 6 months!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protesting-sewage-overflow-on-11th-main-for-the-last-6-months/): The problems of the 6th Sector residents appear to be never-ending, like it is for many other sectors in HSR Layout. The latest story is about how the residents residing on one stretch of 11th Main are forced to put up with overflowing sewage on the roads for the last six months and counting.           “This is happening opposite House Number 96,” Gopal told Residents Watch. “The doctor who resides in it has contacted just about everybody, from corporator to MLA to the BWSSB engineers, but a permanent solution is yet to be found. Whenever we complain, […] - [KLM mall chokes traffic on 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/klm-mall-chokes-traffic-on-27th-main/):   The KLM mall that claims to be the ‘common man’s mall’ is indeed attracting the common man by the thousands. However, it did not expect the crowd to get so much that it cannot accommodate the teeming multitudes inside its premises. Therefore, the footpath on 27th Main Road has been encroached.   Since there is no parking arrangement in its basement like many other commercial establishments in HSR Layout, the vehicles are being parked all along 27th Main Road, 22nd Cross Road and around. The result is that the traffic flow is getting choked at the junction of 22nd Cross […] - [Resident harvests and places groceries in community fridge for the poor](https://residentswatch.in/resident-harvests-and-places-groceries-in-community-fridge-for-the-poor/): On October 23, Residents Watch wrote about a community fridge placed by Saibaba temple on the 19th Main footpath, so the poor can make use of it. Today, Sector 7 resident Ratnakar BNS Ratnakar did his bit for the underprivileged.                 He decided to donate the harvest from his terrace and community garden to the community fridge. “I placed cabbage, brinjal, and Amaranthus leaves harvested today,” he told Residents Watch. “Hope the same will be relished by the users. We should encourage more such community fridges across HSR. I feel elated.”   We are […] - [Residents stop mobile towers from being installed in Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/residents-stop-mobile-towers-from-being-installed-in-sector-4/): Sector 4 residents stopped the installation of a mobile tower atop a ground plus two floor house by Airtel yesterday. It’s unusual for the telecom service provider to opt for such a low-lying house that could not only be harmful to the residents.       Airtel planned to erect a tower on top of this house in Sector 4     House No 228 is right in the heart of a residential area     According to the residents, the person responsible behind the installation attempt was the owner of house number 228. “Although Debnath is the house owner, the […] - [HSR skywalk inaugurated for the second time today!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-skywalk-inaugurated-for-the-second-time-today/):   This morning, former Home Minister and BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy laid the foundation stone for the construction of a skywalk between Teacher’s Colony-Sector 5 and HSR Layout Sector 6. The irony of it is that it was inaugurated earlier by Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy in July 2018. Read that story here.         When it was first inaugurated, the work on the overbridge near 9th Main Road and Sector 5 near the bus stand on the other side of Outer Ring Road (ORR) never got off to a start. The work was not allowed to begin because […] - [Egg factory encroaches footpath, builds permanent structure](https://residentswatch.in/egg-factory-encroaches-footpath-builds-permanent-structure/): The Mughals restaurant on 17th Cross in Sector 4 had done it for several years. After it shut down, The Egg Factory took its place.     However, the violation remains despite the Sector 4 residents pointing out the glaring irregularities. The pictures below convey the encroachment of the footpath better than anything else.   If you spot similar irregularities, whatsapp us (9880585748) and we will do stories on them too.                   - [Sector 1 doctor hit by 2-wheeler near Agara flyover; fractures leg](https://residentswatch.in/sector-1-doctor-hit-by-2-wheeler-near-agara-flyover-fractures-leg/): A thirty-six-year-old doctor fractured her leg when she was hit by another two wheeler on Outer Ring Road near Agara flyover.   At around 7am on October 24, Dr Amrutha Chauhan was near the exit ramp of Agara flyover on Outer Ring Road in front of Green Bar & Restaurant when another speeding two wheeler rider collided with her vehicle. She fell on the road along with the scooter, causing grievous injuries to her right leg.         One of the passersbys called for an ambulance and she was rushed to Columbia Asia hospital for treatment as an inpatient. […] - [Innova car stolen at night in Sector 2](https://residentswatch.in/innova-car-stolen-at-night-in-sector-2/): Two wheeler thefts are quite common across HSR as the last 45 days of our reportage has shown. However, this is a first in the last 1.5 months. A car has been stolen in Sector 2 and no less than the Toyota Innova which is costlier than the average cars on the streets.     Representative image   B Venkatesh, a 60-year-old resident of 24th Main, 25th Cross in Sector 2, HSR Layout, parked his 2014-model of Innova (Reg No KA01-ML5013) in front of his house at around 6.30pm on October 24. When he woke up the next day and went […] - [Bangalore Literature Festival begins tomorrow; HSR residents are part of it](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-literature-festival-begins-tomorrow-hsr-residents-are-part-of-it/): A literature festival no matter where it’s held in the city is a matter of pride for the residents and readers. When every TV soap, film or business strategy relies on writing, it’s but natural to showcase the power of writing to the world and encourage the habit of reading. It is with this objective that we are highlighting this event eventhough it’s being held in the centre of Bangalore.         Held once a year, the 7th edition of Bangalore Literature Festival is two day event at Lalit Ashok hotel on Kumarakrupa Road near Bangalore Golf Course from […] - [Raised drain height & shoddy quality upset residents](https://residentswatch.in/raised-drain-height-shoddy-quality-upset-residents/): Everytime, the roads are paved, they raise the height. The same is at work when they erect culverts over drains. The best examples are the ones done at 5th Main and 9th Main. With such heights, residents fear that the water will enter their homes much more easily due to their higher elevation.         One resident even said that although Bangalore is 900 metres above sea level, it is getting flooded because of these foolish practices by the civic agencies. But why is the BBMP doing it? “So they don’t have to desilt the drains everytime,” said Sector […] - [High Court appointed commissioners visited HSR today to check on potholes](https://residentswatch.in/high-court-appointed-commissioners-visited-hsr-today-to-check-on-potholes/): The commissioners appointed by the Karnataka High Court have just now wound up their visit of HSR Layout to check the status of potholes. As reported earlier, a group of proactive residents across Bangalore filed a public interest litigation about the shoddy state of potholes in the city. Based on that, the court gave a deadline to the BBMP last month. Later, the civic body claimed that there were zero potholes in several zones, including Bommanahalli.       18th Cross, Sector 7, HSR Layout     In response to an appeal by the petitioners, Residents Watch provided pictures of some […] - [CultFit keeps its promise to RW - Shifts employee cars to a vacant site](https://residentswatch.in/cultfit-keeps-its-promise-to-rw-shifts-employee-cars-to-a-vacant-site/): In August, Residents Watch had sought out CultFit about the increasing inconvenience that both the residents and the Swabhimaana Tree Park visitors were experiencing on 15th B Main, Sector 3, as their employees were parking their cars all along the road.           The management of CultFit promised to us that they were in the process of buying a parcel of land to precisely tackle this issue. And now, we are pleased to inform that they have kept their word. All the cars of their employees are now being parked on an empty site on 19th Cross, behind […] - [Missing NIFT Girl traced in Andhra Pradesh and brought back](https://residentswatch.in/missing-nift-girl-traced-in-andhra-pradesh-and-brought-back/):     Following the police complaint by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) that a girl student had gone missing from October 13, the cops swung into action immediately and traced her when she was on her way to Hyderabad. They alerted their Andhra Pradesh counterparts who intercepted her in Ananthpur and handed her back to her relatives in Bangalore. The case of 19-year-old Bharati Gurjar is amusing too as she hadn’t gone missing because she had eloped with anyone or someone had kidnapped her. NIFT officials informed Residents Watch that since there were 10 days of college holidays, she […] - [Missing 68-year-old Kumud reunited with family!](https://residentswatch.in/missing-68-year-old-kumud-reunited-with-family/): 68-year old Kumud Sinha missing since Saturday is reunited with her family. Unable to remember the apartment name, Kumud did the next best thing. She went back to her hometown and asked her family over there to call her husband back in Bangalore. Her son flew to her native place and got her back.   Speaking to Residents Watch, son Raju Sinha said, “As usual, she went out to buy some fruits. However, this time she went out of the building through the gate she never used before. She forgot the way back and tried to search for some time. As […] - [HSR schools go solar; Zee does it at 'zero cost'](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-schools-go-solar-zee-does-it-at-zero-cost/):   Lawrence School in HSR Layout and Mt Litera Zee School in Kudlu near Sector 2 have gone solar, paving the way for more.   Three years ago, Zee did it by opting for the ‘zero cost’ model of Solarify, a three-year-old company based out of Jayanagar. In this case, an investor paid Rs 50-60 lakh for a 96 KW plant. The school will continue to pay Bescom but not at the earlier rate of Rs 8-9/unit, but only at Rs 7/unit.   However, Lawrence School in Sector 6 invested its own money for a 40KW unit last year. This year, […] - [Stolen vehicle found by HSR resident; car owner traced by another citizen](https://residentswatch.in/stolen-vehicle-found-by-hsr-resident-car-owner-traced-by-another-citizen/): Sector 2 resident and civic activist Lalithamba BV has done something brilliant. Two weeks ago, she reported to the cops about an abandoned vehicle in front of Somasundrapalya Lake in front of Isha Lakefront View apartments. She even checked out the owner’s name on the transport authority’s website.                       According to the RTO, the car belongs to one Rajesh Kallayel and was registered in 2007   “The cops said that they don’t have a towing vehicle then,” said Lalithamba. She followed up a week after her complaint, and the cops said […] - [Cab driver accidentally hits two wheeler rider; takes victim to hospital!](https://residentswatch.in/cab-driver-accidentally-hits-two-wheeler-rider-takes-victim-to-hospital/): On the morning of October 19, at around 6.15am, 47-year-old Muniyallappa was riding his two wheeler on Bellandur Service Road from the Cafe Coffee Day end towards Bellandur.             When he approached Bhagini restaurant, 26-year-old Siddeshwar, a cab driver, allegedly driving rashly hit him so hard that the victim fell on the road along with his bike. He had injuries on his leg and back. Interestingly, the cab driver himself called for an autorickshaw and took him to the nearby Sakra Hospital for treatment.   This is the second instance where the culprit has also played […] - [Resident uploads video about how his car was broken into on 19th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/resident-uploads-video-about-how-his-car-was-broken-into-on-19th-main/):   Renjith M Das had parked his car on 19th Main in front of Rashtrakutas restaurant in Sector 4. He had left a fitness bag (with nothing inside), but three thieves thought there was a laptop inside it, and plan this robbery in five minutes during daytime while people are moving around. The video is now with the HSR police, but no news on their whereabouts yet.   Though the incident happened more than a year ago, and the video had gone viral then, Renjith shared this video today again to warn people about not keeping expensive things inside cars. With […] - [Twitterati erupts over Bescom's frequent power cuts in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/twitterati-erupts-over-bescoms-frequent-power-cuts-in-hsr/): HSR Layout residents are heaping ignominy over the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) for switching off power at will. Even when it does not rain, even during the winter, there are frequent power cuts, sometimes lasting for over six hours. And this has not gone down well with the residents.   Bescom officials contend that these could be for a range of reasons. From feeder relay issues to new power lines being laid for commercial entities to technical issues. Their justification is one of comparison. “Koramangala is worse, HSR is so much better,” said one official.         However, […] - [Street vendors clog HSR footpaths. Some possible solutions](https://residentswatch.in/street-vendors-clog-hsr-footpaths-some-possible-solutions/): The residents of Sector 6 and Sector 7 are complaining that food carts and paan shops are popping up like mushrooms on 5th Main in Sector 6 and Sector 7. For lack of a proper food street, this is the problem that HSR is suffering for a long time.                                   To precisely resolve this issue, many places were suggested by the resident welfare associations. Finally, 18th Cross in Sector 3 was identified and licences issued. However, it is largely unregulated as newer, unlicenced vendors come […] - [Resident uploads video about how his car was broken into on 19th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/resident-uploads-video-about-how-his-car-was-broken-into-on-19th-main-2/): Renjith M Das had parked his car on 19th Main in front of Rashtrakutas restaurant in Sector 4. He had left a fitness bag (with nothing inside), but three thieves thought there was a laptop inside it, and plan this robbery in five minutes during daytime while people are moving around. The video is now with the HSR police, but no news on their whereabouts yet.   Though the incident happened more than a year ago, and the video had gone viral then, Renjith shared this video today again to warn people about not keeping expensive things inside cars. With HSR […] - [Have a birthday or anniversary? These residents will plant a sapling in your house!](https://residentswatch.in/have-a-birthday-or-anniversary-these-residents-will-plant-a-sapling-in-your-house/): The other day when it was their area police inspector Rajesh’s wedding anniversary, the residents of Teacher’s Colony planted a sapling in his house. It does not just end there.   The group of over 175 members have bought 60 more saplings and are offering their services to plant a sapling on your auspicious day.   “Please give us your birthdate or anniversary, suggest a place in Teacher’s Colony, and we will plant the sapling,” says Mohan Govindiah, secretary, Namma Teacher’s Colony Residents Welfare Association. He can be reached at 77608-52892.     Right to left: Police inspector Rajesh with his […] - [Residents prevent garbage dumpers near Somasundrapalya Lake](https://residentswatch.in/residents-prevent-garbage-dumpers-near-somasundrapalya-lake/): An active bunch of residents headed by Sunder in HSR Layout Sector 2 have prevented two garbage dumping incidents on the banks of Somasundrapalya Lake.     The slippers and other garbage was dumped on the footpath in day time     The kitchen waste by an eatery was prevented from being dumped near the lake at night   When residents saw a small van pull up near the stretch close to the lake and dump slippers in the open land next to Isha Lakefront apartment, they immediately rushed to the vehicle drivers and forced them to take it all back. […] - [HSR residents fill potholes themselves!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-residents-fill-potholes-themselves/): On the heels of Kasavanahalli residents filling potholes on their own comes a similar story by HSR residents this time.   When several complaints to the BBMP didn’t bear fruit, two Sector 3 residents Dharmender and Prabhakar filled a gaping pothole on Sunday.   The patch on 17th A Main, 23rd Cross was filled by them with stones, debris and white sand.   “This is our Dussehra gift to the BBMP,” jokes Dharmender. “Now there is no debris and jelly stones at the entrance of 23rd A Cross on the ramp.”   While one resident holds a senior position at Bosch, […] - [Official apathy drives Kasavanahalli residents to fix the potholes themselves](https://residentswatch.in/official-apathy-drives-kasavanahalli-residents-to-fix-the-potholes-themselves/):                   Fed up with apathy from politicians, bureaucrats and other government officials, a group of residents have begun fixing the potholes on the Kasavanahalli Main Road. And while doing so, they have also tweeted to Prime Minister N Modi, BJP National President Amit Shah, BBMP Mayor, and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwar who is also the Bangalore Development Minister. There have been over 88 retweets of this and general outrage by the residents.   Tweeted Sudarshan: “Self Help is the only option. BBMP and BWSSB don’t act unless directed by Court or its […] - ['Who will save Bellandur? Spiderman, Superman or BBMPman?'](https://residentswatch.in/who-will-save-bellandur-spiderman-superman-or-bbmpman/): The residents have had enough and are continuing to highlight the plight of their civic infrastructure. They have chalked up ‘Bellandur Ulisi’, a series of ‘Save Bellandur’ events from October 21 leading up to the grand climax on October 27. They are conducting a painting competition for kids to come up with solutions to their problems on October 21 from 10am to 1pm. On the same day, from 3pm onwards, they plan a bike rally around their neighbourhood. And on october 27, they plan to form a human chain along this map to highlight the many issues they are facing today. […] - [College principal tweets to CM about eve teasing outside HSR schools](https://residentswatch.in/college-principal-tweets-to-cm-about-eve-teasing-outside-hsr-schools/): Thirumalesha Krishnappa, the principal of SVR PU College in Samasandrapalya, Sector 2, HSR Layout, is capturing the faces of eve teasers outside his school and regularly tweeting to the city police, Deputy CM and CM. Here is one such instance captured on October 9 at 4pm.                     “Eve teasing is a great threat to the student community in Somasundrapalya and HSR Layout schools and colleges,” he tweets. “We request Hoysala to do rounds around 4 pm near all the schools in these areas.”   Speaking to Residents Watch, Krishnappa said, “The cops […] - [The most beautiful park in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/the-most-beautiful-park-in-hsr-layout/): Situated bang in the middle of HSR Layout, in Sector 3, near McDonald’s junction, the 9-acre Swabhimaana Tree Park is the most beautiful lung space in HSR Layout.   Just take a few minutes off your busy schedule, relax and prop your phone on a stand and keep watching. We have spent a good amount of time in catpturing the many facets of the park in this 20-minute video.   And yes, don’t forget to step inside the actual park whenever you are free. It’s open before 9.30am and after 4.30pm.         CLICK HERE: TAKE THE VIDEO TOUR […] - [Stray dogs attack MP Kupendra Reddy; 7 dogs impounded](https://residentswatch.in/stray-dogs-attack-mp-kupendra-reddy-7-dogs-impounded/): Member of Parliament Kupendra Reddy was allegedly attacked by stray dogs in Sector 1, prompting the BBMP to impound seven dogs in the Koramangala animal shelter. Fearing that the dogs could be relocated or killed, animal activists rushed to the shelter and have filed a case against the BBMP in the Koramangala police station, and are demanding their release.     Representation purpose only   The incident happened yesterday morning (October 11) when the senior politician was on his morning walk. The four stray dogs that Sundara Rama Reddy (84 years) keeps in his house ran out when the gate was […] - [Sector 4 residents association now has a new team!](https://residentswatch.in/sector-4-residents-association-now-has-a-new-team/): After the recent Annual General Body meeting, a new set of people have taken charge of the 4th Sector Residents Welfare Association. We wish the team the very best luck in their endeavours.     Left to right: Amarnath Shetty (Jt. Sec), Anil (Sec), Jaya Kumar KM (VP), Syed Shabbir (President), Suresh Bhaskaran, Sneha Rai, Bharati Sunder, Asha (Treasurer), Kamlesh Mahajan, Manzoor Ameen, Ravindranath, and KN Murli   Core Committee members President: Shabbir Syed Vice President: Jaya Kumar KM Secretary: Anil Jt. Secretary: Amarnath Shetty Treasurer: Asha   Committee Members Sanjeev Bhandary Suresh Bhaskaran KN Murli Ravindranath Manzoor Ameen Sneha Rai […] - [Seven houses fined in HSR for not segregating garbage!](https://residentswatch.in/seven-houses-fined-in-hsr-for-not-segregating-garbage/): Yesterday, BBMP raided seven houses in Sector 3 and Sector 1 and fined them Rs 500 each. Usually, this kind of system works and people are made aware of the violations. The law says that you should segregate garbage into wet, dry and sanitary waste. But the violators mix up everything. To make matters worse, they use plastic bags instead of keeping buckets specifically to store garbage. The wet waste is sent to the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) in the neighbouring Kudlu area for composting and generating manure out of it. Unlike complaints from other wards that the segregated garbage […] - [Night walkers, beware! Pollution is high at the time!](https://residentswatch.in/night-walkers-beware-pollution-is-high-at-the-time/): In the last 24 hours, the PM2.5 levels have been below the safety level of 60. However, these minute suspended particulate matter that can deep into your lungs without your knowledge were highest at 11pm last night at 53. That’s pretty close to the safety mark.   The moral of the story? Don’t step out at night for walks. The mornings are best as you can see from this chart of the last 24 hours in Bangalore’s pollution levels.   The pollution levels get murkier when we found the measurements at the Silk Board junction, the closest monitor from HSR Layout. […] - [Residents start conversational Kannada classes for non-Kannadigas!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-start-conversational-kannada-classes-for-non-kannadigas/): The residents of Teachers Colony have decided to impart conversational Kannada classes for non-Kannadigas at a nominal rate of Rs 100 while senior citizens don’t have to pay anything. Though this is meant for residents staying in and around Teacher’s Colony, they have been kind enough to extend this facility to all the residents of HSR Layout and HSR Layout extension. The classes will be conducted every Sunday, beginning October 14, 2018. They will be held over two months. The Kannada sessions will be held at Carmel Garden Public School from 11am to 1230pm. “The necessary books will be provided by […] - [Residents collect 70kg garbage while 'plogging' in Agara Lake this morning!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-collect-70kg-garbage-while-plogging-in-agara-lake-this-morning/): Every Monday, since June 2018, a group of residents accompanied by the staff of Agara Lake and morning walkers/joggers, pick up trash at the premises of the water body. Call it ‘plogging’ or a cleanliness drive, but this is something they began three months ago and doing it continuously and with a fervour seen only among civic activists. Plogging is a fitness trend that is all about people walking and running even while picking up plastic strewn along the roads, footpaths and park/lake premises. Why Monday? Because the trash is maximum after the 12000-14000 people that visit the lake on weekends […] - [HSR resident gets cheated of Rs 27,738 when he revealed his OTP](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-resident-gets-cheated-of-rs-27738-when-he-revealed-his-otp/):     Just yesterday, we wrote about how one resident of Lingarajpuram shared his bank’s OTP on phone to strangers and lost Rs 41884. And now, an HSR resident has suffered the same fate.         On September 28, 55-year-old Krishna Rama Bhakare, a resident of Sector 2, Somasundrapalya, got a call at midnight from someone masquerading himself as a banker.   Sending him into a panic mode that his card was locked out, and they need to ascertain if he is the genuine card holder, the cheat gets him to reveal his debit card number and the OTP. […] - ['Underground wells' to recharge groundwater in parts of Sector 5 & 6](https://residentswatch.in/underground-wells-to-recharge-groundwater-in-parts-of-sector-5-6/): Ward 173 that includes a part of HSR Layout Sector 5 and Sector 6 residents, is off to a great start. Two percolation/recovery pits have been dug today in Teacher’s Colony that will not only prevent flooding of roads but also recharge the groundwater. By the end of the month, the entire ward will get about 68 such pits. The recovery pits can also be called ‘underground wells’ and this work began in Ward 173 last week with Venkatapura. However, some residents objected to it fearing that their building will collapse if the pits come up close to their houses. The […] - [Cybercrimes: How not to be conned!](https://residentswatch.in/cybercrimes-how-not-to-be-conned/): The cybercrime police station in Bangalore has received an average of 13 online fraud cases a day this year. Here are the most common scenarios they have come across, so you can stay alert, vigilant and prepared for such eventualities. And yes, please forward this to as many people you know. You could be saving a person from losing their entire life’s savings. FAKE ONLINE JOB OFFERS Fraudsters advertise fake job offers & fake employment, create fake and impersonating letters of reputed companies/ websites and ask job seeker to deposit cash. If you receive such offers, verify the authenticity by contacting […] - [HSR cops bust prostitution racket in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-cops-bust-prostitution-racket-in-sector-3/):   A prostitution racket was busted by HSR Layout cops in Sector 3. On a tip off at 5pm on October 2, the cops conducted a swift operation between 5.30pm and 6.30pm to arrest two persons under the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956.   In addition, they managed to rescue two women who were being used to run this flesh racket. Cash worth Rs 2000 and two condoms were recovered from the accused.   Under the leadership of 56-year-old HSR inspector DR Nagaraja (he’s awaiting the new inspector of HSR before joining his new posting in Bommanahalli), two persons were arrested […] - [Prostitution goes bold and brazen in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/prostitution-goes-bold-and-brazen-in-hsr/):     Rajiv who calls himself the ‘spa manager’ claims to be managing Sanjana Spa across the city, including HSR Layout. If you are looking for a physical location, there isn’t any. It’s in rooms rented out across the city. And such a location was traced by the HSR cops on October 2 whose story was mentioned in an earlier story today.                             Their Twitter handle     Their Google+ account       We followed up on the story and realised that this prostitution racket had truly […] - [Person shares OTP on phone and loses Rs 41884!](https://residentswatch.in/person-shares-otp-on-phone-and-loses-rs-41884/):   A resident of Lingarajpuram is the latest victim of cybercrime. Since these are online transactions with no geographical boundary, we are sharing this story with you as it can affect HSR residents just as much. Forewarned is forearmed.   On October 1, between 12am and 1246am, Mohammed Umar, 46 years, was called by some strangers who asked for his card number and OTP. Completely caught unawares thinking they were from the bank he had an account with, he gave away the details and ended up losing Rs 41884 from his bank overnight.   Cheats are employing various techniques to convince […] - [TV star Salman Khan opens cafe in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/tv-star-salman-khan-opens-cafe-in-hsr-layout/): Dancer Salman Yusuff Khan aka Mohammad Ghause who won the dance reality show Dance India Dance has opened the Smally’s restocafe on 27th Main Road in Sector 1 of HSR Layout. It is close to Corner House outlet. According to him, Smally’s is “India’s smallest restaurant chain, 6 outlets & Winner of “The World on a plate 2016”. He opened the outlet on October 2 with a bumper offer by Uber Eats. Anybody could order a burger for just Rs 6. The offer was valid only for a day. In his Instagram statement, the celebrity dancer, choreographer and actor says, “Another […] - [Bangalore receives 13 cybercrime cases a day!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-receives-13-cybercrime-cases-a-day/): The warnings that you have got so far on the various cybercrimes in the city are not to be ignored. Bangalore city alone has received an average of 13 such cases every day this year. So far, close to 3500 complaints have been registered by the Cybercrime police station on Palace Road in central Bangalore.         Most of the cases happen to be over phone and online. And much of the cases that we came across happen to be people getting cheated from advertisements placed by fraudulent people on mobile apps, websites and even 24-hour shopping channels.   […] - ['Sector 6 to Ecospace took me 2 hours'](https://residentswatch.in/sector-6-to-ecospace-took-me-2-hours/): Unlike 20 minutes earlier, it took Mrs Biju Chacko, a resident of Sector 6, almost two hours to reach Ecospace in Bellandur just now. Google Maps is telling us that the distance of around 9 kilometres can now be reached in 44 minutes because “fastest route now due to traffic conditions, and it’s getting better”.Having just reached the office, Mrs Chacko was asking us, “Is there a problem on Outer Ring Road? Left HSR two hours ago and just reached Ecospace. There is bumper to bumper traffic.”To all those people who are planning to use ORR, this will serve as a […] - [Illegal parking of trucks on 5th Main](https://residentswatch.in/illegal-parking-of-trucks-on-5th-main/): The problem of illegally parking trucks along 5th Main in Sector 7 continues unabated despite complaints from residents for the last several months. The menace is particularly critical near 24th Cross, according to residents. “The trucks are parked near three vacant sites, adjacent to Imperial Solitaire apartments,” says resident Ratnakar B. “Huge garbage dumping is happening on the footpath in the cover of trucks at night and in the early morning.” The residents complain that pedestrians are forced to walk in the centre of the heavy traffic, fraught with danger. “Many accidents have happened in the past,” says Ratnakar. “The dumped […] - [LED lights & automatic sensors for residents of Sector 5 & Sector 6](https://residentswatch.in/led-lights-automatic-sensors-for-residents-of-sector-5-sector-6/): The residents of Jakkasandra ward 173, including residents of Sector 5 and Sector 6, can expect their streets to be better lit in the coming days. On Saturday, MLA Ramalinga Reddy and corporator Saraswathamma attended a pooja programme to provide 65 LED lights for the entire ward. And these also include automatic sensor switches that will automatically turn on during sundown, saving precious electricity. Many might not know this but the Jakkasandra ward includes areas of Sector 6 (the area behind the Silk Board bus stand right up to Teacher’s Colony) and Sector 5 (the area between Teacher’s Colony and 14th […] - [When will we get automatic light switches? ask residents](https://residentswatch.in/when-will-we-get-automatic-light-switches-ask-residents/): After the news broke that the neighbouring BTM Layout constituency MLA has given control switches to Ward 173 that automatically switch off the streetlights at dusk, the residents of HSR Layout are demanding similar facility in Ward 174. For a long time now, the residents have been manually operating the lights. Sometimes, the lights stay on all day if the resident in charge of doing it is out of town. Many residents have suggested in the past that automatic sensors would be a great way to save electricity. When they read about our report that Ramalinga Reddy had used his MLA […] - [Residents Watch impact: BDA Complex flyover service road gets fixed overnight](https://residentswatch.in/residents-watch-impact-bda-complex-flyover-service-road-gets-fixed-overnight/): Within 24 hours of writing about the sad state of the service road under the flyover that was neglected for over two years, the BBMP has fixed the road with a fresh coat of tar. They have not just filled the pothole, but the entire portion of the problematic stretch to ensure that water does not stagnate. We thank the BBMP for keeping their word with Residents Watch and coming good on their promise. Once the state government grants the money for the road development works for the city, we could see the entire stretch from Silk Board to Iblur being […] - [BEWARE: Death trap at HSR BDA flyover; BBMP promises to fix it tonight](https://residentswatch.in/beware-death-trap-at-hsr-bda-flyover-bbmp-promises-to-fix-it-tonight/): This stretch of the road next to the flyover near BDA Complex in HSR Layout is treacherous. No matter how much you fill it up, the potholes are formed yet again due to stagnant rainwater caused by bad planning of the BDA. When the water isn’t getting drained into the nearby stormwater drains, potholes are always likely. And many vehicle users have had harrowing experiences out here, particularly when it rains and they have no clue that there are potholes underneath the water waiting to surprise them. Despite bringing this sorry state to the attention of the Major Roads department of […] - [Agara Lake jogging track is usable again. Cycling not allowed yet](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-jogging-track-is-usable-again-cycling-not-allowed-yet/):   The Agara Lake jogging track is being used by the walkers and joggers again. However, cyclists are not allowed yet. For those tuning in just now, a portion of the muddy pathway had collapsed due to a leakage in the BWSSB pipeline that runs underneath the track. This was because of the tumultuous rains a few days ago.                     “The Agara Lake track is fixed and people are using it,” says Kavitha Reddy of the Agara Lake Protection & Management Society. “On the first two days, the sewage water was pumped […] - [Swift action by HSR cops: Robbers caught within a week](https://residentswatch.in/swift-action-by-hsr-cops-robbers-caught-within-a-week/): On September 18, 2018, at around 11.20pm, two people on a bike robbed petrol bunk owner Satyanarayana on 24th Main, 15th B Cross, Sector 1. According to HSR police, the robbers pushed him away, and snatched his bag from the car containing Rs 5.71 lakh in cash and other important documents. Within a week after the case was filed at the HSR police station, inspector DR Nagaraj’s team has impressed everyone with their swift action by apprehending the alleged robbers. The finger of suspicion rested on the petrol bunk owner’s 32-year-old driver P Dinesh, a native of Mysore. When the cops […] - [Local MLA's act in BBMP council goes viral today!](https://residentswatch.in/local-mlas-act-in-bbmp-council-goes-viral-today/): h MLA Satish Reddy who governs the Bommanahalli constituency, which includes HSR Layout, has hit the news headlines today for his undignified act during the Mayoral elections in the BBMP Council.   In the video, the MLAs and corporators are seen pushing and shoving each other despite being told by the speaker of the BBMP Council to stay put in their seat. Reminds us of the chair-throwing scene in the parliament many moons ago, Thankfully, it didn’t get to that level here.   In the video, we can also see HSR Layout resident and MLC VS Ugrappa answering to a letter […] - [IT firm in Sector 1 suffers damage worth over 50k due to short circuit](https://residentswatch.in/it-firm-in-sector-1-suffers-damage-worth-over-50k-due-to-short-circuit/): Coviam, an IT company based out of 11th cross, 24th Main, Sector 1, suffered damages worth over Rs 50,000 due to a short circuit.         A month ago, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) installed a High Tension (HT) line from 24th Main near Maha Bazaar right up to 22nd Main where a new marriage hall is coming up. This HT line touches many trees on 11th Cross Road where this IT firm is located. Every time it rains, there are sparks and small fires in the trees. Last week, Coviam suffered a loss of rupees 50,000 caused by […] - [A swimming pool outside Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/a-swimming-pool-outside-swabhimaana-tree-park-in-sector-3/): A week ago, we had written about the sorry state at the entrance of the Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3. Action is yet to be taken on it. If this is allowed to go on, the stagnating water will create potholes, which is a massive dent on the excheque and a waste of public money. Did you know that Rs 3 crore is spent on relaying a kilometre of road?         “It’s a water pond near the main gate of the park,” says resident SB Kittur. “Whenever there is even half-an-hour of rain, the water collects on […] - [KCDC stink covers HSR Layout and surroundings](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-stink-covers-hsr-layout-and-surroundings/): Since yesterday, the stink from the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) has become stronger, and is being felt in parts of HSR Layout, Sarjapur Road, Singasandra, Mangammanapalya, Kudlu, Harlur and Bandepalya. Adding to the stink are the rains and the wind direction.           A few days ago, MLA Satish Reddy had stated on social media that the waste was being removed to eventually shut down the KCDC unit soon. The residents of Somasundrapalya who live closest to the polluting composting plant, however, feel that the tonnage might have gone up in the last week. However, KCDC officials […] - [Somasundrapalya lake work delayed by rains; should be ready by November](https://residentswatch.in/somasundrapalya-lake-work-delayed-by-rains-should-be-ready-by-november/):   If all goes well, the Somasundrapalya Lake near Sector 2 will be rejuvenated and open to public by November, according to BBMP sources.     The latest scene at Somasundrapalya Lake   The electric poles near the lake will be shifted to ensure that there are no live wires near the waterbody. There will be a 13-feet road for the residents surrounding the lake to travel through. The lake will be barricaded from this pathway to ensure that the waterbody’s jurisdiction is maintained. In addition, the temples that have come up in the lake premises will be demolished.   Speaking […] - [Resident launches door delivery of plastic and chemical-free groceries in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/resident-launches-door-delivery-of-plastic-and-chemical-free-groceries-in-hsr/): Vandana Pandey, a new resident of HSR Layout, quit her cushy job as a software engineer a year ago, went on a cycling trip across Rajasthan and Gujarat for several months, and moved in to HSR Layout to start an online grocery store with a difference. Her ‘Suunya’ outlet delivers groceries which are plastic and chemical-free.         Born in a farming family where she lived a zero-waste lifestyle in her small village in UP, she finally found a job that stays connected with nature. Soon, she plans to set up a warehouse where customers can visit and fill […] - [Cycle track delayed due to non-payment of bills!](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-track-delayed-due-to-non-payment-of-bills/):   The 9.7-kilometre dedicated cycle track in HSR Layout that was supposed to have taken off more than two years ago is delayed yet again. If it was last year’s record rains and this year’s drain works, it’s now the turn of non-payment of dues.   BBMP contractor Panduranga told Residents Watch that the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) is yet to clear three bills. “We have completed all the drain works along the cycle tracks but DULT is yet to pay for those works,” he said. “We have now stopped all the work because we have no money left […] - [Man flashes in front of housewife and scoots away in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/man-flashes-in-front-of-housewife-and-scoots-away-in-sector-1/): A housewife who came out on the road to talk to a friend on phone due to poor signal reception was flashed by a stranger on a two wheeler this afternoon. Not just that, he also stroked himself when he saw that no one was around to catch him in the act. Thankfully, the offender’s face was captured on a CCTV shown below.               This incident happened on 12th Cross in Sector 1. When the husband rushed out to nab the culprit, he had made good his escape. Thankfully, his neighbour had installed CCTVs, so […] - [RED ALERT: Part of Agara Lake jogging track caves in](https://residentswatch.in/red-alert-part-of-agara-lake-jogging-track-caves-in/):   A section of the jogging track at Agara Lake has caved in this morning after the rains. According to the park caretakers, this is because there is a BWSSB sewage line under the track, a leakage of which has collapsed the mud. A small pit has become a 20 feet pit,” says Kavitha Reddy of the Agara Lake Protection & Management Society. “We have tried to block off the area… the entire track is in a difficult situation. Thankfully, the sewage has not entered the lake.”   The caretakers are not sure how the leakage of the BWSSB sewage pipeline […] - [Sewage enters people's homes in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-enters-peoples-homes-in-sector-3/): The rains last night has led to the overflow of sewage on to the roads in Sector 3, leading to the flooding of homes. One victim of this is software engineer Arunkumar R who resides on 18th Main, 24th Cross. “We woke up at 4am and found the sewage overflowing on the road,” he told Residents Watch. “My neighbours are also facing the same problem of sewage entering their homes.”               Arunkumar is working from home today as he is planning to get a plumber to fix this issue of sewage entering his hall and […] - [MUST WATCH: Aerial view of HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/must-watch-aerial-view-of-hsr-layout/): This is a must-watch aerial footage of HSR Layout taken a year ago from Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3. You can see how much things have changed in just a year. This video is taken by DJI Phantom drone Xplorazzi Tech.     HSR Layout a year ago from Swabhimaana Tree Park                             - [BEWARE: A cycle theft captured on CCTVs in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/beware-a-cycle-theft-captured-on-cctvs-in-hsr/): Here is a CCTV footage shared by Youtuber Arun Kumar on September 17, 2018. Split into three parts from three different cameras and viewpoints in some part of HSR Layout, Arun claims that the captured visuals show how the thief in the blue shirt (which you will see in part 3) stole the cycle and makes his getaway in an auto without a number plate.   In Part 2, his face is clearly visible too. Within 20 minutes, he is able to steal the cycles. He uses a unique cutting tool to steal the costly cycles parked inside an office compound […] - [A fuel counter in Sector 2 for women only](https://residentswatch.in/a-fuel-counter-in-sector-2-for-women-only/): Introduced just a month ago, this is an exclusive counter for women and by women at the Indian Oil Corporation petrol bunk on 19th Main in Sector 2.   Men are not allowed at this counter as this is exclusive to women only. I feel special today because there’s a women’s only counter, said two wheeler rider Tara B.       - [ALERT: Thieves of shoes and clothes caught on camera in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/alert-thieves-of-shoes-and-clothes-caught-on-camera-in-sector-2/): Murali Dhruva Tejomaya, a student and HSR resident has uploaded a video that captures thieves of clothes in Sector 2. “It is high time we start taking our home security to the next level,” he says. “This video clip and this shows two guys robbing clothes from my house and a few other houses on 25th B Cross on 24th Main.”           At 4am on September 9th, shoes were stolen from 23rd Cross, 28th Main in Sector 2. Watching this video, resident Suresh Kumar was shocked to see that “they are too casual on their job”. Ranganath […] - [House damaged in Agara during excavation work by central govt](https://residentswatch.in/house-damaged-in-agara-during-excavation-work-by-central-govt/): Two bedrooms have developed cracks and the the foundation has come unhinged during excavation work on an empty plot behind a petrol bunk in Agara. The house owner is demanding the engineers to fix his house damaged by their unthinking act and has lodged a police complaint at the HSR police station. While this incident occurred about ten days ago, yesterday the petrol bunk’s underground storage tank was affected too. They were told to empty the tank in case of any mishap.               Surprisingly, the offending party happens to be the Ministry of Earth Science, […] - [Community policing has stopped in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/community-policing-has-stopped-in-hsr-layout/): The community policing initiative at HSR police station is no longer being done. The contract with Janaagraha, an NGO, that was enabling this initiative with the the cops has expired. However, the community policing will restart once the community liaison officers (CLO), the rank of Assistant Sub Inspector, are identified at the police station.     Fifteen children who lived in HSR Layout were enrolled into schools due to the efforts of HSR Layout Community Policing Team in June 2017. PIc: Janaagraha   Janaagraha began this initiative five years ago and was operational in around 20 police stations. The HSR wing […] - [Before-After: From garbage dumping spots to seating spaces](https://residentswatch.in/before-after-from-garbage-dumping-spots-to-seating-spaces/): Anil Benni and his team of BBMP workers are doing a world of good in HSR Layout. Here are some of the places that were renovated from blackspots to colourful seating spaces (and some with trees), and ‘no garbage’ zones.     25th Cross, 18th A Main     25th Cross, 18th A Main     Below BDA complex flyover agara lake entrance     Below BDA complex flyover agara lake entrance       Behind Ellukunte Government School     Behind Ellukunte Government School           Iblur, which comes under the HSR ward of the BBMP   […] - [Entrance of Swabhimaana Tree Park is a 'no man's land'](https://residentswatch.in/entrance-of-swabhimaana-tree-park-is-a-no-mans-land/): The road at the entrance of Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3 is flooded. There is no place for the rain water to flow. Even though a pipe is laid close to the entrance, it is filled with mud. We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate and fix this perennial problem before the newly tarred road develops a pothole.       - [Cycle day enters its 5th year today](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-day-enters-its-5th-year-today/): Cycle day was celebrated with great gusto this morning and ended at 930am. Today was it’s 4th anniversary. It now enters the fifth year of its functioning in HSR Layout. For more details about it’s long history, please read yesterday’s story.   It was a mix of cycling, music, yoga, tug of war and many other games today where the children and the adults enjoyed just as much. The organisers thank BikeStudio HSR for supporting the event in addition to DULT (Directorate of Urban Land Transport), Bangalore Traffic Police, and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for their continued support.   Not […] - [MP Kupendra Reddy loses his father](https://residentswatch.in/mp-kupendra-reddy-loses-his-father/): Member of Parliament D Kupendra Reddy, a resident of HSR Layout, has lost his father.     MP Kupendra Reddy     Sources tell us that Reddy’s father VS Dasa Reddy and the father of state minister DK Shivakumar’s father were childhood friends.   The MP’s father was not keeping well for sometime now, and expired about ten days ago. “He was supposed to come to our function today but he could not make it to our community lunch as he is busy conducting all the rituals following his father’s death, and is right now in Chennai,” said Vilas Deshmukh, member […] - [HSR traffic inspector bereaved](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-traffic-inspector-bereaved/): HSR traffic inspector Rajashekar NH is on leave for a few days now as his father Dr Hanumanthappa NR expired recently.     HSR Traffic inspector Rajashekar NH   All those who were trying to reach him can contact him from next week when he is expected to report to his office in Iblur.   An MBBS doctor, a physician to be precise, Dr Hanumanthappa was 75 when he breathed his last.   The inspector is right now in his hometown and is not picking up any phone calls, unless really important.   If the residents have any traffic-related complaints, it’s […] - [Accident at 22nd Cross-17th Main; most mishap-prone, say residents](https://residentswatch.in/accident-at-22nd-cross-17th-main-most-mishap-prone-say-residents/): Sector 3 resident Karunaprasad Kanavi was witness to an accident this afternoon involving three cars on 22nd Cross right in front of the house where he stays. This mishap happened before the showers inundated HSR Layout. Thankfully, no one was grievously injured in the accident.   “At this same spot, there was an accident on the first day of Ganesha festival in 2016, resulting in the instant death of a motorcyclist,” he told Residents Watch. “The residents have been asking for a scientific road hump on both the sides of 22nd cross and 17th Main junction for a long time in […] - [Residents demand mechanised sweepers to contain vehicular and construction dust on main roads](https://residentswatch.in/residents-demand-mechanised-sweepers-to-contain-vehicular-and-construction-dust-on-main-roads/): With vehicular pollution, construction and roadside dust polluting the main roads of HSR Layout, the residents are now asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to implement mechanised sweeping of the main roads atleast.         “Where are the mechanical sweepers that were supposed to be deployed on all the major roads of Bangalore?” asks HSR resident and civic activist Kavitha Reddy in a tweet to CM and Deputy CM of Karnataka. “If the CM and Deputy CM continue to let the corporators and MLAs to decide on it, they will destroy the city further! Just visit the strech […] - [Residents ask for dividers, speedbreakers on 19th Main, 27th Main; top cop promises action](https://residentswatch.in/residents-ask-for-dividers-speedbreakers-on-19th-main-27th-main-top-cop-promises-action-2/): On September 4, the residents of HSR Layout tweeted to the city traffic police about fixing the messy and dangerous gridlocks on 19th Main-11th Cross Road and 27th Main-7th Cross. Additional Commissioner of Police R Hithendra immediately responded that he would have the situation examined. The Traffic East police division was activated who, in turn, asked the HSR cops to look into the complaint.     27th Main Road     19th Main Road   Now the local traffic wing has promised to inspect the spots during peak hours and figure out ways to fix the gridlock and avoid accidents. “We […] - [Residents ask for dividers, speedbreakers on 19th Main, 27th Main; top cop promises action](https://residentswatch.in/residents-ask-for-dividers-speedbreakers-on-19th-main-27th-main-top-cop-promises-action/):   On September 4, the residents of HSR Layout tweeted to the city traffic police about fixing the messy and dangerous gridlocks on 19th Main-11th Cross Road and 27th Main-7th Cross. Additional Commissioner of Police R Hithendra immediately responded that he would have the situation examined. The Traffic East police division was activated who, in turn, asked the HSR cops to look into the complaint.     27th Main Road     19th Main Road   Now the local traffic wing has promised to inspect the spots during peak hours and figure out ways to fix the gridlock and avoid accidents. […] - [Agara lake under threat? High Court's final hearing on privatisation case in November](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-under-threat-high-courts-final-hearing-on-privatisation-case-in-november/):   The controversy over the privatisation of Agara Lake is far from over. On September 10, 2018, the Karnataka High Court admitted an appeal by the Lake Development Authority (LDA) against Biota Natural System (India) Pvt. Ltd who won the case over lake ownership against the LDA in a city civil court in January 2017. Biota is claiming that the LDA wrongfully terminated its 15-year lease agreement to manage the lake. However, the Karnataka High Court admitted the opposing plea filed by the LDA in April 2018, and has stayed the execution of the earlier city civil court order until the […] - [DID YOU KNOW? Somasundrapalya & HSR 5th Main junctions manned by Electronic City traffic cops!](https://residentswatch.in/did-you-know-somasundrapalya-hsr-5th-main-junctions-manned-by-electronic-city-traffic-cops/): Did you know that the border areas of HSR Layout are managed by traffic cops from Electronic City? We are talking about the Somasundrapalya Main Road junction and 5th Main junction of HSR Layout.   That’s a 10 kilometre distance from HSR Layout that the cops are being put in charge. The problem is shortage of staff. The remedy? They hop from one junction to the other to ease the traffic flow during peak hours. We spotted them at the 5th Main-MG Palya junction between 6.30pm-8.30pm.   When we pressed them to also look at the jam at the MG Palya-HSR […] - [Residents complain of cell reception issues in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/residents-complain-of-cell-reception-issues-in-hsr/): Call drops and ‘out of range’ complaints are rising in HSR Layout. Airtel appears to be the biggest offender to some, while others say that Vodafone is just as bad. The worst, some believe, is actually Jio. “It’s great for internet, but no good to call somebody,” said one resident. “Therefore, I have Jio as my secondary phone for internet usage and Vodafone for phone calls.”         “I changed from Vodafone to Airtel because of cell reception issues, but Airtel is just as bad,” complained yet another user in HSR Layout. “When people call me, they get fed […] - [BWSSB to penalise residents letting rainwater into sanitary pipes](https://residentswatch.in/bwssb-to-penalise-residents-letting-rainwater-into-sanitary-pipes/): The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has issued a notice to all the residents of Bangalore. The notice says that their officials have observed that some houses have connected their rain water collection outlets to sanitary pipes, causing heavy pressure on the underground pipes that have led to water gushing out of manholes during the rainy season. Not only does the water flow on to the road but also flood the area and even enter houses in low-lying areas. Therefore, the BWSSB mandates that the rain water outlet should be connected either to the RainWater Harvesting pit or to […] - [Want to turn a Govt school, into a model institution? You can do your bit](https://residentswatch.in/want-to-turn-a-govt-school-into-a-model-institution-you-can-do-your-bit/): The residents plan to make the Somasundrapalya Government Primary School into a model school. The school has recently been painted by a charitable organisation, but there is more to be done.   “If anyone is keen to volunteer and teach spoken English to the kids, they can contact me,” says Lalithamba BV. “If we citizens join hands, wonders can happen. Even 1 or 2 hours per week is good enough.”   The school has an open platform to conduct events. The principal is seeking funds, so the stage can be closed on three sides and make it rain-ready.   You can […] - [It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park](https://residentswatch.in/its-a-mela-like-atmosphere-at-agara-lake-park/): Cornwalas, coconut vendors, cycle rentals, bhelpuriwalas, panipuri stalls… The Agara Lake Park is recording a high turnout of residents on weekends, and today was no different. Estimates peg the number at 8000-9000 each on Saturdays and Sundays.   People squatting on grass to watch the sunset. Children and adults riding cycles. Play area packed with small kids and parents in tow… It was a mela alright. Importantly, ample parking space on the service road made it an enjoyable evening for kids, college goers and families alike.   There are several other stories related to Agara Lake park which we will discuss […] - [SBI on do's and don'ts of banking transactions](https://residentswatch.in/sbi-on-dos-and-donts-of-banking-transactions/): The other day, we received this release from the State Bank of India branch of HSR Layout. Please do note each of the following tips to safeguard your life’s earnings. Forewarned is forearmed. Do’s and Don’ts of ATM transactions Do’s Conduct your ATM transactions in complete privacy, never let anyone see you entering your Personal Identification Number (ATM Password) After completion of transaction ensure that welcome screen is displayed on ATM screen Ensure your current mobile number is registered with the bank so that you can get alerts for all your transactions Beware of suspicious movements of people around the ATM […] - [Just do it, dear CM](https://residentswatch.in/just-do-it-dear-cm/): Here is a list that the Kumaraswamy government can do to fix the civic infrastructure of the city that is crumbling by the day. - [Have STP and fire hydrant in your apartment?](https://residentswatch.in/have-stp-and-fire-hydrant-in-your-apartment/): Officials across BESCOM are informally aware of KERC’s recent amendments highlighting the tariff of apartments with STPs and fire-hydrants under LT-2A category. - [HSR needs a bus stand](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-needs-a-bus-stand/): HSR Layout has no dedicated bus stand, but residents have a couple of options that the BMTC can consider for optimum use of the location. - [Stray dog menace in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/stray-dog-menace-in-hsr/): Suffering from a stray dog or pig problem? Call Ravi Kumar of the BBMP now. His number is: 94806-85209. - [The Rs 1,700 crore ‘Smart City’ plan](https://residentswatch.in/the-rs-1700-crore-smart-city-plan/): A Smart City is one where all the departments work cohesively to ensure the best city infrastructure. Will HSR and the whole of Bangalore benefit from it remains to be seen? - [A free pre-primary school in Whitefield for the poor](https://residentswatch.in/a-free-pre-primary-school-in-whitefield-for-the-poor/): Affordable, quality education should be the focus of the governments today. This NGO shows the way. - [‘Run smaller buses, not pod taxis’](https://residentswatch.in/run-smaller-buses-not-pod-taxis/): Pod taxis is not a good idea, according to one expert who advocates smaller buses for door to door connectivity. What do you think? - [August Wrap: BBMP apps, basement shops, flooding threat, vedic astrology & more](https://residentswatch.in/aug-wrap-bbmp-apps-basement-shops-flooding-threat-vedic-astrology-more/): Basement shops should go, say residents. Drain desilting is yet to be completed. Traffic and parking woes continue. - [Flooded roads, nowhere to go](https://residentswatch.in/flooded-roads-nowhere-to-go/): There are no pipes at the edges of roads to take the rainwater into the drains on 30 anf 40 feet residential roads, causing potholes and flooding. - [July Wrap: Brand audit, bad road, changemakers, encroachments & more](https://residentswatch.in/august-wrap-brand-audit-bad-road-changemakers-encroachments-more/): New road loses sheen quickly. Footpath encroachments removed and plastic wholesalers raided. Brand audit shows surprising results. And more. - [How about a transport hub at city airport?](https://residentswatch.in/how-about-a-transport-hub-at-city-airport/): Deploying new capital investments where it matters — the suburbs and industrial zones — is the need of the hour. - [Victim of cybercrime?](https://residentswatch.in/victim-of-cybercrime/): Report the bullies to the service providers and the platform; be specific about your complaints. A vulgar, offensive or annoying stalker can just be banned from Facebook if you report him or her. - [Righting the wrong-side traffic on Sarjapur Road](https://residentswatch.in/righting-the-wrong-side-traffic-on-sarjapur-road/): Road accidents due to wrong-side traffic has caused much concern among residents of Sarjapur Road. - [MLA wants a playground on a landfill](https://residentswatch.in/mla-wants-a-playground-on-a-landfill/): If you leave it open as a playground, the area will never heal itself and neither can it be a curved playground. - [Residents say ‘no’ to commercialisation](https://residentswatch.in/residents-say-no-to-commercialisation/): The Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association has petitioned the Lok Ayukta to take action on errant landlords and BBMP officials for allowing building violations and commercialisation. - [Cult.Fit congests residential road with staff cars](https://residentswatch.in/cult-fit-congests-residential-road-with-staff-cars/): Split ACs, rooftop chimney faces the houses, dirty water floods footpath. The fitness centre promises to take action to this magazine. We will wait and watch. - [OFCs, GAIL mess up HSR](https://residentswatch.in/ofcs-gail-mess-up-hsr/): HSR Federation writes to Lok Ayukta to stop the patchy works of optic fibre companies and GAIL despite repeated complaints to BBMP. - [Road overbridge for HSR and Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/road-overbridged-for-hsr-and-koramangala/): A road over bridge planned for HSR Outer Ring Road has the residents concerned as the upcoming Metro work might derail it. - [Don't be compromised](https://residentswatch.in/dont-be-compromised/): The rich and the poor have been punished. Abide by the law and stay safe and secure. - [Free table tennis, basketball courts](https://residentswatch.in/free-table-tennis-basketball-courts/): Citizen activism has saved another playground in HSR Layout. Now thanks to the Department of Youth Services & Sports, the residents will reap the benefits. - [June Wrap: Yoga, nail mafia, seed balls & more](https://residentswatch.in/june-wrap-yoga-nail-mafia-seed-balls-more/): Street yoga, GAIL mess, Garbage segregation, organic mela, plastic in drains and more. - [Go natural at Salt World](https://residentswatch.in/go-natural-at-salt-world/): Get rid of all your skin and breathing disorders with this salt room in HSR Layout. - [Residents to create a city forest by 2028](https://residentswatch.in/residents-to-create-a-city-forest-by-2028/): Earth Day celebrated with great gusto by concerned citizens. May there be more urban forests. - [The many limitations of pet licensing](https://residentswatch.in/the-many-limitations-of-pet-licensing/): It is a war between the animal lovers and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in the last two months on corporation's proposal to limit the number of dogs in residences. - [Hacking to manage parking](https://residentswatch.in/hacking-to-manage-parking/): Techathons are the newest way to find solutions from young minds to fix the many problems affecting metros across India. - [Organic certification enforced too early](https://residentswatch.in/organic-certification-enforced-too-early/): Genuine small organic farmers find the new legislation implemented too soon and too quickly. The government should give them more time. - [Lose your pessimism](https://residentswatch.in/lose-your-pessimism/): It pays to be positive and resourceful rather than be a naysayer throughout. - [RW May 2018 Wrap: MLA's hat trick, Agara lake fest, garbage dumping & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-may-2018-wrap-mlas-hat-trick-agara-lake-fest-garbage-dumping-more/): All the events and happenings you may have missed in HSR Layout and surrounding areas. - [Act on your own](https://residentswatch.in/act-on-your-own/): Don’t wait for your RWA to do something. Get up and fix the problem yourself. Take charge. - [Bengaluru’s first Bicycle Mayor](https://residentswatch.in/bengalurus-first-bicycle-mayor/): To boost cycling in city, including HSR Layout. - [Bellandur residents protest tree felling](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-residents-protest-tree-felling/): After 24 trees were chopped along Outer Ring Road, the residents gave a police complaint and protested a week later. - [Tendersure standards coming to HSR](https://residentswatch.in/tendersure-standards-coming-to-hsr/): Cycle tracks, bollards, islands, pelican signals and more. - [Loudspeaker volume in mosque brought down](https://residentswatch.in/loudspeaker-volume-in-mosque-brought-down/): Another Residents Watch impact story. - [Suburban Rail project in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/suburban-rail-project-in-bengaluru/): To benefit the stretch from Hosur to Whitefield the most, there are still some more projects that are proceeding at a slower pace. - [Agara Lake is a success story](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-is-a-success-story/): The Rs 16 crore revival project faces newer challenges, albeit small. - [RW April 2018 Wrap: MLA, abandoned cars, tree-cutting, Residents Watch impact & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-april-2018-wrap-mla-abandoned-cars-tree-cutting-residents-watch-impact-more/): Acid test for Sathish Reddy. Playground being put to good use. Resident activist honoured. Residents Watch impact fetches better roads. - [Species of HSR (Part 3)](https://residentswatch.in/species-of-hsr-part-3/): In this final instalment, get face to face with many more people inhabiting HSR Layout. - [Citizens band together for a better Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-band-together-for-a-better-bangalore/): Join the 'Citizens for Bengaluru' Facebook group and do your bit for society. - [Building basement catches fire](https://residentswatch.in/building-basement-catches-fire/): BBMP yet to enforce plan sanction rules; shops in parking spots. - [27th Main sewage overflows](https://residentswatch.in/27th-main-sewage-overflows/): BWSSB takes action; but problem is still not fully resolved. - [Watch out for your head](https://residentswatch.in/watch-out-for-your-head/): What’s the cost of not wearing an ISI helmet? Quite a bit, and spurious helmets abound. - [Multi-level parking over graveyard to decongest 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/multi-level-parking-over-graveyards-anyone/): One resident suggests, but a civic activist and RWA member recommends an easier way out of this. - [Proceed with caution](https://residentswatch.in/proceed-with-caution/): Fire safety tips for Piped Natural Gas customers in HSR Layout. - [Rooftop pub shutdown by residents](https://residentswatch.in/rooftop-pub-shutdown-by-residents/): Residents prevent the opening of the booze joint, Botellon. - [How to beat cholesterol!](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-beat-cholesterol/): Wet cupping or Hijama is the way out for a healthy heart. - [Victory for community journalism](https://residentswatch.in/victory-for-community-journalism/): How this monthly magazine fetched its editor a nomination in the 'Media Person of the Year' category at the Namma Bengaluru Awards 2018. - [RW March 2018 Wrap: Residents victory, kids open letter, RWA trends, Rainwater harvesting, donation & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-march-2018-wrap-residents-victory-kids-open-letter-rwa-trends-rainwater-harvesting-donation-more/): Kid writes letter to top cop. Three HSR residents nominated for citywide awards. Residents anti-corruption drive. RWH at apartments and more. - [Species of HSR - Part 2](https://residentswatch.in/species-of-hsr-part-2/): In this second installment, sample many more personas ruling the marquee in HSR Layout. Some noble, and some downright atrocious. - [Residents Watch impact](https://residentswatch.in/residents-watch-impact/): No eateries can operate from basements. Similarly, no shops can function out of basements meant for parking lots. - [Residents team up against civic violations](https://residentswatch.in/residents-team-up-against-civic-violations/): Bangalore residents have come together to say 'no' to widespread building violations and rampant commercialisation of residential areas. - [KCDC success story](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-success-story/): The four-year struggle by the residents is bearing fruit. The garbage processing has come down from 150 to 80 tonnes per day. But the stench continues. - [Pinpoint faults, prevent cyber attacks](https://residentswatch.in/pinpoint-faults-prevent-cyber-attacks/): The upgraded Bescom office not only wards off cyber attacks but also helps in resolving electricity supply bottlenecks within no time. - [Scrap RMP 2031: HSR Federation](https://residentswatch.in/scrap-rmp-2031-hsr-federation/): The state government's proposed Masterplan 2031 is opposed vehemently by every resident welfare association in HSR Layout. They want the status quo accorded by CDP 2015 to be maintained. - ['I'm injured because of BBMP apathy'](https://residentswatch.in/im-injured-because-of-bbmp-apathy/): BBMP contractor fails to barricade a drain that was opened up for repair work, and one HSR resident falls into it and injures himself. - [How a specialist saved my bleeding mouth](https://residentswatch.in/how-a-specialist-saved-my-bleeding-mouth/): General practitioners are fine for everyday health issues. But when it concerns things that are chronic, it's time to consult a specialist. - [Species of HSR - Part 1](https://residentswatch.in/species-of-hsr-part-1/): There are all sorts shaping up HSR society. Here are a few of them in the first of a series on them. Know them. And be them (the noble ones, that is). - [RW Feb 2018 Wrap: Road cutting, potholes, encroachments, demolitions & more](https://residentswatch.in/feb-2018-wrap-road-cutting-potholes-encroachments-demolitions-more/): An illegal building was demolished after resident protests. Road digging was stopped by them. A human chain was formed against KCDC. The curious case of two bus stops when even the earlier one wasn't being used. Residents oppose smokers' haven. Potholes are back. Stop encroachment in the name of god. And more stories from HSR Layout. - [Good health for all](https://residentswatch.in/good-health-for-all/): Keva Ayurveda offers that and a lot more in HSR Layout and across Bengaluru. - [Residents stop drainage work](https://residentswatch.in/residents-stop-drainage-work/): Allege that BBMP's adhoc measures could cause flooding again. When will it get its act together? - [Indane, the dinosaur](https://residentswatch.in/indane-the-dinosaur/): Pet peeves of one gas consumer and how it should grow up. - [Habba! Habba!](https://residentswatch.in/habba-habba/): The festival at Kaikondrahalli Lake hit the right notes. - [How to stop conflict of commercialisation](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-stop-conflict-of-commercialisation/): A few measures can address this raging issue between the residential and commercial interests. - [We are not running out of water yet](https://residentswatch.in/we-are-not-running-out-of-water-yet/): Here's how water is managed in the city and it's actually good news. But proper rainwater harvesting will make us completely water-secure. - [Air pollution up 42% in 1 year](https://residentswatch.in/air-pollution/): Avoid walking or cycling during peak hours at busy intersections because the suspended particulate matter is way above permissible limits. - [Accidents on Sarjapur Road worry residents](https://residentswatch.in/accidents-on-sarjapur-road-worry-residents/): The Kaikondrahalli-Sarjapur Road junction is proving to be a mishap-prone zone for the residents living in and around the area. - [Sewage treatment plants have no standard design](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-treatment-plants-have-no-standard-design/): Three workers died while cleaning the collection tank at an apartment in HSR extension. This could have been avoided if the authorities had standardised the operational parts of STPs. - [Pyramid meditation and more](https://residentswatch.in/pyramid-meditation-and-more/): Get healed for free by visiting the pyramid meditation chamber at Soul Trends. Or buy healing tools at an economical price. - [Meet the proactive health inspector of HSR](https://residentswatch.in/meet-the-proactive-health-inspector-of-hsr/): Vinod GM impresses residents with his implementation of garbage segregation and plastic ban in HSR Layout. - [Pay it forward](https://residentswatch.in/pay-it-forward/): Help us to help you. Join our Telegram group to make a difference in HSR. Promote our magazine to the commercial establishments you frequent, so it's win-win for everyone. - [Why you must vote in 2018 state elections](https://residentswatch.in/why-you-must-vote-in-2018-state-elections/): The May 2018 state elections are coming. Does your name appear on the electoral list? If not, get your voter ID now and cast your valuable vote. - [Residents opposed to Masterplan 2031](https://residentswatch.in/residents-opposed-to-masterplan-2031/): Stick to CDP 2015 and stop retrospective implementation of the Supreme Court ruling regarding buffer zones, demand residents. - [RW January Wrap: Sakala, crime, airport, aadhaar, CCTVs, flex banners & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-jan-wrap-sakala-crime-airport-aadhaar-cctvs-flex-banners-more/): Local netas continue to erect flex banners much to the irritation of residents. Sakala for greater convenience. HSR has second highest crime in city. HSR has the nearest airport, and more stories. - [Corner the BBMP to act!](https://residentswatch.in/corner-the-bbmp-to-act/): It's time the residents cornered the corporator, MLA and the BBMP Joint Commissioner to deliver justice. - [Gnan Srishti School hides its fees](https://residentswatch.in/gnan-srishti-school-hides-its-fees/): The admission process should be transparent. Why should there be any selective pricing at Gnan Srishti? - [Community garden on 18th Cross](https://residentswatch.in/community-garden-on-18th-cross/): The median park on 18th Cross diagonally opposite The Punjabi Rasoi restaurant in Sector 3 is now playing host to a community garden. - [Flooding issue unites citizens](https://residentswatch.in/flooding-issue-unites-citizens/): The residents of Sector 6 and 7 have created the HSR Civic Action Task (CAT) Force to resolve the flooding issues. - [Lane composting begins in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/lane-composting-begins-in-sector-3/): With 12 lane composters donated by MLA Satish Reddy, residents have begun by installing two in Sector 3. - [RW December Wrap: HSR Habba, tree pruning, ewaste, walkathon, seed balls & more](https://residentswatch.in/rw-december-wrap-hsr-habba-tree-pruning-ewaste-walkathon-seed-balls-more/): HSR Habba turned out to be a mega noise and visual pollution creator. Illegal buildings galore. E-waste pickup point and more stories. - [Healing sanctuary](https://residentswatch.in/healing-sanctuary/): Salt World treats symptoms related to breathing and skin disorders. Bangalore being the allergy capital is just the perfect city for a salt room. - [HSR impacted by demo & GST](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-impacted-by-demo-gst/): Most businesspersons in HSR Layout have blamed demonetisation and GST for their losses in the last one year. Some say their turnover came down drastically for the first few months after demonetisation. The others contend that their profitability has suffered, and forecast that it may take another year or two for things to stabilise. - [Residents install CCTVs on their own](https://residentswatch.in/residents-install-cctvs-on-their-own/): Prompted by several thefts in their vicinity, 18 residents of 21st B Main in Sector 1 pooled in to setup a CCTV surveillance system. And already, it is showing some results. - [HEAL your LIFE](https://residentswatch.in/heal-your-life/): A bunch of HSR residents headed by Bharathi S, a resident of Sector 7, are doing their bit to usher in peace in their neighbourhoods. No, they are not propagating any particular religion, cult or regime. They are just telling everyone to chant 'HU' (pronounced 'Hue') whenever they feel stressed, unwell or just want some peace of mind. - [CCTV cameras in HSR are a farce](https://residentswatch.in/cctv-cameras-in-hsr-are-a-farce/): Two months ago, the residents of HSR Layout were pleased when MLA Satish Reddy announced 100 CCTVs for HSR Layout. Months later, his party spokesperson clarified that 100 was for the entire Bommanahalli constituency and 20 were sanctioned for HSR Layout - 10 installed and 10 more to be done shortly. - [RW Monthly Wrap: Voter IDs, encroachments, garbage & more](https://residentswatch.in/quick-news-of-hsr/): Mad man in HSR. Footpath encroachments. Bad roads. Inept civic agencies. Storm water contamination. Illegal food vendors. Rampant tree cutting and more. - [Who is responsible for cyclist Vijay’s accident?](https://residentswatch.in/who-is-responsible-for-cyclist-vijays-accident/): Vijay Kundaji didn’t really figure in my list of friends, though we met at regular intervals during Citizens for Bengaluru meetings. He seemed reticent and a man of few words who liked a comfortable corner — unlike me. - [What I’ve Learned](https://residentswatch.in/what-ive-learned/): Mind Blogs 1.0 is a book authored by Christina Daniels, Nirmala Govindarajan and Zahid. Here is an extract from one chapter authored by Zahid. - [HSR pub shutdown by excise department](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-pub-shutdown-by-excise-department/): In a move that was pending for over a year, the excise department has shutdown the Hangover pub on 17th Cross in Sector 1. It is learnt that the action was taken after the Lokayukta ordered the shutdown when residents HE Chandrashekar and BN Ravichandra Reddy of Federation of HSR Residents Welfare Association petitioned the court for legal intervention. Though BBMP health officer Dr Savitha SK denied issuing a trade licence to Hangover, it was over-ruled by Veerabhadraswamy, the previous joint commissioner of Bommanahalli. However, when the Lokayukta ordered its cancellation due to flouting of rules, the present joint commissioner Dr […] - [Basement shop shutdowns: BBMP going 'slow' to allow tenants to vacate on their own](https://residentswatch.in/basement-shop-shutdowns-bbmp-going-slow-to-allow-tenants-to-vacate-on-their-own/): The crackdown on basement shops in HSR Layout is temporarily halted to give time for tenants to vacate on their own. - [Found a new stray dog on the street? It could be illegally relocated](https://residentswatch.in/found-a-new-stray-dog-on-the-street-it-could-be-illegally-placed/): For many months now, a few dog lovers of Bangalore, including HSR Layout, are concerned that over 70 stray dogs gradually vanished from the streets. One dog lover even confronted one vehicle that had come at night to take away the dogs. There is a police complaint at HSR police station regarding this, and we have reported about it earlier. To prevent the illegal location of such dogs (because that could lead to more trouble than peace as dogs can get aggressive in a new area), a group of pet lovers across Bangalore, including Nandita Subbarao and Harini Raghavan, have created […] - [Bescom pole sparking damages electronic equipment in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/bescom-pole-sparking-damages-electronic-equipment-in-hsr-layout/): Frequent voltage fluctuations are becoming a daily affair in HSR Layout as Bescom's new transformers are turning out to be non - starters. - [Saturday events: Math adventure for kids & standup comedies](https://residentswatch.in/saturday-events-math-adventure-for-kids-standup-comedies/): STANDUP COMEDY It’s a Laughing Matter 8pm-9.30pm True Bleu Restocafe, True Bleu Restocafe #89, 1st floor, 17th Cross Road, Sector 4, HSR Layout Rs 199 A Hinglish stand-up comedy night where you don’t take anything seriously, seriously. True Bleu in association with The Blackbuck Comedy brings you a night of stand-up comedy where sports, politics, personalities, music, mythology — everything is a LAUGHING MATTER. Come one, come in group and the comics will make you laugh! The lineup includes: Kjeld Sresth (Host) Akshay Paraikal Rupen Paul Kartik Dua Siddarth Dash Najmuzzaman Mohammad Manish Jain Pronoy Chowdhury Ritesh Banerjee and Maninder Singh. […] - [The nail mafia rears its ugly head again!](https://residentswatch.in/nailmafiahsrlayout/): If you find nails sprayed on flyover, main roads and cross roads across HSR Layout and on Outer Ring Road, know this. The nail mafia is alive and well. And they are targetting bikers and old car owners who don’t have tubeless tyres. They want your vehicles to get punctured, so you make use of their puncture shops sprinkled across HSR. Not that the HSR Layout cops did nothing about it. Three years ago, they did arrest one person for this crime, but there are many, old and new, who are indulging in this horrid act and inconveniencing motorists even today. […] - [State of birds at BDA Complex](https://residentswatch.in/state-of-birds-at-bda-complex/): The BDA Complex is facing demolition. The infrastructure is in a dilapidated state and the birds have no water to drink. - [70 basement shops on 27th Main shutdown; 24th Main is next](https://residentswatch.in/70-basement-shops-on-27th-main-shutdown-24th-main-is-next/): The axe is falling on all the basement shops in HSR Layout, following directions by the Karnataka High Court. Until yesterday, all the 70 basement shops on 27th Main that were issued notices are shutdown. The next couple of days will see shops on 24th Main facing the axe. According to BBMP officials, they will no longer be issuing notices to the other shopkeepers in HSR Layout. “Since the violations are clear and the court has ordered shutdown, we will not give them three days time like we did earlier… we will just shut them down,” said one official. The tenants […] - [Why can't BMTC buses take a detour at HSR Layout?](https://residentswatch.in/why-cant-bmtc-buses-take-a-detour-at-hsr-layout/):         With the increasing traffic congestion, and the failed plan of the BMTC to have shuttle buses in HSR Layout due to lack of proper planning, the residents are now asking the transport department why all the buses plying between Sarjapur Road and Whitefield don’t enter HSR Layout.   If this happens, people will find it more convenient to use public transport. Clearly, the BMTC needs to have the right people to plan bus stops in strategic places where most people will find it convenient.   Says Sharad Holani and echoed by the Whitefield Rising group: “Why are […] - [CAUGHT REDHANDED: BBMP worker burning dry waste](https://residentswatch.in/caught-redhanded-bbmp-worker-burning-dry-waste/):       Burning garbage is a punishable offence by law. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike is supposed to uphold the law and penalise those who don’t. However, what do you say when their own people indulge in garbage burning? This is the question being asked by several residents across Bangalore and outside.   Here is a case of one such BBMP worker burning dry waste and plastic on 3rd Cross in Muneshwara Layout, Hosapalya. Says software engineer Uday Shankaran, a resident of Kudlu who caught him in the act: “Thrice a week, they are burning plastic, twigs, dry waste, and […] - [Shutdown of basement shops has begun in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/shutdown-of-basement-shops-has-begun-in-hsr-layout/):                         After years of allowing traffic congestion due to illegal basement shops meant for parking, the BBMP is finally implementing the law that is around for decades now due to a recent order by the Karnataka High Court. This legal intervention prompted BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad to instruct all the zonal joint commissioners to implement the court verdict.   Two weeks ago, the HSR BBMP officials issued notices to over 70 basement shops on all the main roads. And last night, the basement shops on one side of 27th Main […] - [Road cutting on 27th Main irks residents; complaint closed without resolving issue](https://residentswatch.in/road-cutting-on-27th-main-irks-residents-complaint-closed-without-resolving-issue/):                 Road cutting by new buildings is rampant, with or without BBMP’s permission. This stretch of the busy 27th Main-22nd Cross Road junction was dug up allegedly by the building owner of Motonation shop on 27th Main Road. Clearly, this is in violation as road cuttings are not allowed on roads that were tarred only a year ago. When the residents complained to the BBMP, the civic agency closed the complaint without resolving it, irking the citizens even more.         “The road and the foothpath in front of the Motonation shop […] - [One HSR non-profit keeps this tree park, clean and pristine!](https://residentswatch.in/one-hsr-non-profit-keeps-this-tree-park-clean-and-pristine/):                 Amazed that there is a tree park right around HSR Layout? Well, there is one near Freedom International School in Sector 4. But did you know that one local NGO has been keeping it clean for the last three years?   Only last week, it was cleaned yet again by Kaagaz Foundation. “It gets filled with garbage due to BBMP’s secondary collection point,” says trustee Kavitha Reddy. Almost every three months, we get it cleaned. In the next tree plantation season, we should be adding 30 more saplings.”   The quarterly cleanup sometimes […] - [Don't keep your laptop in car; two people learnt this lesson, the hard way!](https://residentswatch.in/dont-keep-your-laptop-in-car-two-people-learnt-this-lesson-the-hard-way/):         THE INCIDENT IN SECTOR 1 On January 22, at around 3.45pm, 30-year-old Sudarshan Raghunath was shocked to find his Lenovo laptop, two bank cards and his passport missing from his car seat.   He had parked his Hyundai Asset car at 3.45pm last Tuesday in front of CPWD quarters on 27th Main Road to shop at Health & Glow. However, when he came back at 4.45pm, the front passenger window was broken and his laptop bag with his belongings was nowhere to be seen.   The resident of of Somasundrapalya has learnt a bitter lesson not to […] - [This road divider is yet to be fixed even after 2 months!!](https://residentswatch.in/this-road-divider-is-yet-to-be-fixed-even-after-2-months/):           Two months after it was reported, the broken divider on 27th Main Road is yet to be fixed by the BBMP and the traffic police. When the BBMP does not do its job, the traffic department is supposed to act, particularly to enforse one-way on a busy thoroughfare.   However, the it is status quo at this divider near Rockview restarant in Sector 2. Agreed that they are the responsibilities the BBMP’s traffic engineering cell. But two months is just too long a time to excuse themselves for being ‘busy’. That’s the excuse they have been […] - [Your wet waste is being turned into biogas and organic fertilisers!](https://residentswatch.in/your-wet-waste-is-being-turned-into-biogas-and-organic-fertilisers/):         There is some confusion over BBMP’s rule of 10 kilos or 50 units rule. Some apartment owners in Somasundrapalya are saying that they are using a commercial service provider even though they are less than 20 units. BBMP sources in HSR Ward say that such cases are happening in the neighbouring 190 ward of MG Palya.   Resident activist Kavitha Reddy believes that this idea of having separate vendors for commercial and domestic users by the BBMP is a money-making racket to inflate costs of waste collection. “It’s a totally stupid idea. My point is if two […] - [Now government school students around HSR will get to drink pure water!](https://residentswatch.in/now-government-school-students-around-hsr-will-get-to-drink-pure-water/):   The water purification unit installed at Agara Govt School       Biocon, B.PAC (Bangalore Political Action Committee) and HSR Layout’s Kaagaz Foundation have paid and installed water purification units in six government schools in and around HSR Layout. Only a few days ago, the sixth one was installed at the Agara Government School. All the logistics and planning was done by the HSR-based non-profit group.   A month ago, the units were installed in Govt PU College and Govt Degree College in HSR Layout. In the last week, the other schools got them too – Somasundrapalya Govt School, Bandepalya […] - [Residents divided over government's 'elevated corridor' plan](https://residentswatch.in/residents-divided-over-governments-elevated-corridor-plan/):               There is quite a mixed reaction from people about the state government’s proposal for an elevated corridor in the city. While some advocate it vociferously, the others decry the proposal for being a crony capitalism model.   “The answer plainly is efficient public transport,” said one resident. “And, in that ‘the bus’, the most versatile of the modes, is today incapacitated by the archaic Contract Carriage Act, disallowing the genuine public (as different from the “public sector”) to come up with solutions – ZipGo being just one. Agreed civic activist Mukunda N: “Yes, it […] - [Captured on CCTV: Auto rams into parked car in Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/captured-on-cctv-auto-rams-into-parked-car-in-sector-4/):   The other day, HSR resident Suresh Bhaskaran’s car was damaged due to an errant auto driver. Captured on CCTV, it clearly shows him colliding with his white car neatly parked in front of his house. His wife is also seen in the video. Before she could raise a voice, the auto driver takes a U-turn and flees.   Says Suresh: “The auto rickshaw fellow was probably looking into his mobile navigation and crashed into our parked car. Sensing that only my wife was there, he just drove away.” He has also lodged a police complaint. However, even though the act […] - [Accidents on 24th Main, Sarjapur Road and Bellandur flyover](https://residentswatch.in/accidents-on-24th-main-sarjapur-road-and-bellandur-flyover/):     This morning’s mishap on Sarjapur Road after Wipro   JANUARY 23 This morning, there was an accident involving a water tanker and a cyclist on Sarjapur Road, after the Wipro office. “We need water and we need regulation of water tankers,” says a member of Bellandur Jothige, an apolitical group of residents working towards ensuring civic amenities for the residents. “Else, the cost we pay for water may prove too high: accidents and lives.”   JANUARY 22 Yesterday, there was another accident, this time on Bellandur flyover when a tipper lorry rammed into a car from behind at around […] - [Residents show their green thumbs to tweetathon on #MyGreenHabit](https://residentswatch.in/residents-show-their-green-thumbs-to-tweetathon-on-mygreenhabit/): From January 13 to 18, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, invited residents to tweet about their green habits to inspire the others. With the theme of ‘My Green habit’, there were many residents who shared their daily routines. One of them happened to be Pinky Chandran, a resident of Teacher’s Colony and the co-founder of a community radio station in Bangalore. To know more about her many accomplishments, read our detailed profile on her HERE.   Coming back to the Swach Sarvekshan campaign, this is what Pinky shared on Twitter: “MyGreenHabit #1: Composting at home. As […] - [Controversial 'secondary collection point' on ORR to be relocated](https://residentswatch.in/controversial-secondary-collection-point-on-orr-to-be-relocated/): The issue of secondary collection point (SCP) on the service road of Outer Ring Road reached a flash point the other day. The amount of garbage removed from the service road that is home to Mantri Sarovar apartments went on to show the extent to which the drains are regularly being clogged by garbage, sludge and leachate. “The entire stretch from Agara Flyover to BDA Flyover both sides of the Service road is filled with garbage,” says resident activist Kavitha Reddy. “The drains are choked to the brim with garbage, and on the BDA flyover side is the SCP, where the […] - [Diners step out of restaurants to find valuables stolen from car](https://residentswatch.in/diners-step-out-of-restaurants-to-find-valuables-stolen-from-car/):     27th Main and 17th Cross witnessed two thefts last Sunday   Last Sunday, two diners in HSR lost valuables worth thousands of rupees when they parked their car and went to dine at restaurants nearby.   FIRST INCIDENT Thirty-two-year-old Rajat Bhat, a resident of Purva Fairmont apartments on 24th Main in Sector 2 lost items worth Rs 50,000 when he went out to eat at a restaurant near Pepperfry Studio. On January 20, at around 8.30pm, he parked his car opposite Pepperfry Studio on 17th Cross in Sector 2 and stepped out to eat at a nearby restaurant. When […] - [Despite closure notices; two more basement eateries come up on 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/despite-closure-notices-two-more-basement-eateries-come-up-on-27th-main/):     Charcoal Eats is a chain of eateries and yet they are ignorant of the law     Wicked Cup is next to Charcoal Eats   Despite shutting down a few basement eateries in the last few months, there are two more new eateries that have come up on 27th Main Road. This is despite 36 closure notices being issued by the BBMP to basement businesses on this road alone.   Incidentally, Charcoal Eats is a chain of eateries. The residents are wondering how such a franchisee store is unaware of the basic rules of operating a business. “It is […] - [Cops level road dug up by Gail Gas; FIR lodged against engineer](https://residentswatch.in/cops-level-road-dug-up-by-gail-gas-fir-lodged-against-engineer/):         In a rare case of a Gail gas engineer being booked for inconveniencing the public, the HSR traffic police has achieved a one-of-a-kind feat. When residents called up the cops to complain that the road in front of Motherhood hospital on Sarjapur Road was dug up and left as it is by Gail Gas, the cops rushed to the place the next day to fix it as traffic movement was badly affected.   The call from the resident came on the morning of January 17. However, the cops acted on this complaint on January 18 when traffic […] - [HSR has a new police inspector. Here's all about him](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-has-a-new-police-inspector-heres-all-about-him/):   SR Raghavendra is the new 38-year-old police inspector of HSR Layout. After a wait of over three months, the neighbourhood finally gets a senior police officer. He replaces DR Nagaraj who is now in charge of Bommanahalli police station.   Raghavendra is not new to HSR though. He had served in HSR from 2013 to 2015. He is back again after completing his terms in Siddapura and Kalasipalya. He got into the police service in 2003, and has 15 years of experience under his policing belt.   However, BNR Reddy, chairman, Federation of Residents Welfare Association, opposes his appointment. “We […] - [Closure notices issued to basement shops in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/closure-notices-issued-to-basement-shops-in-hsr-layout/):         Following the BBMP Commissioner’s order, the HSR ward officials have issued 36 closure notices to basement shops and eateries on 27th Main Road. Next on cards to receive them are business establishments on 24th Main, 5th Main and 9th Main, among others.   “We will give them only three-days time to shut shop,” said one BBMP official. “If they don’t, we will shut shop after taking approval from Bommanahalli Joint Commissioner.”   One meeting regarding this matter is to take place today with the joint commissioner is to happen this afternoon. We will update you when shops […] - [India's first composting park receives visitors galore!](https://residentswatch.in/indias-first-composting-park-receives-visitors-galore/):     Corporators from the North-East at Swachagraha Kalika Kendra     SK Ram, Joint secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs, Government of India, and Sarfaraz Khan, Joint Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, BBMP   India’s first composting park is in HSR Layout and already, it’s a big hit with environmentalists, policy planners, scientists and politicians. Only recently, corporators from the north east visited Swachagraha Kalika Kendra in Sector 4. “They were impressed with the project,” says Ratnakar Bhadravathi. “There has been regular demand for visit to the Centre. We welcome HSR residents to visit and see the pride project and […] - [Newborn girl found floating in stormwater drain](https://residentswatch.in/newborn-girl-found-floating-in-stormwater-drain/):         On Sunday, January 13, a dead baby was found in an HSR drain. After receiving a call from the police control room, the Hoysala team headed by Anil Kumar spotted the baby at around 3.30pm in the rajakaluve (major stormwater drain) on 13th Cross, 9th Main in Sector 6.   It was a newborn baby floating in the murky waters. With help from the general public, the body was retrieved from the major drain. It was a female baby and investigation is on.   - [Cops catch 4 robbers near Agara Lake; 2 absconding](https://residentswatch.in/cops-catch-4-robbers-near-agara-lake-2-absconding/):       On the night of Sunday, January 13, HSR cops headed by police sub inspector Neelakantan M (52 years) caught four persons for allegedly attempting to rob people by threatening them with weapons. They were caught near Ayyappaswamy temple near Agara Lake on Outer Ring Road. All the accused are from Bihar aged between 20 and 40 years.   The cops witnessed this group of six people in the act of threatening the general public and snatching their precious belongings. One stick and one knife was seized from them after being brought to the HSR police station at 10.30pm. […] - [When is HSR Layout, the most polluted?](https://residentswatch.in/when-is-hsr-layout-the-most-polluted/):             In the last 24 hours, we have noticed, and this is the general trend across four months since we began this channel, the pollution in this area is most between 7am and 9am. Clearly, it’s vehicular pollution during peak hours that’s causing it, among other reasons.   Thanks to the Sankranti festival yesterday, the pollution fell below 100 on the Air Quality Index (classified as ‘safe’) from 11am to 7pm. From 8pm, the pollution steadily rose again to peak at 7am today with an AQI of 182.   The least polluted times are usually in […] - [Car tyres stolen and stones kept in their place!](https://residentswatch.in/car-tyres-stolen-and-stones-kept-in-their-place/):   Santhanam Benedict was in for a shock the other day when his car’s tyres vanished overnight. Tweeting to the media and the cops, he says, “I had parked my Hyundai I10 car last night near my residence in Sector 4. The miscreants have stolen the left side front and back alloy wheels of the car and kept stones in the middle.”   The robbery between 9.30pm on January 9 and 10am on January 10. It happened on 15th D Main, 15th Cross.                     - [What's being done at accident-prone Iblur junction?](https://residentswatch.in/whats-being-done-at-accident-prone-iblur-junction/):                       Bellandur Jothege is an “apolitical civic positive action federation of RWAs and citizen groups” who are all for “livability, inclusion and the environment in Bellandur, for Bellandur, by Bellandur”.   Now, this group, fed up with the laxity shown by the government and the authorities is asking the general public to pitch in with their ideas. The subject is the designing of Iblur junction where two pedestrians died in the last one month alone.   “Iblur junction is a big cog in the Bellandur’s wheel of traffic,” the group says. […] - [Lorry driver who killed pedestrian gets bail, cops root for overbridges](https://residentswatch.in/lorry-driver-who-killed-pedestrian-gets-bail-cops-root-for-overbridges/): Following the death of another pedestrian at Iblur Junction in a month on January 12, the traffic police is pressurising everyone possible in ensuring that road deaths on Sarjapur Road and Iblur junction are minimised with proper overbridges and other safeguards. In the meanwhile, the lorry driver who ran over Doddamuniyappa and killed him at around 9.34am is out on bail. Even the vehicle that was seized is released. “Since it was a case under negligent driving, it is a bailable offence,” said one traffic cop. The senior officers of the traffic department are visiting and examining all the road deaths […] - [Lorry driver who killed pedestrian gets bail, cops root for overbridges](https://residentswatch.in/lorry-driver-who-killed-pedestrian-gets-bail-cops-root-for-overbridges-2/):         Following the death of another pedestrian at Iblur Junction in a month on January 12, the traffic police is pressurising everyone possible in ensuring that road deaths on Sarjapur Road and Iblur junction are minimised with proper overbridges and other safeguards. In the meanwhile, the lorry driver who ran over Doddamuniyappa and killed him at around 9.34am is out on bail. Even the vehicle that was seized is released. “Since it was a case under negligent driving, it is a bailable offence,” said one traffic cop.   The senior officers of the traffic department are visiting and […] - [Kids rescue injured pigeon; finally someone adopts it](https://residentswatch.in/kids-rescue-injured-pigeon-finally-someone-adopts-it/):         When one 12-year-old kid from Teacher’s Colony found an injured pigeon who could not fly, he thought of adopting it. But his parents objected. So he gave it to another kid who met with the same resistance from his parents. Eventually, it went to a 13-year-old boy who decided to go to resident BR Subhash who lived in the same colony.   “The parents were the spoilsports who did not want to adopt the pigeon because it would be a hassle to keep it,” Subhash told Residents Watch. “I uploaded a picture of the pigeon with the […] - [Bike theft outside TBC Sky Lounge after midnight](https://residentswatch.in/bike-theft-outside-tbc-sky-lounge-after-midnight/):         Mobile phone snatching and bike thefts are the most common crimes in HSR Layout. Sunil MA realised this the hard way on the night of January 3, 2019. He had stepped inside TBC Sky Lounge on 27th Main Road at around 7.45am. By the time he got out at 1am, he found his bike (KA51 EV3097) was nowhere to be seen. Strangely, the FIR was registered only on January 12, 2019. Working from an office in Sector 4, Sunil had decided to have dinner after work when the theft occurred.   ANOTHER INCIDENT A few days later, […] - [Harlur couple creates an online destination for organic & health products!](https://residentswatch.in/harlur-couple-creates-an-online-destination-for-organic-health-products/):     Promotional Story   www.ShopHealthy.in is your one-stop shop for all health, nutrition and beauty needs. The website run by residents of Harlur offer products in categories such as Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Naturopathy, Organic and also Imported brands of health and beauty products. They have been in business for over five years and have more than 50,000 unique products that you can choose from.         ShopHealthy took birth due to the inherent problem of availability when the couple, Divya & Manoj, were looking for organic health supplements and had to go to various shops to get all the […] - [Mason loses Rs 50,000 when bike-borne thieves divert his attention](https://residentswatch.in/mason-loses-rs-50000-when-bike-borne-thieves-divert-his-attention/):   On January 7 at around 3.10pm, 30-year-old mason Mallikarjuna was on 5th Main in Sector 7.     The thieves used a Bajaj Pulsar to rob the victim   After having withdrawn Rs 50,000 from Canara Bank on 5th Main in Sector 7, he was about to ride away when a person threw some Rs 10 notes and asked if those were his.   With his moneybag in his bike’s box, he bent down to pick six notes when two bike-borne thieves came from the other side and made away with his bag. Both wore helmets, making the exercise of […] - [Rehab centre for drug and alcohol addicts opens near HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/rehab-centre-for-drug-and-alcohol-addicts-opens-near-hsr-layout/): MRR Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre opened about a month ago on Mangammanapalya Main Road. And already, there are about 8 patients undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse. Most of them are married with children and average 35 years.           DETOXING & COUNSELLING According to supervisor KS Harish, the inpatients are being detoxed and counselled on a daily basis for a minimum of one month before they are released from the centre. “We have no strict timeframe…. they coudl stay longer than one month,” he told Residents Watch. “They are given detox tablets after being […] - [Woman accuses Kaya Clinic staff of stealing her necklace!](https://residentswatch.in/woman-accuses-kaya-clinic-staff-of-stealing-her-necklace/):   Software engineer Pratishtha Pandey, 32 years, has accused two staffers of Kaya Skin Clinic on 27th Main Road for stealing her gold necklace. The resident of Sobha Cinnamon and Saffron on Harlur Road suspects that Asabuddin and Shalini are behind the theft of her jewellery.     Representative image   The incident occurred on January 4 at around 2pm when she went to Kaya Skin Clinic for a facial. She asked staffer Shalini to remove her necklace and keep it safely until her session is over.   However, after the facial, she returned home without the necklace as she had […] - [BBMP & Bescom attacked at 2nd ward committee meeting!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-bescom-attacked-at-2nd-ward-committee-meeting/):             During Saturday’s monthly ward committee meeting on HSR Layout ward, several issues were highlighted. This was only the second meeting after the ward committee was formed more than a year ago. And even this was being done after BBMP Commissioner ordered all the 198 wards in Bangalore to conduct the meetings every month without fail.   “About 70% streetlights in HSR, Iblur and Suncity apartment are to be fixed,” said ward committee member Vinutha. Another member Padmashree requested the BBMP to fix the culverts in several areas, including the places where optic fibre cabling companies […] - [Pink taxis for women stepping out of the city airport](https://residentswatch.in/pink-taxis-for-women-stepping-out-of-the-city-airport/):               These are taxis driven by women and for women fliers. The next time you arrive at Bengaluru airport to reach HSR Layout, you could board these pink taxis. Keeping security in mind, these taxis have been introduced by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and supported by the Kempegowda International Airport authorities. They were flagged off only yesterday and are being promoted on Twitter by the city traffic police as well.   Right now, only ten cabs are operational but the number will go up, depending on the demand. They will operate round-the-clock […] - [Tennis star Sania Mirza was at Agara Lake today!](https://residentswatch.in/tennis-star-sania-mirza-was-at-agara-lake-today/): Having heard rave reviews from her friends and associates, tennis superstar Sania Mirza was at Agara Lake this morning. Posing with her father at the water body, she has put up her photo on social media saying, “When you drag your dad for a walk/run and he shows up like he’s going to office feet upwards”. Having delivered a baby after a painful C-section more than a year ago, Sania has embraced parenthood and has penned Ace Against Odds, the paperback version of which was released only last week. Her father Imran Mirza is also her coach, guide and mentor who […] - [How many FIRs were registered at HSR police station in 2018?](https://residentswatch.in/how-many-firs-were-registered-at-hsr-police-station-in-2018/): Under-reporting of minor crimes is well-known in the police department for decades and this trend continues. We have come across cases where the HSR cops refuse to file FIRs (First Information Reports) related to mobile snatching, chain snatching and petty thefts. We are not sure how many grievous offences are swept under the carpet, but we will assume that most of those offences are being reported. Taking this into account, here goes a breakdown of the number of criminal and traffic offences recorded by the HSR police in 2018.         It is sad to note that for the […] - [Sex, drugs and crime at Agara Lake!](https://residentswatch.in/sex-drugs-and-crime-at-agara-lake/): Spread over 98 acres, the recently-revived Agara Lake has also become the hub of youngsters who frequent the place and indulge in drugs and public display of affection. The families and children that visit the park are visibly embarassed and have complained to the park authorities. This has prompted the cops to take action on such errant couples misusing a public space. However, the youngsters are not happy with this intrusion. In addition, there have been cases of chain snatching and usage of drugs.         Complains one such disgruntled person going by the Twitter handle ‘Bandit Biker’: “Why […] - [112 unresolved BBMP complaints; some are over a year old!](https://residentswatch.in/112-unresolved-bbmp-complaints-some-are-over-a-year-old/): 112 unresolved BBMP complaints; some are over a year old!Posted: Jan 1 at 12:32 pmThere are 112 BBMP complaints that remain unresolved, with some grouses that are almost a year old. Such is the callousness with which the civic body functions in HSR Layout. The latest list of grouses have to do with flooding, footpath encroachments and drainage issues. FOOTPATH ENCROACHMENT This complaint was filed more than a year ago, on November 1, 2017. According to the GPMS Online Complaint Monitoring System, this complaint (BBMP-GPMS/CMT-19329) is yet to be resolved. Says the complainant: “The foot path at junction of 14th B […] - [Residents fed up of Bescom's frequent power fluctuations & disruptions!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-fed-up-of-bescoms-frequent-power-fluctuations-disruptions/): While it is true that some of the power disruptions are due to the ongoing cabling work that will make Bescom lines insulated from rains and short circuits, there are several other issues that the electric company needs to sort out fast. To begin with, there are voltage fluctuations galore, that have damaged home alliances and electronic goods worth thousands in offices and houses in HSR Layout.         Sector 4 resident Geetha Pitchai sums up the long list of excuses that the Bescom gives its consumers: “Everytime we raise a complaint, the BESCOM staff will say that the […] - [Techie alleges dowry harassment by inlaws in Sector 7](https://residentswatch.in/techie-alleges-dowry-harassment-by-inlaws-in-sector-7/):   A thirty-year-old software engineer and a resident of HSR Layout, Sector 7, has alleged that she was threatened with life by her inlaws if she does not pay more dowry in addition to the Rs 5 lakh jewellery and Rs 2 lakh given to the groom during marriage.         The police complaint lodged on December 23 alleges that the victim was pressured by her inlaws between January 2018 and July 2018 before she was thrown out of her husband’s house in BTM Layout. Since then, she has been staying with her parents in HSR Layout.   According […] - [Robbery, bike theft and cheating cases in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/robbery-bike-theft-and-cheating-cases-in-hsr-layout/):   Four FIRs were lodged in the last few days in HSR Layout. Besides the dowry harassment case mentioned in a separate story today, there has been a bike theft case in Sector 3, a house robbery in Sector 7 when people were not at home, and a cheating case worth over Rs 3 lakh in Sector 2.       ROBBED WHEN OUT OF TOWN Between 21 and 23 December, the house belonging to 52-year-old Surendra Hegdein Sector 7 was broken into. The victim was staying on 8th B Main, 21st Cross. On December 21, he locked his home at […] - [Woman passenger dies due to rash bus driver near Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/woman-passenger-dies-due-to-rash-bus-driver-near-sector-4/):   A 53-year-old woman passenger died due to a rash bus driver and a badly designed Outer Ring Road stretch. The residents allege that the BBMP was as much at fault for the faulty road elevation.   S Savitri was travelling with 50 other passengers in a Tamil Nadu public transport bus (TN23N 2115). Seated in the back seat with her family members, the bus was ferrying her from Silk Board on Outer Ring Road towards HSR Layout. On the night of December 24 at around 1.35am, the bus driver was driving rashly and zig-zagging all over the road.   When […] - [Begur Road footpath encroachments removed](https://residentswatch.in/begur-road-footpath-encroachments-removed/):   Here is some good news for all those commuters from HSR Layout who take Begur Road to avoid the congestion at Silk Board junction. Several encroachments by pushcart vendors and shops were removed on Thursday and Friday for ease of access. This was a long-pending drive that was now possible, thanks to the recent visit by Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) P Harisekharan.             Expect a wider road with few impediments on Begur Road. While the regular vendors might be absent, they could come back or newer vendors might take their place. Therefore, a continuous […] - [HSR police refuse to register FIR for mobile snatching, but not when it's one of their own!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-police-refuse-to-register-fir-for-mobile-snatching-but-not-when-its-one-of-their-own/):   Several residents have complained that the HSR Layout police are refusing to register complaints of mobile snatching as a First Information Report (FIR). However, the other day when a senior cop’s phone was snatched away by miscreants on a bike, the cops not only registered his complaint but also arrested habitual offenders to check if any of them had stolen the top cop’s phone. After all, it was a prestige issue for the department now.         On December 20 at around 8.45pm, IPS officer Sanjay Sahay (55 years) was taking a stroll on 17th Cross in Sector […] - [On this site, garbage is being burnt every day! Is BBMP the culprit?](https://residentswatch.in/on-this-site-garbage-is-being-burnt-every-day-is-bbmp-the-culprit/): This is the empty land opposite The Cambridge International School on Silver County Road in HSR extension. Residents have reported that garbage is burnt regularly out here for the last seven to eight months. But the BBMP health inspector of the area expresses helplessness as the area does not belong to the BBMP. However, the residents allege that they have spotted several BBMP garbage autos dumping garbage on roadsides (Kasavanahalli Road near Amrutha College) and even part of the dumping on this vacant land in Shantigram panchayat. This is a serious issue as the fence is eating the crop here. When […] - [How to clean up your house without an air purifier!](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-clean-up-your-house-without-an-air-purifier/):   The 2.5 micron particulate matters rose to 157 AQI (air quality index) at 8am today. However, residents who are monitoring the air quality in HSR Layout tell us that even if the pollution is high during the day, you can beat it with some nifty measures.         Don’t want to invest in an air purifier as you don’t have people with breathing issues, no problem. “Just open your doors and windows during non peak hours for about 20 minutes,” says Shashank A. “The stale air goes out and the fresh air comes in. This itself drastically brings […] - [Cycling has begun inside Agara Lake premises](https://residentswatch.in/cycling-has-begun-inside-agara-lake-premises/):   The ban on cycling inside Agara Lake premises is lifted. However, the park authorities don’t want too many cyclists or cycle rentals to operate inside the park premises due to haphazard dumping of vehicles by cyclists and injuring walkers.     Cyclists dumping the bikes haphazardly     Cyclists spoiling the walking track, particulary when it’s wet   There have been several calls made to the police by the walkers regarding these injuries, and therefore, the park caretakers want only the ones responsible for their cycle and cyling to enter the premises.   Therefore, we request the cyclists, and particularly […] - [Cycle track work delaying speedbreaker work in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-track-work-delaying-speedbreaker-work-in-hsr/): The HSR traffic police has given a list of roads that need speedbreakers on five occasions, but the BBMP is yet to do its job. When we contacted the senior officials in the civic body’s headquarters, we were told that work will start after the cycle track is laid. That is not the only reason, however. “Everytime, we give them a list of speedbreakers, they would say we have a lot of work,” said one cop. However, when we spoke to the traffic engineering cell of the BBMP, they said there were no funds.         When we pressed […] - [Pavement parking: Is it no offence?](https://residentswatch.in/pavement-parking-is-it-no-offence/):   HSR Layout resident Sankar Sarma is shocked that his complaint about footpath parking on 14th Main Road in Sector 3 was rejected by the Public Eye app of the city traffic police. “Are you saying parking on footpath is not a violation?” tweeted Sarma to the top cops in traffic. “Footpath is for pedestrians. Please check again.”         HSR residents believe that parking on the footpaths in commercial roads should be restricted as the pedestrians could be risking their life and limb if they stepped on to a busy thoroughfare. In addition, it’s impossible to commute on […] - [Cops refuse to take theft complaint; resident forces them to](https://residentswatch.in/cops-refuse-to-take-theft-complaint-resident-forces-them-to/):   This is the third theft of electronic goods in HSR Layout where an FIR is registered. We are not even talking of the many cases that don’t get registered and just remain a simple police complaint.         Take this theft on December 13 at 6.40am on 24th Main, Sector 1. Since the door was open when the theft occurred, the HSR cops refused to file a police complaint. But Sushmita, the Sector 1 resident waited for five days and then went to the station, sat for two hours and did not leave the station until the complaint […] - [Second theft of electronic goods in a fortnight; door was kept open](https://residentswatch.in/second-theft-of-electronic-goods-in-a-fortnight-door-was-kept-open/):   If all HSR residents follow the crime updates on this channel, many of their valuables would be safe. They can learn from the faults of others. On December 6, we wrote about how a Sector 3 resident lost his laptop and phone for keeping his door open. Twelve days later, a similar theft happened at an apartment on 24th Main in Sector 2. The door was kept open and the alleged thief made away with electronic goods worth lakhs.         The theft occurred between 7.30am and 7.50am on December 18 at Misty Meadows apartment near Food Palace […] - [BBMP issues notice to HSR resident for 'rearing and selling' cats](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-issues-notice-to-hsr-resident-for-rearing-and-selling-cats/):   Based on complaints from residents of Sector 3, BBMP has issued a notice to resident Sudha Venkatesh today to stop rearing and selling cats within three days, failing which the law will take its course.   “When the BBMP tried serving the notice (for health and safety concerns) on the breeder yesterday, they initially declined to accept it, but later acknowledged it,” says resident Gowtham Reddy, the primary complainant. “The breeder and shelterer was raising her voice and threatening me for complaining with the authorities. She had rowdies at her place, at least five guys.”   The notice by health […] - [FREAK ACCIDENT: Sector 3 resident comes under the train and dies!](https://residentswatch.in/freak-accident-sector-3-resident-comes-under-the-train-and-dies/):   Vikram Vijayan, a resident of Sector 3, HSR Layout, died in a freak accident on the night of Monday, December 17. Employed with Wipro as a software engineer, the 28-year-old had gone to the Carmelaram railway station off Sarjapur Road to see off his parents who had come to visit him.     Vikram with his parents   Since the train stops only for a minute, the rail began to move when he was nearing the seat where his parents had booked their birth. Immediately, he placed their luggage and rushed out with a hurried goodbye to his parents. But […] - [Spurned lover stabs girl and kills her boyfriend; goes behind bars for 10 years](https://residentswatch.in/spurned-lover-stabs-girl-and-kills-her-boyfriend-goes-behind-bars-for-10-years/):   Aparna, a 22-year-old resident of HSR Layout and a student of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Sector 1 was stabbed by her collegemate last year by Rana. He had mistaken her friendship for love but when he realised that she was in love with her office colleague Kaushik after graduating from NIFT, he couldn’t take it anymore.         On October 16, 2017, Rana went to her house in HSR Layout and finding them together, stabs both of them with a knife. While Kaushik dies instantly due to repeated stabs, Aparna was rushed to the hospital […] - [Rs 50,000 worth narcotics seized near NIFT college](https://residentswatch.in/rs-50000-worth-narcotics-seized-near-nift-college/): Based on a tip off, the HSR Layout police swooped down on a drug peddler and seized narcotics worth Rs 50,000. In an elaborate procedure, the lone accused was arrested after all the procedures were followed by the police like getting independent people to verify that the accused possessed drugs on him.     Cannabis or weed   The police operations began at 10.30am and went on till 1.15pm near NIFT in Sector 1 on December 15. The accused is Samsuddin, a 28-year-old resident of Mangammana Palya. The cops found 1050 grams of ganja and Rs 500 cash on him at […] - [Car stolen in HSR Layout used for drug trafficking in Rajasthan](https://residentswatch.in/car-stolen-in-hsr-layout-used-for-drug-trafficking-in-rajasthan/): On the night of December 4, a pearl white Toyota Fortuner (KA03 AE4825) worth Rs 22 lakh was allegedly stolen in Sector 1. Thanks to a hidden, inbuilt GPS, the sports utility vehicle was traced to Rajasthan near the India-Pakistan border. The cops and the car rental company officials gave chase in two instances, but the thieves outsmarted them. Later, they allegedly disconnected the GPS in the car and the car trail is dead ever since. Orix Infrastructure, the car rental firm, has filed a case of theft with the HSR cops. The accused Roshan Khan faces two allegations: criminal breach […] - [HSR gives away 350 kilos of electronic waste!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-gives-away-350-kilos-of-electronic-waste/):   On Sunday, a special drive was conducted by a recycling company in collaboration with HSR Layout residents. About 350 kilos of electronic waste was collected during the process.       The HaSiRu Mithra team of HSR Layout residents conducted a successful e-waste collection drive for residents of HSR Layout and Somasundrapalya with 4R Recycling, an approved and Authorized vendor by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.   “Individuals and resident welfare associations came to drop off ewaste from various nearby areas,” said volunteer Kamesh Rastogi. “It was nice to see the enthusiastic response from the citizens as we collected […] - [New neighbour shelters several cats and dogs; residents protest](https://residentswatch.in/new-neighbour-shelters-several-cats-and-dogs-residents-protest/):   A new resident of HSR Layout turned her house in Sector 3 into a sheltering space for several cats and dogs. The result was the constant barking, meowwing during late nights and the health hazard due to the mess created by these pets, allege the neighbours. However, the pet owner defends herself by saying that the noise pollution will come down once the animals settle down in their new house. She also claims to have taken all precautions to ensure that there is no hygiene or nuisance issue in the area.         BBMP ACTS BBMP Health Inspector […] - [Drop your electronic waste here on Sunday!](https://residentswatch.in/drop-your-electronic-waste-here-on-sunday/): A special one-day drive is being conducted by 4R Recycling, a waste management company. It will pick up electronic waste at a designated spot in Sector 2 tomorrow between 10am and 1pm. For some items, it will even pay you for it. The detailed chart is given below as electronic items are divided into positive, negative and zero value materials.               HOW TO DISPOSE EWASTE AFTER SUNDAY? Well, for small items, there is the permanent ewaste collection kiosk by Saahas in front of MK Retail on 17th Cross near NIFT in Sector 2. If that […] - [Thief steals laptop & phone but returns passport the next day!](https://residentswatch.in/thief-steals-laptop-phone-but-returns-passport-the-next-day/):   On December 10, a thief took the keys lying inside an open window and let himself into a second floor house in Sector 1. He stole the laptop bag which contained a passport and a mobile phone and quickly escaped. A day later, the thief returns the passport by keeping it above the switchboard on the ground floor.         According to the FIR, the incident occurred between 6.30am and 7am at a house on the 2nd floor of 22nd Main, 7th Cross. Thirty-three-year-old software engineer Santosh Yadav was sleeping when the theft occurred. He lost a Lenovo […] - [Pedestrian grievously injured by bus at Iblur junction](https://residentswatch.in/pedestrian-grievously-injured-by-bus-at-iblur-junction/): On Monday, December 10, 75-year-old Gangadhara N Nayar, a resident of Suncity apartments in Iblur off Sarjapur Road was crossing the road in front of Columbia Asia Hospital at Iblur junction when a BMTC bus hit him. He suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Columbia Asia hospital for treatment by the traffic cops at 5pm. The bus driver panicked and ran away while parking the bus on the road itself. The Iblur junction is the most risky for pedestrians. The residents have been demanding an elevated walkway for the longest time but the BBMP is yet to sanction it. […] - [Thief caught on CCTV robbing a house in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/thief-caught-on-cctv-robbing-a-house-in-sector-3/): A house was burgled in Sector 3 on Monday, December 10. Cash and gold jewellery was stolen during daytime by breaking the door lock. The incident occurred between 1.20pm and 1.50pm on 18th C Main, 3rd floor. Dr Shreyaa (27 years) stays with her husband Vivek Prashant. On the day of the robbery, both had left home at 11am to a hospital.   Later, the husband left for Patna on work while Shreyaa returned home at 5pm. She was horrified to see that the front door was ajar and the thief had broken into her home. The cupboard was open and […] - [HSR residents organise candle light march for missing dogs](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-residents-organise-candle-light-march-for-missing-dogs/): HSR pet lovers are alleging that vans are coming at midnight in HSR Layout to take away stray dogs for their meat. The next time, you eat out, you could be having ‘Bow Bow Biriyani’ instead of beef, chicken or mutton biriyani, they allege, citing a famous case that happened recently in Chennai where a restaurant was caught selling dog meat to its patrons.   In addition, relocating dogs is a violation of the Supreme Court order that only permits the BBMP to pick up the dog for vaccination and return the dog to its original habitat. The problem happens when […] - [UPS at HSR police station can only work for 3 hours!](https://residentswatch.in/ups-at-hsr-police-station-can-only-work-for-3-hours/): Two-and-a-half months ago, we had written a story that you were not able to file an FIR at HSR police station whenever there is no electricity. Well, now you can, because the UPS has been fixed, but it cannot last for more than three hours.         Can Bescom give them special treatment? No, say Bescom officials because the station is on 27th Main Road, the hub of all commercial activity where new and old connections keep getting installed and uninstalled. Bescom has to switch off the power supply to rectify, erect or install new connections.   Only a […] - [Here is how HSR cops can help you...](https://residentswatch.in/here-is-how-hsr-cops-can-help-you/): Recently, a police-public meeting was held at the Sector 4 park. Vehicle thefts occupied prime attention, but here are some surprising facts that came out from the meeting. Importantly, here are tips that would work for everyone in HSR and beyond. Read on… RESIDENTS KEEP THEIR VEHICLES UNLOCKED Responding to many vehicle thefts in the neighbourhood, the cops said that many two-wheelers are left unlocked at night. “Their suggestion is to lock the front wheel of the 2 wheelers,” said Sector 4 resident Suresh Bhaskaran. SAFEGUARD YOUR PRIVACY Another interesting fact revealed by the HSR cops was for the residents to […] - [HSR Habba slammed yet again for latenight music!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-habba-slammed-yet-again-for-latenight-music/): Despite our last year’s story about the organisers using high decibels and conducting the musical night even after midnight, they don’t seem to have learnt their lesson this year too. Yesterday, the loud music went on past midnight, annoying several residents across Sector 3, 4 and 2. Everybody wanted to know how the cops can allow such a function to happen. There were several calls made by the residents to the police control room. “The cops said they would send the Hoysala, but the music hasn’t stopped yet?” complained one resident. Another resident replied: “That’s because how can they stop an […] - [Sector 7 senior citizen goes missing on Wed, found on Friday, thanks to social media](https://residentswatch.in/sector-7-senior-citizen-goes-missing-on-wed-found-on-friday-thanks-to-social-media/): Here is a bittersweet story about a Sector 7 senior citizen who went missing on Wednesday and was found in Jayanagar on Friday by folks who had seen his photograph flashed across social media.         S Narasimhan, an 80 year old suffering from dementia (short term memory loss) stepped out for a walk and forgot his address along the way. His photograph with his details were uploaded by his family members across social media. His son Sathyanarayana N is much relieved now.   “That’s the power of social media,” Sathyanarayana told Residents Watch. “He was found in Siddapura, […] - [Marshalls allegedly catch culprits behind Bellandur Lake fire](https://residentswatch.in/marshalls-allegedly-catch-culprits-behind-bellandur-lake-fire/): According to the BBMP, the culprits behind the massive fire that engulfed Bellandur Lake in January this year have been caught. And they don’t happen to be industries letting chemicals into the lake but four scrap dealers who have been clandestinely burning OFCs to extract copper from them to sell it elsewhere and make a living.         According to the cops, these youth were indulging in this for the last two years, and could well be the reason behind the frequent burnings spotted around the lake.   However, this time around, with marshalls on duty, they were caught […] - [Silk Board signal waiting time of 20-30 minutes will not end for some more time](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-signal-waiting-time-of-20-30-minutes-will-not-end-for-some-more-time/):   Commuters at Central Silk Board junction wait atleast 20-30 minutes to cross the signal during peak hours and atleast 10 minuets during non-peak hours. Plans to make it signal-free have been in the works for the last 2.5 years, but the first tender failed to get a response from enough bidders. And now, the second bidding has also failed. It’s back to square one for both Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the commuters who will have to suffer more.         The Silk Board junction is also the most congested and polluted junctions in the city. […] - [HSR has a new Joint Commissioner and Assistant Executive Engineer](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-has-a-new-joint-commissioner-and-assistant-executive-engineer/): BBMP Joint Commissioner (Bommanahalli) Veerabhadraswamy has left to make way for Dr A Soujanya, who was previously Deputy Commissioner, Land Acquisition and TDR (Transferable Development Rights) at the civic body. Last year, she was the Additional Commissioner (Administration) of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).     Dr A Soujanya   That’s not all. HSR Layout has a new Assistant Executive Engineer in SV Srinivas at the BBMP. His predecessor was Ananth Raju. Previous to him, Venkatesh was the AEE who was sacked by then chief minister Siddaramaiah at a public meeting in Sector 3 when the residents complained about his inaction on […] - [HSR's Top 10 property tax offenders list is out!](https://residentswatch.in/hsrs-top-10-property-tax-offenders-list-is-out/):       Sector 2 resident K Shiva Rao tops with Rs 13 lakh outstanding payments towards BBMP for property tax. He is followed by Agara village resident G Vasudeva with outstandings of Rs 11.74 lakh. The Top 10 tax violators in HSR Ward owe the BBMP over Rs 80 lakh.   This list was generated as the BBMP officials were ordered by the taxation department of the civic agency to identify the top 10 property tax violators in every zone by December 1.   It has been found that many property owners of commercial buildings have not paid their property […] - [Sector 3 resident loses laptop & phone for keeping his door open](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-resident-loses-laptop-phone-for-keeping-his-door-open/):   Always keep your doors and windows shut, particularly if you live on the ground floor. Twenty-seven-year-old Somil Jhavar realised this harsh truth when he kept his door open and allowed thieves to steal his valuables.     Dell Inspiron     Samsung Galaxy Note 9   The incident occurred on December 3 between 8am and 8.20am. Staying on 18th A Main, 23rd Cross, Somil had left the door open and gone inside his house to cook. In those 20 minutes, some strangers have entered his house and stole his Dell Inspiron laptop and Samsung Galaxy Note 9.   Both are […] - [Cycle track width reduced to accommodate more traffic on roads](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-track-width-reduced-to-accommodate-more-traffic-on-roads/):       When the 2014 cycle track plan was proposed for HSR Layout, the cycle track width was more. But over the years, the roads in HSR also had as much more vehicular traffic. Therefore, the width of the cycle tracks are now reduced to provision more space for movement of vehicles.   Since road users are far more than those using cycles, the BBMP is now forced to ensure that the road width isn’t reduced to accommodate the cycle track. “Today, we cannot dedicate 2.5 metres to the cycle track,” said one senior official. “Therefore, we are now working […] - [Which came first? Graveyard or the road?](https://residentswatch.in/which-came-first-graveyard-or-the-road/): Did you know that a graveyard encroaches half the road on 26th Cross, 17th Main in Sector 3? Well, here are some interesting facts about it. According to one BDA official who served his previous term before being transferred, this was a wasteland belonging to the government when HSR was just a village. However, once the BDA took over the land, it left the graveyard as it is and did the rest of the road, according to him.               Another BDA official said that the area around Ellukunte where this graveyard is located is rife […] - [Pizza was delivered like this! Zomato refunds money!](https://residentswatch.in/pizza-was-delivered-like-this-zomato-refunds-money/): Resident Prakher Singhal was mighty upset yesterday when Zomato delivered a pizza that was all scrunched up (see pic). It was like delivering a smashed up cake. Although Zomato refunded the money, the damage was done. And Prakher went public with this pathetic delivery style of Zomato.       Tweeting to Zomato, he said 14 hours ago, “Is this how pizza is delivered? Orderid# 1188351487. I saw the delivery boy. He carried the pizza like a laptop in backpack. All slices were on top of each other. I have got the refund but is this an excuse for pathetic delivery?” […] - [Cab runs into ambulance parked on Outer Ring Road](https://residentswatch.in/cab-runs-into-ambulance-parked-on-outer-ring-road/):   On December 3, at around 5am, 22-year-old cab driver Nagendra was driving in front of Microsoft office near Iblur junction on Outer Ring Road (ORR). He was ferrying passenger Ravikumar (40 years) towards Bellandur not realising that a little ahead, an ambulance driver (KA04 A3559) had stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road and stepped out.     Representative image.   The bus driver in front of Nagendra’s cab expertly manoeuvred the bus at the last minute to the left, but since the cab driver wasn’t aware of the ambulance’s presence, he tried to apply the breaks at […] - [Realtor loses Rs 1 crore in a land deal gone wrong](https://residentswatch.in/realtor-loses-rs-1-crore-in-a-land-deal-gone-wrong/):   A BTM Layout resident has allegedly been conned of Rs 1 crore by four landlords staying in HSR Layout. The cops have registered a case of ‘criminal breach of trust’ in addition to cheating and dishonesty.       Forty-four-year-old PK Chacko, is the managing director of Oceanus Dwellings Private Limited whose office is in PN Plaza building on 18th Cross, Sector 3, HSR Layout. The accused are Muninanjamma (93), N Nagaraja Reddy (72), B Govindamma (66) and N Vasudev Babu (47) who claimed to own 3 acres 9 gunta land in Singasandra.   On January 31, 2006, Chacko entered […] - [Flesh racket: Sanjana Spa is still not shut online!](https://residentswatch.in/flesh-racket-sanjana-spa-is-still-not-shut-online/):     On November 19, we wrote about a prostitution racket being publicised on a website and Twitter handle. The HSR cops got back to us saying that the pimps simply name posh areas in Bangalore as part of their marketing tactic although the place of their operations could be outside HSR.   While the Twitter handle did not update HSR for a while, it is back up again. Just 11 hours ago, it has posted that offers “Body to Body massage, Oil massage, Female to male full body massage in Bangalore, Independent girls personal services in RR Nagar, Nagarbhavi, JP […] - [Amphitheatre to be inaugurated by Deputy CM this month!](https://residentswatch.in/amphitheatre-to-be-inaugurated-by-deputy-cm-this-month/): The amphitheatre work is about to be completed in a week at the Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3. The sprawling lung space in HSR Layout on 19th Cross, 15th B Main will play host to Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwar when the open air stadium work is completed.         According to BDA officials, the park work is going along swimmingly and will be completed in a week or two. It is HSR resident and Bellary MP, VS Ugrappa’s idea to call Parameshwar who is also the city development minister. Sources tell us that even chief minister Kuramaraswamy […] - [NPS, Oxford & PGs inconvenience residents of Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/nps-oxford-pgs-inconvenience-residents-of-sector-4/):   The presence of Oxford College and National Public School (NPS) is causing much heartburn among residents of 17th B Main in Sector 4. Adding to their problems is the lackadaisical attitude of school authorities, bus drivers and civic agencies in finding a permanent solution to the problem of rash driving, blaring loud speakers and traffic jams on this thoroughfare. In addition, two residential buildings have turned commercial and host Paying Guest accommodations, two xerox shops and a tailoring unit. The result is that there is queuing up of people, haphazard parking, constant noise and a lot of latenight pickup and […] - [Suffering from a prolonged powercut in HSR? Here is why...](https://residentswatch.in/suffering-from-a-prolonged-powercut-in-hsr-here-is-why/): There is no electricity since 11am in Sector 3 today. The Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) officials informed Residents Watch that two transformer cables are being replaced. “The work is time-consuming and takes 6-7 hours,” said one official. “The power should be restored in Sector 3 by 6pm.”         This power interruption is part of the months-long work going on by BESCOM to install low tension aerial bunched cables across HSR Layout. Once installed, the cables will not be hazardous to trees or people even if you touch them as they will be heavily insulated from the elements. […] - [Potholes, streetlights, stray dogs and parks headline the first Ward Committee meet of BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/potholes-streetlights-stray-dogs-and-parks-headline-the-first-ward-committee-meet-of-bbmp/):   December 1 will be a historic day in the history of HSR Layout as the first ward committee meeting was conducted today for both Ward 174 (HSR) and Ward 190 at the BBMP office on 9th Main Road in Sector 6, as the officials for both wards are largely the same, barring a few exceptions. This is also historic because now the monthly meetings are mandated by the Karnataka High Court and ordered by the BBMP Commissioner.         It does not end there. Every first Saturday, after the meeting is conducted, the minutes of the meeting are […] - [Neighbourhood youngster designs energy-efficient solar vehicle!](https://residentswatch.in/neighbourhood-youngster-designs-energy-efficient-solar-vehicle/):   Nineteeen-year-old KM Vishall Somaiya, a resident of Teacher’s Colony that is adjacent to HSR Sector 5, is a mechanical engineering student of New Horizon College of Engineering in Marathahalli. He and his friends from different disciplines like automobile and electrical engineering have built an energy-efficient solar vehicle for an international contest by Shell. They are one among the four participants from Bangalore who are shortlisted for the competition in the second week of December called Shell Eco-Marathon in Chennai.     Vishall is in the front row and third from right     Not only will Vishall’s work be displayed […] - ['HSR is the only layout in India to have comprehensive cycle parking'](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-is-the-only-layout-in-india-to-have-comprehensive-cycle-parking/): About 14 locations for cycle stands have begun to function from today – four more locations will be ready for primetime in a fortnight. That’s a total of 55 stands where 110 cycles can be parked at any given time in HSR Layout.   This is great news for all the cycle enthusiasts in HSR Layout, which even have a full-fledged group called HSR Cyclists Forum powering this community and all the associated initiatives like Cycle Day, cycle tracks, cycle rentals and now cycle stands.         Corporator Gurumurthy Reddy inaugurating the facility this morning         […] - [(Promotion) Sumptuous Birbal Biriyani and the best Gabbar Chai](https://residentswatch.in/promotion-sumptuous-birbal-biriyani-and-the-best-gabbar-chai/): What do you say to a chai shop that is sitting cheek by jowl with a restaurant serving the best cuisine? And the proprietor happens to be the same for both? The icing on the cake! And that’s precisely what you get at Birbal Biriyani and Gabbar Chai.       Why would anyone travel 18 kilometres from HSR Layout to sample the food out here? Well, to begin with, it’s perfect as a weekend retreat. Ample parking, sumptuous food, and about 25 minutes of driving during non-peak hours, the winsome twosome dazzle your tastebuds.       From starters to […] - [Public cycle stands in 18 places across HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/public-cycle-stands-in-18-places-across-hsr-2/): A three-year project will come to fruition tomorrow when public cycle parking will be thrown open to residents at 18 places across HSR Layout. The reason for the delay was the civic works being carried out by the BBMP and the flooding issue that enveloped the neighbourhood in the interim.             Be there tomorrow for the inauguration   “It’s a very unique project based on multiple themes unlike any other in the world,” says Shashidhara K of HSR Cyclists Group that won the Neighbourhood Improvement Program challenge in December 2015 that helped create this facility.   […] - [KLM mall finally removes the sole footpath encroachment](https://residentswatch.in/klm-mall-finally-removes-the-sole-footpath-encroachment/): KLM Mall, the ‘common man’s mall’ that had encroached the common man’s footpath for almost a month has finally removed all the encroachments on 27th Main Road.         Yesterday, the BBMP officials had promised this channel that if the mall authorities don’t remove it, they would remove the encroachment themselves. However, health inspector Vinodh GM informed us that when he went to the mall during his inspection round, he found that the mall authorities had removed the encroachment yesterday afternoon. “They removed it, so we didn’t have to,” he told us.   This is a long saga that […] - [Illegal hoardings removed on 27th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/illegal-hoardings-removed-on-27th-main/): Several unauthorised hoardings and advertisements put up by various brands and shopkeepers on 27th Main Road were removed yesterday by the BBMP. Here are a few of those shops whose hoardings were removed.   This is a drive based on the Karnataka High Court order and a BBMP notification that no hoardings, posters or outdoor advertisements of any kind will be allowed till August 2019. Only those who are approved by the BBMP after paying a licence fee are eligible to put up the hoardings.                 BBMP Health Inspector Vinod GM in action   […] - [Public cycle stands in 18 places across HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/public-cycle-stands-in-18-places-across-hsr/):   A three-year project will come to fruition tomorrow when public cycle parking will be thrown open to residents at 18 places across HSR Layout. The reason for the delay was the civic works being carried out by the BBMP and the flooding issue that enveloped the neighbourhood in the interim.             Be there tomorrow for the inauguration   “It’s a very unique project based on multiple themes unlike any other in the world,” says Shashidhara K of HSR Cyclists Group that won the Neighbourhood Improvement Program challenge in December 2015 that helped create this facility. […] - [The oldest organic store of HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/the-oldest-organic-store-of-hsr-layout/):   The Eco Store, the oldest organic store in HSR Layout, celebrated its sixth anniversary this July. Today, there are many more alternatives in the neighbourhood, but this shop stands out for sticking to promoting high-quality products produced by farmers and farming groups. As its founder Seshu Maringanti says, “We carefully select our products so that they are healthy and harmless to our body.”   The store gets vegetables five days a week (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun), as soon as they are harvested in the farm. Their grocery section has a wide range of products ranging from rice, millets, […] - [BBMP fines plastic sellers and removes footpath encroachments](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-fines-plastic-sellers-and-removes-footpath-encroachments/): On the HSR side of Mangammana Palya Main Road, the BBMP officials have removed footpath encroachers yesterday. In addition, shops using banned plastic were fined. In the last week alone, Rs 18,000 worth of fines were levied for using plastic bags and dumping garbage in stormwater drains and vacant sites.                     There were four raids in HSR Layout last week, including one yesterday. The places covered were 24th Main in Agara, Sector 2, 27th Main and 17th Cross. Yesterday, the raids were conducted on Mangammana Palya Main Road where footpath encroachers were […] - [The Organic World is now in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/the-organic-world-is-now-in-hsr-layout/): The Organic World has opened its doors in HSR Layout! Located next to MK Retail on 17th Cross in Sector 2, the store is spread over 2000 sq. feet and is equipped with a community cafe and a children’s play area to entertain all age groups.         The store boasts of products in several categories ranging from fruits and vegetables to home and personal care. The Organic World in HSR is not your average retail store. Walk in and experience the store by helping yourself to some aromatherapy, and maybe whip up your own beauty product or grind […] - [Trucks & tourist buses clog 27th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/trucks-tourist-buses-clog-27th-main/): The residents are fed up of complaining to the authorities about the indiscriminate parking by trucks and tourist buses on 27th Main Road.   Says resident Krishnan, who has tweeted to the top cops and complained on their mobile app: “Illegal parking… creating a dangerous haphazard to the community on 27th main. It’s a daily routine, can you please clean this mess?”                         - [Pet lover stops men from catching dogs; gets beaten up!](https://residentswatch.in/pet-lover-stops-men-from-catching-dogs-gets-beaten-up/): Abhilash S, a 30-year-old resident of Sector 4, was beaten up by four unidentified assailants on November 22 at around 1145pm.     Representative pic   This incident appears to be connected to the allegation by pet lovers of HSR that 60 strays have been picked up from HSR and relocated elsewhere. According to this FIR (First Information Report), the incident occurred behind the Government Hostel when Abhilash was feeding the dogs.     Tata Ace mini truck. A representative image.   The four persons allegedly came in a Tata Ace mini truck to catch the dogs. When Abhilash protested that […] - [Lost dog in the afternoon, found him dead at night](https://residentswatch.in/lost-dog-in-the-afternoon-found-him-dead-at-night/): Yesterday at around 3pm, Bingo, a black labrador dog ran away from a house in Teacher’s Colony near HSR Layout Sector 5. Frantic owner Jayashree posted on social network groups and launched a hunt for her pet all day. The pet had gone missing from door number 297 on 4th Avenue.         Today, she is at a crematorium on Magadi Road to bury her pet. During her search, she found her dog at 11pm yesterday. However, the labrador was run over by a car.   Though the locals stopped the car and pulled out the dog from underneath, […] - [Rooftop restaurant catches fire; shut for 5 days!](https://residentswatch.in/rooftop-restaurant-catches-fire-shut-for-5-days/): The Vape, the rooftop restaurant on 27th Main Road in HSR Layout had a freak fire in the wee hours of today. The fire force officials took more than half an hour to extinguish it. No casualties were reported.   A fire force official from the Sarjapur Road station said that they received a call at around 4am about the fire on the fifth floor of Rio Arcade where The Vape is located. “It was due to an electrical short circuit,” he said.   The restaurant staffers clarified that it was due to a short circuit in the generators. The restaurant […] - [Software engineer dies when water tanker runs over him on 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/software-engineer-dies-when-water-tanker-runs-over-him-on-27th-main/):       41-year-old Swaroop Mothidath, a software engineer and resident of Confident Phoenix apartment in Kasavanahalli, died in front of ICICI Bank on 27th Main Road in Sector 1 yesterday (November 22) when a water tanker ran over him at around 1.10pm. He is survived by wife and three year old twins – a daughter and son.   Here is how it happened. Praveena (37 years) decided to step out for lunch with friend Srinivas. While they were both standing in front of ICICI Bank to cross the road, a two wheeler rider was coming from NIFT college and proceeding […] - [What's your 'dosha'?](https://residentswatch.in/whats-your-dosha/): The Organic World is the newest entrant in HSR Layout offering organic produce. What we loved most is the way they have these educational counters on how to check for nitrate content in vegetables and fruits with a tester, to pamphlets on the various doshas in our bodies.   Look at the pictures and answer the questions to know which ‘dosha’ you belong to and accordingly adjust your dietary requirements, according to Ayurveda. Your health is everything. This is for your information only and not a prescription for any ailments.                       - [Top traffic cop inspects Silk Board; junction improvements working well!](https://residentswatch.in/top-traffic-cop-inspects-silk-board-junction-improvements-working-well/): Yesterday, Additional Commissioner of Traffic P Harishekaran visited Silk Board and the surrounding areas of Hosur Road, Madiwala, Bommanahalli and Mangammanapalya. Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy apprised the top cop about the traffic situation on Begur Road, Bommanahalli Main Road and Silk Board junction.   A number of measures were discussed, including the exploration of any government land available near Silk Board junction that can be used to park the buses and ease the congestion. There is a lorry stand behind the existing service road near Silk Board where the buses are parked. The top cop wanted to check if that is […] - [Footpath encroachments removed on 27th Main Road](https://residentswatch.in/footpath-encroachments-removed-on-27th-main-road/): The HSR traffic cops removed several footpath encroachments on 27th Main Road from flyover junction to the HSR police station. The rest of the stretch will be carried out in the next few days, according to HSR traffic police.     Representative picture   Regarding the 24th Main Road encroachment, the cops said that the measures are temporary in nature. “We do it today but the next day, the vendors are back,” said one senior cop. Regarding shops encroaching the footpath, the cop said, “That’s the job of the BBMP officials. They know the law and we are ready to do […] - [HSR Habba is back and the residents are angry!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-habba-is-back-and-the-residents-are-angry/): The last time HSR Habba was held at BBMP Grounds in Sector 2, the residents were mighty upset because the organisers had visually polluted HSR Layout with flex banners and posters across the neighbourhood. Importantly, they had even nailed scores of posters on trees, which is the worst way to propagate anything. In addition, they were also guilty of noise pollution as their cultural programmes went on beyond midnight.         This time around, they have created a flutter among citizens by putting out on social media that they will put up over 1000 “eco-friendly” banners and 1 lakh […] - [Prostitution in HSR rears its ugly head again](https://residentswatch.in/prostitution-in-hsr-rears-its-ugly-head-again/):   We scan all things HSR Layout on social media and we came across yet another sales call by pimps. In October, we had reported about how prostitution had gone bold and brazen and how the HSR cops had trapped them. We have informed the HSR cops to take action on them. They are publicising their services using the Twitter handle: @ovimaniz84. When you click on their message, it takes you to a ‘Locanto’ website that has more details like the one below.         This shows two websites that they are operating from. Please note that not only […] - [HSR Ward Committee or Sham Committee?](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-ward-committee-or-sham-committee/): After the residents went to court asking the BBMP to set up a ward committee, the civic body followed the court orders. They sought refuge in the local corporator who inducted his own contacts. When the citizens protested against this nepotism, the BBMP Commissioner said the residents can send in their applications and he will personally see to it that they get a berth.   However, when the ward committees were finalised, none of the 500 applicants from across Bangalore found their names on the list. Such is the state of affairs in Bangalore. Thankfully, HSR Layout is slightly better off. […] - [BEWARE: OTP cyber crimes are most common!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-otp-cyber-crimes-are-most-common/):   We had reported earlier that there are 13 cybercrime cases being registered at the Cybercrime police station of Bangalore every day. Among the many such cases, OTP (online transaction password) scams appears to be the most convenient and common types of fraud. Therefore, it pays to read this news story and also share it among all your friends on social networks, irrespective of jurisdiction.         Take the recent case of Lt. Gen (retired) Raghunath D. The 81-year-old resident of Jayanagar 7th Block received a call from one Raj Kumar Verma on October 4. Claiming to be a […] - [Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is 'moderate to poor'](https://residentswatch.in/diwali-effect-pollution-in-hsr-is-moderate-to-poor/): Call it the Diwali effect or after effect, but the pollution in Bangalore and HSR Layout that was largely borderline has gone up by three times… from 65 to over 160. That’s an oscillation of pollution levels from moderate to poor. And these are the readings at the Silk Board monitor, the closest to HSR Layout.   The highest reading in the last 24 hours came at 11pm yesterday at 162 (ug/m3) when the safety limit is to be below 60. Anything between 60 and 120 is considered moderate to poor, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. And these readings […] - [Green cover: The refreshing turnaround of Govt PU College](https://residentswatch.in/green-cover-the-refreshing-turnaround-of-govt-pu-college/): Two years ago, the Government Pre University College on 29th B Main in Sector 1, HSR Layout, was just barren land. Today, it sports 30 trees that provide shade and cut the pollution from the surroundings with their green cover.   The story began in 2016 when Kaagaz Foundation, an HSR-based NGO, was planning to plant 3000 saplings in different parts of the neighbourhood. That’s when the volunteers zeroed in on this college. They approached the principal who readily agreed and the 30 saplings were planted and the college students joined in too. It was team effort all the way.   […] - [Resident complains against neighbour for causing pollution!](https://residentswatch.in/resident-complains-against-neighbour-for-causing-pollution/): MC Sunanda is a fiesty 65-year-old woman who is a resident activist of sorts in Sector 1. She has successfully fought against polluters and illegal occupants in her neighbourhood in the past and her latest is against a tenant in front of her house. “The occupants of site number 1879 on 21st A Main have no water facility or drainage. They wash, cook and dirty the place. They use firewood and pollute the area. They urinate in the site itself. It is causing nuisance and is an ugly sight in the morning.”         She has not only informed […] - [The heartwarming story of an HSR pet that was lost and found during Diwali!](https://residentswatch.in/the-heartwarming-story-of-an-hsr-pet-that-was-lost-and-found-during-diwali/): On Wednesday, November 7, Dr Sumana Kaushik lost Angel, a female golden retriever due to a negligent caretaker in Mangammanapalya. On Saturday, November 10, she was reunited with her six-year-old pet, thanks to four dog lovers of HSR Layout.     The message that did the rounds of social media   Dr Sumana had given her female dog to a pet trainer who had in turn given it to a woman in Mangammanapalya. During Diwali, with all the firecrachers going off simultaneously, the dog got scared and ran away. Thankfully for her, dog lovers Prashanth, Bindu and Sindhu Gowda, who had […] - [Stray dog attacks and what you can do!](https://residentswatch.in/stray-dog-attacks-and-what-you-can-do/): In the last six weeks, much has changed in the location of stray dogs in HSR Layout. The saga began when Member of Parliament Kupendra Reddy, a resident of Sector 1, was attacked by stray dogs in Sector 1 on October 11. Seven dogs were impounded. Later, the dog lovers of HSR complained that 60 dogs were missing from their areas in HSR as someone had taken them away. While the BBMP officials say that they have nothing to do with their missing status, residents allege that some unlicenced dog catchers could have relocated them illegally. If this is the case, […] - [Regulate traffic near Gayathri and Saibaba temple during festivals](https://residentswatch.in/regulate-traffic-near-gayathri-and-saibaba-temple-during-festivals/): When it’s festival season, both the Sai Baba temple on 19th Main and the Gayathri temple on 17th Cross congest the major thoroughfares.   Tweeting to the traffic police, resident Tribhuvan Krishnamurthy says, “Dear BTP, can you please regulate the vehicular movement and parking in HSR Layout?” He uploads a picture of a recent such jam on 17th Cross and says, “This was the situation yesterday at Basaveshwara Gayatri temple located in 17th Cross, 24th main, sector 1, HSR. Public park their vehicles at their will due to lack of regulations.”     17th Cross, Gayathri temple   Well, the regulations […] - [Man steals bike in the guise of 'test drive'](https://residentswatch.in/man-steals-bike-in-the-guise-of-test-drive/): Twenty-nine-year-old Aditya Kumar, a marketing executive, was conned in Sector 7 on October 31. However, he filed the FIR only a week later on November 8.   Aditya had put up his 2017-model KTM Duke 200 bike (KA01-HY3145) for sale on Quikr. At around 3.20pm, a person came to his apartment complex on 21st Cross after looking at his advertisement online.     Representative image   On the pretext of taking his bike for a test drive, the person took all the vehicle documents from Aditya and never returned. Citing the value of his vehicle at Rs 1.96 lakh, Aditya has […] - [Bikers cut signals routinely at BDA flyover junction](https://residentswatch.in/bikers-cut-signals-routinely-at-bda-flyover-junction/): Car drivers, but most frequently, two wheeler riders are routinely seen violating the signal rule at BDA Complex flyover junction. Recording this act and sending it to the traffic police, car driver Sharan says, “Unity in Diversity. Gumpalli Govinda from 0.20. All bikers break the rules with impunity here.”                 The remedy is CCTV that catch such offenders and fine them automatically. More than three such violations and their licence for the whole year should be cancelled. What else do you think can stop these violations, dear reader?   - [CEO accused of defrauding his own company in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/ceo-accused-of-defrauding-his-own-company-in-hsr/): Eshwar Reddy who owns Praneet Mobile LLP in HSR Layout has accused his CEO of cheating the company worth Rs 20.04 lakh.         According to the FIR lodged at the HSR police station, the company based on 11th Main Road in Sector 7, had sold 254 mobile phones worth Rs 43.15 lakh. Harish Appanna, the 42-year-old CEO was supposed to have deposited this amount into the company bank account.   However, he allegedly deposited only Rs 24.05 lakh. In addition, he failed to deposit the company’s Konanakunte branch’s cash reserves of Rs 53,000. Also, Rs 41990 that was […] - [Two bus bays but hardly any buses!](https://residentswatch.in/two-bus-bays-but-hardly-any-buses/): HSR Layout can be a study in contrasts. If the footpaths are good, the encroachments take away their beauty. If the roads are wider, triple parking narrows them down anyway. If the roads are well tarred, the lorries use them as parking lots. If the footpaths are cleaner, the errands and passerbys dump garbage and uglify them. In such a scenario, another interesting story has reared its disconcerting head.           The state government recently announced many more bus bays in the city next year. In HSR Layout, there are two of them in Sector 2 at KPTCL […] - [BBMP says these roads are pothole-free. Tell us if they are lying!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-says-these-roads-are-pothole-free-tell-us-if-they-are-lying/): Here is a comprehensive list of roads in HSR Layout which the BBMP says are ‘pothole free’. Please pour through the 32 pages of the PDF whose link is given below and let us know if potholed roads are being declared as ‘pothole free’, with the latest photographic evidence to prove it. This can only be crowd-sourced as HSR is quite a big ward. Help us to help you. Be part of this pothole-free drive.         Spare a few minutes to go through the PDF and look at the areas around where you live. If they are wrongly […] - [Mechanised sweeping of major roads by March; smaller stretches will have to wait](https://residentswatch.in/2899-2/):   In February 2018, the BBMP called for tenders on mechanised sweeping of bigger arterial roads and awarded the contracts only last month. The work order could be issued anytime this month for the Bommanahalli zone. Every zone (there are 8 in Bangalore) will get two big machines by Feb-March 2018. Once that happens, atleast the Outer Ring Road should be largely dust-free. However, the service roads and the arterial roads within HSR Layout will take a longer time as you need smaller battery-operated machines for that. While the BBMP has announced this proposal, the tenders are yet to be called. […] - [Why are traffic lights at Agara flyover and 19th Main not operational?](https://residentswatch.in/why-are-traffic-lights-at-agara-flyover-and-19th-main-not-operational/): When the traffic lights are not operational, why put them there? That’s the question the residents are asking the authorities. This has happened at Nandini Cooljoint junction (which we have reported earlier) and also under the Agara flyover. Residents have seen that these lights have been non functional for the last many months.   But the traffic cops contend that the 19th Main junction doesn’t need traffic lights because of the rerouting of traffic at the 17th Cross and 22nd Cross junction. “It will be a mistake if they install or make the traffic lights operational here,” says former HSR traffic […] - [Agara Govt School broken into during holidays](https://residentswatch.in/agara-govt-school-broken-into-during-holidays/): The government school building in Agara near Sector 1 has suffered damages worth about Rs 1.5 lakh. In the FIR, the school principal has alleged that some miscreants took advantage of the two-week Dussehra vacation and wrecked havoc in school. The result is that they have had to shift three classes and the office elsewhere in the building.     Speaking to Residents Watch, 59-year-old principal Mary Angela said that these kind of incidents have been happening in the school for the last five years. “But this time, the damage is too much,” she said. “They have damaged water tanks, pipes […] - [Top 6 complaints against HSR civic agencies](https://residentswatch.in/top-6-complaints-against-hsr-civic-agencies/): The issues are just too many to warrant a separate story. Therefore, we are collating all the recent complaints made against various civic agencies, so they can address these complaints immediately, if they still haven’t.   STREETLIGHTS           STORMWATER DRAINS         DUST POLLUTION       ILLEGAL SPEEDBREAKERS     ROAD CONDITIONS     GARBAGE DUMPING       - [Maid robbed on dark stretch; resident fights and gets streetlight!](https://residentswatch.in/maid-robbed-on-dark-stretch-resident-fights-and-gets-streetlight/): When the authorities don’t listen, the residents should never give up. Sector 2 resident Lalithamba BV did just that. When she heard that last week, one of the maids lost her purse to three ruffians who luckily spared her life, she called every authority imaginable to ensure that there was a streetlight on this dark stretch of the road where the robbery took place.     BEFORE     AFTER     The theft happened on a dark stretch of Somasundrapalya Main Road near Shyla wine shop. “The stretch near Shyla wines was completely dark as there was no street light,” […] - [Sadashivanagar resident loses Rs 8.64 lakh to an HSR chit fund firm](https://residentswatch.in/sadashivanagar-resident-loses-rs-8-64-lakh-to-an-hsr-chit-fund-firm/):   A 38-year-old Sadashivanagar resident has alleged that he was defrauded of Rs 8.64 lakh by a chit fund firm in HSR Layout, Sector 6.             The scam began in January this year when Mohammed Shahid Shariff came across Chandrashekar Gupta Gala, the MD of a company called SR Blue Chips. The accused allegedly promised to give Shahid 1-2% daily returns on any amount of money he deposited. Enticed by the offer, Shahid and his wife Amreen gave money via RTGS in instalments between January 17 and February 9, 2018 totalling Rs 8.64 lakh.   For […] - [Sadashivanagar resident loses Rs 8.64 lakh to an HSR chit fund firm](https://residentswatch.in/sadashivanagar-resident-loses-rs-8-64-lakh-to-an-hsr-chit-fund-firm-2/): A 38-year-old Sadashivanagar resident has alleged that he was defrauded of Rs 8.64 lakh by a chit fund firm in HSR Layout, Sector 6.             The scam began in January this year when Mohammed Shahid Shariff came across Chandrashekar Gupta Gala, the MD of a company called SR Blue Chips. The accused allegedly promised to give Shahid 1-2% daily returns on any amount of money he deposited. Enticed by the offer, Shahid and his wife Amreen gave money via RTGS in instalments between January 17 and February 9, 2018 totalling Rs 8.64 lakh.   For the […] - [House burgled in Sector 4; Rs 2.5 lakh valuables stolen](https://residentswatch.in/house-burgled-in-sector-4-rs-2-5-lakh-valuables-stolen/): A house on 14th B Cross, 17th Main in Sector 4 was burgled between October 28, 5.45am and October 30, 9.30am. Nobody knows the exact time of robbery as the burglary came to light when the inhabitants were on a trip to Tirupati temple. The FIR was registered at the HSR police station on October 30 at 4pm.             Fifty-eight-year-old Panduranga Rao was residing with his family on the first and second floor of his house in Sector 4. At about 5.45am on October 28, the family left home after locking up their house to visit […] - [Residents protesting sewage overflow on 11th Main for the last 6 months!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protesting-sewage-overflow-on-11th-main-for-the-last-6-months/): The problems of the 6th Sector residents appear to be never-ending, like it is for many other sectors in HSR Layout. The latest story is about how the residents residing on one stretch of 11th Main are forced to put up with overflowing sewage on the roads for the last six months and counting.           “This is happening opposite House Number 96,” Gopal told Residents Watch. “The doctor who resides in it has contacted just about everybody, from corporator to MLA to the BWSSB engineers, but a permanent solution is yet to be found. Whenever we complain, […] - [KLM mall chokes traffic on 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/klm-mall-chokes-traffic-on-27th-main/):   The KLM mall that claims to be the ‘common man’s mall’ is indeed attracting the common man by the thousands. However, it did not expect the crowd to get so much that it cannot accommodate the teeming multitudes inside its premises. Therefore, the footpath on 27th Main Road has been encroached.   Since there is no parking arrangement in its basement like many other commercial establishments in HSR Layout, the vehicles are being parked all along 27th Main Road, 22nd Cross Road and around. The result is that the traffic flow is getting choked at the junction of 22nd Cross […] - [Resident harvests and places groceries in community fridge for the poor](https://residentswatch.in/resident-harvests-and-places-groceries-in-community-fridge-for-the-poor/): On October 23, Residents Watch wrote about a community fridge placed by Saibaba temple on the 19th Main footpath, so the poor can make use of it. Today, Sector 7 resident Ratnakar BNS Ratnakar did his bit for the underprivileged.                 He decided to donate the harvest from his terrace and community garden to the community fridge. “I placed cabbage, brinjal, and Amaranthus leaves harvested today,” he told Residents Watch. “Hope the same will be relished by the users. We should encourage more such community fridges across HSR. I feel elated.”   We are […] - [Residents stop mobile towers from being installed in Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/residents-stop-mobile-towers-from-being-installed-in-sector-4/): Sector 4 residents stopped the installation of a mobile tower atop a ground plus two floor house by Airtel yesterday. It’s unusual for the telecom service provider to opt for such a low-lying house that could not only be harmful to the residents.       Airtel planned to erect a tower on top of this house in Sector 4     House No 228 is right in the heart of a residential area     According to the residents, the person responsible behind the installation attempt was the owner of house number 228. “Although Debnath is the house owner, the […] - [HSR skywalk inaugurated for the second time today!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-skywalk-inaugurated-for-the-second-time-today/):   This morning, former Home Minister and BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy laid the foundation stone for the construction of a skywalk between Teacher’s Colony-Sector 5 and HSR Layout Sector 6. The irony of it is that it was inaugurated earlier by Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy in July 2018. Read that story here.         When it was first inaugurated, the work on the overbridge near 9th Main Road and Sector 5 near the bus stand on the other side of Outer Ring Road (ORR) never got off to a start. The work was not allowed to begin because […] - [Egg factory encroaches footpath, builds permanent structure](https://residentswatch.in/egg-factory-encroaches-footpath-builds-permanent-structure/): The Mughals restaurant on 17th Cross in Sector 4 had done it for several years. After it shut down, The Egg Factory took its place.     However, the violation remains despite the Sector 4 residents pointing out the glaring irregularities. The pictures below convey the encroachment of the footpath better than anything else.   If you spot similar irregularities, whatsapp us (9880585748) and we will do stories on them too.                   - [Sector 1 doctor hit by 2-wheeler near Agara flyover; fractures leg](https://residentswatch.in/sector-1-doctor-hit-by-2-wheeler-near-agara-flyover-fractures-leg/): A thirty-six-year-old doctor fractured her leg when she was hit by another two wheeler on Outer Ring Road near Agara flyover.   At around 7am on October 24, Dr Amrutha Chauhan was near the exit ramp of Agara flyover on Outer Ring Road in front of Green Bar & Restaurant when another speeding two wheeler rider collided with her vehicle. She fell on the road along with the scooter, causing grievous injuries to her right leg.         One of the passersbys called for an ambulance and she was rushed to Columbia Asia hospital for treatment as an inpatient. […] - [Innova car stolen at night in Sector 2](https://residentswatch.in/innova-car-stolen-at-night-in-sector-2/): Two wheeler thefts are quite common across HSR as the last 45 days of our reportage has shown. However, this is a first in the last 1.5 months. A car has been stolen in Sector 2 and no less than the Toyota Innova which is costlier than the average cars on the streets.     Representative image   B Venkatesh, a 60-year-old resident of 24th Main, 25th Cross in Sector 2, HSR Layout, parked his 2014-model of Innova (Reg No KA01-ML5013) in front of his house at around 6.30pm on October 24. When he woke up the next day and went […] - [Bangalore Literature Festival begins tomorrow; HSR residents are part of it](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-literature-festival-begins-tomorrow-hsr-residents-are-part-of-it/): A literature festival no matter where it’s held in the city is a matter of pride for the residents and readers. When every TV soap, film or business strategy relies on writing, it’s but natural to showcase the power of writing to the world and encourage the habit of reading. It is with this objective that we are highlighting this event eventhough it’s being held in the centre of Bangalore.         Held once a year, the 7th edition of Bangalore Literature Festival is two day event at Lalit Ashok hotel on Kumarakrupa Road near Bangalore Golf Course from […] - [Raised drain height & shoddy quality upset residents](https://residentswatch.in/raised-drain-height-shoddy-quality-upset-residents/): Everytime, the roads are paved, they raise the height. The same is at work when they erect culverts over drains. The best examples are the ones done at 5th Main and 9th Main. With such heights, residents fear that the water will enter their homes much more easily due to their higher elevation.         One resident even said that although Bangalore is 900 metres above sea level, it is getting flooded because of these foolish practices by the civic agencies. But why is the BBMP doing it? “So they don’t have to desilt the drains everytime,” said Sector […] - [High Court appointed commissioners visited HSR today to check on potholes](https://residentswatch.in/high-court-appointed-commissioners-visited-hsr-today-to-check-on-potholes/): The commissioners appointed by the Karnataka High Court have just now wound up their visit of HSR Layout to check the status of potholes. As reported earlier, a group of proactive residents across Bangalore filed a public interest litigation about the shoddy state of potholes in the city. Based on that, the court gave a deadline to the BBMP last month. Later, the civic body claimed that there were zero potholes in several zones, including Bommanahalli.       18th Cross, Sector 7, HSR Layout     In response to an appeal by the petitioners, Residents Watch provided pictures of some […] - [CultFit keeps its promise to RW - Shifts employee cars to a vacant site](https://residentswatch.in/cultfit-keeps-its-promise-to-rw-shifts-employee-cars-to-a-vacant-site/): In August, Residents Watch had sought out CultFit about the increasing inconvenience that both the residents and the Swabhimaana Tree Park visitors were experiencing on 15th B Main, Sector 3, as their employees were parking their cars all along the road.           The management of CultFit promised to us that they were in the process of buying a parcel of land to precisely tackle this issue. And now, we are pleased to inform that they have kept their word. All the cars of their employees are now being parked on an empty site on 19th Cross, behind […] - [Missing NIFT Girl traced in Andhra Pradesh and brought back](https://residentswatch.in/missing-nift-girl-traced-in-andhra-pradesh-and-brought-back/):     Following the police complaint by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) that a girl student had gone missing from October 13, the cops swung into action immediately and traced her when she was on her way to Hyderabad. They alerted their Andhra Pradesh counterparts who intercepted her in Ananthpur and handed her back to her relatives in Bangalore. The case of 19-year-old Bharati Gurjar is amusing too as she hadn’t gone missing because she had eloped with anyone or someone had kidnapped her. NIFT officials informed Residents Watch that since there were 10 days of college holidays, she […] - [Missing 68-year-old Kumud reunited with family!](https://residentswatch.in/missing-68-year-old-kumud-reunited-with-family/): 68-year old Kumud Sinha missing since Saturday is reunited with her family. Unable to remember the apartment name, Kumud did the next best thing. She went back to her hometown and asked her family over there to call her husband back in Bangalore. Her son flew to her native place and got her back.   Speaking to Residents Watch, son Raju Sinha said, “As usual, she went out to buy some fruits. However, this time she went out of the building through the gate she never used before. She forgot the way back and tried to search for some time. As […] - [HSR schools go solar; Zee does it at 'zero cost'](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-schools-go-solar-zee-does-it-at-zero-cost/):   Lawrence School in HSR Layout and Mt Litera Zee School in Kudlu near Sector 2 have gone solar, paving the way for more.   Three years ago, Zee did it by opting for the ‘zero cost’ model of Solarify, a three-year-old company based out of Jayanagar. In this case, an investor paid Rs 50-60 lakh for a 96 KW plant. The school will continue to pay Bescom but not at the earlier rate of Rs 8-9/unit, but only at Rs 7/unit.   However, Lawrence School in Sector 6 invested its own money for a 40KW unit last year. This year, […] - [Stolen vehicle found by HSR resident; car owner traced by another citizen](https://residentswatch.in/stolen-vehicle-found-by-hsr-resident-car-owner-traced-by-another-citizen/): Sector 2 resident and civic activist Lalithamba BV has done something brilliant. Two weeks ago, she reported to the cops about an abandoned vehicle in front of Somasundrapalya Lake in front of Isha Lakefront View apartments. She even checked out the owner’s name on the transport authority’s website.                       According to the RTO, the car belongs to one Rajesh Kallayel and was registered in 2007   “The cops said that they don’t have a towing vehicle then,” said Lalithamba. She followed up a week after her complaint, and the cops said […] - [Cab driver accidentally hits two wheeler rider; takes victim to hospital!](https://residentswatch.in/cab-driver-accidentally-hits-two-wheeler-rider-takes-victim-to-hospital/): On the morning of October 19, at around 6.15am, 47-year-old Muniyallappa was riding his two wheeler on Bellandur Service Road from the Cafe Coffee Day end towards Bellandur.             When he approached Bhagini restaurant, 26-year-old Siddeshwar, a cab driver, allegedly driving rashly hit him so hard that the victim fell on the road along with his bike. He had injuries on his leg and back. Interestingly, the cab driver himself called for an autorickshaw and took him to the nearby Sakra Hospital for treatment.   This is the second instance where the culprit has also played […] - [Resident uploads video about how his car was broken into on 19th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/resident-uploads-video-about-how-his-car-was-broken-into-on-19th-main/):   Renjith M Das had parked his car on 19th Main in front of Rashtrakutas restaurant in Sector 4. He had left a fitness bag (with nothing inside), but three thieves thought there was a laptop inside it, and plan this robbery in five minutes during daytime while people are moving around. The video is now with the HSR police, but no news on their whereabouts yet.   Though the incident happened more than a year ago, and the video had gone viral then, Renjith shared this video today again to warn people about not keeping expensive things inside cars. With […] - [Twitterati erupts over Bescom's frequent power cuts in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/twitterati-erupts-over-bescoms-frequent-power-cuts-in-hsr/): HSR Layout residents are heaping ignominy over the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) for switching off power at will. Even when it does not rain, even during the winter, there are frequent power cuts, sometimes lasting for over six hours. And this has not gone down well with the residents.   Bescom officials contend that these could be for a range of reasons. From feeder relay issues to new power lines being laid for commercial entities to technical issues. Their justification is one of comparison. “Koramangala is worse, HSR is so much better,” said one official.         However, […] - [Street vendors clog HSR footpaths. Some possible solutions](https://residentswatch.in/street-vendors-clog-hsr-footpaths-some-possible-solutions/): The residents of Sector 6 and Sector 7 are complaining that food carts and paan shops are popping up like mushrooms on 5th Main in Sector 6 and Sector 7. For lack of a proper food street, this is the problem that HSR is suffering for a long time.                                   To precisely resolve this issue, many places were suggested by the resident welfare associations. Finally, 18th Cross in Sector 3 was identified and licences issued. However, it is largely unregulated as newer, unlicenced vendors come […] - [Resident uploads video about how his car was broken into on 19th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/resident-uploads-video-about-how-his-car-was-broken-into-on-19th-main-2/): Renjith M Das had parked his car on 19th Main in front of Rashtrakutas restaurant in Sector 4. He had left a fitness bag (with nothing inside), but three thieves thought there was a laptop inside it, and plan this robbery in five minutes during daytime while people are moving around. The video is now with the HSR police, but no news on their whereabouts yet.   Though the incident happened more than a year ago, and the video had gone viral then, Renjith shared this video today again to warn people about not keeping expensive things inside cars. With HSR […] - [Have a birthday or anniversary? These residents will plant a sapling in your house!](https://residentswatch.in/have-a-birthday-or-anniversary-these-residents-will-plant-a-sapling-in-your-house/): The other day when it was their area police inspector Rajesh’s wedding anniversary, the residents of Teacher’s Colony planted a sapling in his house. It does not just end there.   The group of over 175 members have bought 60 more saplings and are offering their services to plant a sapling on your auspicious day.   “Please give us your birthdate or anniversary, suggest a place in Teacher’s Colony, and we will plant the sapling,” says Mohan Govindiah, secretary, Namma Teacher’s Colony Residents Welfare Association. He can be reached at 77608-52892.     Right to left: Police inspector Rajesh with his […] - [Residents prevent garbage dumpers near Somasundrapalya Lake](https://residentswatch.in/residents-prevent-garbage-dumpers-near-somasundrapalya-lake/): An active bunch of residents headed by Sunder in HSR Layout Sector 2 have prevented two garbage dumping incidents on the banks of Somasundrapalya Lake.     The slippers and other garbage was dumped on the footpath in day time     The kitchen waste by an eatery was prevented from being dumped near the lake at night   When residents saw a small van pull up near the stretch close to the lake and dump slippers in the open land next to Isha Lakefront apartment, they immediately rushed to the vehicle drivers and forced them to take it all back. […] - [HSR residents fill potholes themselves!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-residents-fill-potholes-themselves/): On the heels of Kasavanahalli residents filling potholes on their own comes a similar story by HSR residents this time.   When several complaints to the BBMP didn’t bear fruit, two Sector 3 residents Dharmender and Prabhakar filled a gaping pothole on Sunday.   The patch on 17th A Main, 23rd Cross was filled by them with stones, debris and white sand.   “This is our Dussehra gift to the BBMP,” jokes Dharmender. “Now there is no debris and jelly stones at the entrance of 23rd A Cross on the ramp.”   While one resident holds a senior position at Bosch, […] - [Official apathy drives Kasavanahalli residents to fix the potholes themselves](https://residentswatch.in/official-apathy-drives-kasavanahalli-residents-to-fix-the-potholes-themselves/):                   Fed up with apathy from politicians, bureaucrats and other government officials, a group of residents have begun fixing the potholes on the Kasavanahalli Main Road. And while doing so, they have also tweeted to Prime Minister N Modi, BJP National President Amit Shah, BBMP Mayor, and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwar who is also the Bangalore Development Minister. There have been over 88 retweets of this and general outrage by the residents.   Tweeted Sudarshan: “Self Help is the only option. BBMP and BWSSB don’t act unless directed by Court or its […] - ['Who will save Bellandur? Spiderman, Superman or BBMPman?'](https://residentswatch.in/who-will-save-bellandur-spiderman-superman-or-bbmpman/): The residents have had enough and are continuing to highlight the plight of their civic infrastructure. They have chalked up ‘Bellandur Ulisi’, a series of ‘Save Bellandur’ events from October 21 leading up to the grand climax on October 27. They are conducting a painting competition for kids to come up with solutions to their problems on October 21 from 10am to 1pm. On the same day, from 3pm onwards, they plan a bike rally around their neighbourhood. And on october 27, they plan to form a human chain along this map to highlight the many issues they are facing today. […] - [College principal tweets to CM about eve teasing outside HSR schools](https://residentswatch.in/college-principal-tweets-to-cm-about-eve-teasing-outside-hsr-schools/): Thirumalesha Krishnappa, the principal of SVR PU College in Samasandrapalya, Sector 2, HSR Layout, is capturing the faces of eve teasers outside his school and regularly tweeting to the city police, Deputy CM and CM. Here is one such instance captured on October 9 at 4pm.                     “Eve teasing is a great threat to the student community in Somasundrapalya and HSR Layout schools and colleges,” he tweets. “We request Hoysala to do rounds around 4 pm near all the schools in these areas.”   Speaking to Residents Watch, Krishnappa said, “The cops […] - [The most beautiful park in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/the-most-beautiful-park-in-hsr-layout/): Situated bang in the middle of HSR Layout, in Sector 3, near McDonald’s junction, the 9-acre Swabhimaana Tree Park is the most beautiful lung space in HSR Layout.   Just take a few minutes off your busy schedule, relax and prop your phone on a stand and keep watching. We have spent a good amount of time in catpturing the many facets of the park in this 20-minute video.   And yes, don’t forget to step inside the actual park whenever you are free. It’s open before 9.30am and after 4.30pm.         CLICK HERE: TAKE THE VIDEO TOUR […] - [Stray dogs attack MP Kupendra Reddy; 7 dogs impounded](https://residentswatch.in/stray-dogs-attack-mp-kupendra-reddy-7-dogs-impounded/): Member of Parliament Kupendra Reddy was allegedly attacked by stray dogs in Sector 1, prompting the BBMP to impound seven dogs in the Koramangala animal shelter. Fearing that the dogs could be relocated or killed, animal activists rushed to the shelter and have filed a case against the BBMP in the Koramangala police station, and are demanding their release.     Representation purpose only   The incident happened yesterday morning (October 11) when the senior politician was on his morning walk. The four stray dogs that Sundara Rama Reddy (84 years) keeps in his house ran out when the gate was […] - [Sector 4 residents association now has a new team!](https://residentswatch.in/sector-4-residents-association-now-has-a-new-team/): After the recent Annual General Body meeting, a new set of people have taken charge of the 4th Sector Residents Welfare Association. We wish the team the very best luck in their endeavours.     Left to right: Amarnath Shetty (Jt. Sec), Anil (Sec), Jaya Kumar KM (VP), Syed Shabbir (President), Suresh Bhaskaran, Sneha Rai, Bharati Sunder, Asha (Treasurer), Kamlesh Mahajan, Manzoor Ameen, Ravindranath, and KN Murli   Core Committee members President: Shabbir Syed Vice President: Jaya Kumar KM Secretary: Anil Jt. Secretary: Amarnath Shetty Treasurer: Asha   Committee Members Sanjeev Bhandary Suresh Bhaskaran KN Murli Ravindranath Manzoor Ameen Sneha Rai […] - [Seven houses fined in HSR for not segregating garbage!](https://residentswatch.in/seven-houses-fined-in-hsr-for-not-segregating-garbage/): Yesterday, BBMP raided seven houses in Sector 3 and Sector 1 and fined them Rs 500 each. Usually, this kind of system works and people are made aware of the violations. The law says that you should segregate garbage into wet, dry and sanitary waste. But the violators mix up everything. To make matters worse, they use plastic bags instead of keeping buckets specifically to store garbage. The wet waste is sent to the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) in the neighbouring Kudlu area for composting and generating manure out of it. Unlike complaints from other wards that the segregated garbage […] - [Night walkers, beware! Pollution is high at the time!](https://residentswatch.in/night-walkers-beware-pollution-is-high-at-the-time/): In the last 24 hours, the PM2.5 levels have been below the safety level of 60. However, these minute suspended particulate matter that can deep into your lungs without your knowledge were highest at 11pm last night at 53. That’s pretty close to the safety mark.   The moral of the story? Don’t step out at night for walks. The mornings are best as you can see from this chart of the last 24 hours in Bangalore’s pollution levels.   The pollution levels get murkier when we found the measurements at the Silk Board junction, the closest monitor from HSR Layout. […] - [Residents start conversational Kannada classes for non-Kannadigas!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-start-conversational-kannada-classes-for-non-kannadigas/): The residents of Teachers Colony have decided to impart conversational Kannada classes for non-Kannadigas at a nominal rate of Rs 100 while senior citizens don’t have to pay anything. Though this is meant for residents staying in and around Teacher’s Colony, they have been kind enough to extend this facility to all the residents of HSR Layout and HSR Layout extension. The classes will be conducted every Sunday, beginning October 14, 2018. They will be held over two months. The Kannada sessions will be held at Carmel Garden Public School from 11am to 1230pm. “The necessary books will be provided by […] - [Residents collect 70kg garbage while 'plogging' in Agara Lake this morning!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-collect-70kg-garbage-while-plogging-in-agara-lake-this-morning/): Every Monday, since June 2018, a group of residents accompanied by the staff of Agara Lake and morning walkers/joggers, pick up trash at the premises of the water body. Call it ‘plogging’ or a cleanliness drive, but this is something they began three months ago and doing it continuously and with a fervour seen only among civic activists. Plogging is a fitness trend that is all about people walking and running even while picking up plastic strewn along the roads, footpaths and park/lake premises. Why Monday? Because the trash is maximum after the 12000-14000 people that visit the lake on weekends […] - [HSR resident gets cheated of Rs 27,738 when he revealed his OTP](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-resident-gets-cheated-of-rs-27738-when-he-revealed-his-otp/):     Just yesterday, we wrote about how one resident of Lingarajpuram shared his bank’s OTP on phone to strangers and lost Rs 41884. And now, an HSR resident has suffered the same fate.         On September 28, 55-year-old Krishna Rama Bhakare, a resident of Sector 2, Somasundrapalya, got a call at midnight from someone masquerading himself as a banker.   Sending him into a panic mode that his card was locked out, and they need to ascertain if he is the genuine card holder, the cheat gets him to reveal his debit card number and the OTP. […] - ['Underground wells' to recharge groundwater in parts of Sector 5 & 6](https://residentswatch.in/underground-wells-to-recharge-groundwater-in-parts-of-sector-5-6/): Ward 173 that includes a part of HSR Layout Sector 5 and Sector 6 residents, is off to a great start. Two percolation/recovery pits have been dug today in Teacher’s Colony that will not only prevent flooding of roads but also recharge the groundwater. By the end of the month, the entire ward will get about 68 such pits. The recovery pits can also be called ‘underground wells’ and this work began in Ward 173 last week with Venkatapura. However, some residents objected to it fearing that their building will collapse if the pits come up close to their houses. The […] - [Cybercrimes: How not to be conned!](https://residentswatch.in/cybercrimes-how-not-to-be-conned/): The cybercrime police station in Bangalore has received an average of 13 online fraud cases a day this year. Here are the most common scenarios they have come across, so you can stay alert, vigilant and prepared for such eventualities. And yes, please forward this to as many people you know. You could be saving a person from losing their entire life’s savings. FAKE ONLINE JOB OFFERS Fraudsters advertise fake job offers & fake employment, create fake and impersonating letters of reputed companies/ websites and ask job seeker to deposit cash. If you receive such offers, verify the authenticity by contacting […] - [HSR cops bust prostitution racket in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-cops-bust-prostitution-racket-in-sector-3/):   A prostitution racket was busted by HSR Layout cops in Sector 3. On a tip off at 5pm on October 2, the cops conducted a swift operation between 5.30pm and 6.30pm to arrest two persons under the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956.   In addition, they managed to rescue two women who were being used to run this flesh racket. Cash worth Rs 2000 and two condoms were recovered from the accused.   Under the leadership of 56-year-old HSR inspector DR Nagaraja (he’s awaiting the new inspector of HSR before joining his new posting in Bommanahalli), two persons were arrested […] - [Prostitution goes bold and brazen in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/prostitution-goes-bold-and-brazen-in-hsr/):     Rajiv who calls himself the ‘spa manager’ claims to be managing Sanjana Spa across the city, including HSR Layout. If you are looking for a physical location, there isn’t any. It’s in rooms rented out across the city. And such a location was traced by the HSR cops on October 2 whose story was mentioned in an earlier story today.                             Their Twitter handle     Their Google+ account       We followed up on the story and realised that this prostitution racket had truly […] - [Person shares OTP on phone and loses Rs 41884!](https://residentswatch.in/person-shares-otp-on-phone-and-loses-rs-41884/):   A resident of Lingarajpuram is the latest victim of cybercrime. Since these are online transactions with no geographical boundary, we are sharing this story with you as it can affect HSR residents just as much. Forewarned is forearmed.   On October 1, between 12am and 1246am, Mohammed Umar, 46 years, was called by some strangers who asked for his card number and OTP. Completely caught unawares thinking they were from the bank he had an account with, he gave away the details and ended up losing Rs 41884 from his bank overnight.   Cheats are employing various techniques to convince […] - [TV star Salman Khan opens cafe in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/tv-star-salman-khan-opens-cafe-in-hsr-layout/): Dancer Salman Yusuff Khan aka Mohammad Ghause who won the dance reality show Dance India Dance has opened the Smally’s restocafe on 27th Main Road in Sector 1 of HSR Layout. It is close to Corner House outlet. According to him, Smally’s is “India’s smallest restaurant chain, 6 outlets & Winner of “The World on a plate 2016”. He opened the outlet on October 2 with a bumper offer by Uber Eats. Anybody could order a burger for just Rs 6. The offer was valid only for a day. In his Instagram statement, the celebrity dancer, choreographer and actor says, “Another […] - [Bangalore receives 13 cybercrime cases a day!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-receives-13-cybercrime-cases-a-day/): The warnings that you have got so far on the various cybercrimes in the city are not to be ignored. Bangalore city alone has received an average of 13 such cases every day this year. So far, close to 3500 complaints have been registered by the Cybercrime police station on Palace Road in central Bangalore.         Most of the cases happen to be over phone and online. And much of the cases that we came across happen to be people getting cheated from advertisements placed by fraudulent people on mobile apps, websites and even 24-hour shopping channels.   […] - ['Sector 6 to Ecospace took me 2 hours'](https://residentswatch.in/sector-6-to-ecospace-took-me-2-hours/): Unlike 20 minutes earlier, it took Mrs Biju Chacko, a resident of Sector 6, almost two hours to reach Ecospace in Bellandur just now. Google Maps is telling us that the distance of around 9 kilometres can now be reached in 44 minutes because “fastest route now due to traffic conditions, and it’s getting better”.Having just reached the office, Mrs Chacko was asking us, “Is there a problem on Outer Ring Road? Left HSR two hours ago and just reached Ecospace. There is bumper to bumper traffic.”To all those people who are planning to use ORR, this will serve as a […] - [Illegal parking of trucks on 5th Main](https://residentswatch.in/illegal-parking-of-trucks-on-5th-main/): The problem of illegally parking trucks along 5th Main in Sector 7 continues unabated despite complaints from residents for the last several months. The menace is particularly critical near 24th Cross, according to residents. “The trucks are parked near three vacant sites, adjacent to Imperial Solitaire apartments,” says resident Ratnakar B. “Huge garbage dumping is happening on the footpath in the cover of trucks at night and in the early morning.” The residents complain that pedestrians are forced to walk in the centre of the heavy traffic, fraught with danger. “Many accidents have happened in the past,” says Ratnakar. “The dumped […] - [LED lights & automatic sensors for residents of Sector 5 & Sector 6](https://residentswatch.in/led-lights-automatic-sensors-for-residents-of-sector-5-sector-6/): The residents of Jakkasandra ward 173, including residents of Sector 5 and Sector 6, can expect their streets to be better lit in the coming days. On Saturday, MLA Ramalinga Reddy and corporator Saraswathamma attended a pooja programme to provide 65 LED lights for the entire ward. And these also include automatic sensor switches that will automatically turn on during sundown, saving precious electricity. Many might not know this but the Jakkasandra ward includes areas of Sector 6 (the area behind the Silk Board bus stand right up to Teacher’s Colony) and Sector 5 (the area between Teacher’s Colony and 14th […] - [When will we get automatic light switches? ask residents](https://residentswatch.in/when-will-we-get-automatic-light-switches-ask-residents/): After the news broke that the neighbouring BTM Layout constituency MLA has given control switches to Ward 173 that automatically switch off the streetlights at dusk, the residents of HSR Layout are demanding similar facility in Ward 174. For a long time now, the residents have been manually operating the lights. Sometimes, the lights stay on all day if the resident in charge of doing it is out of town. Many residents have suggested in the past that automatic sensors would be a great way to save electricity. When they read about our report that Ramalinga Reddy had used his MLA […] - [Residents Watch impact: BDA Complex flyover service road gets fixed overnight](https://residentswatch.in/residents-watch-impact-bda-complex-flyover-service-road-gets-fixed-overnight/): Within 24 hours of writing about the sad state of the service road under the flyover that was neglected for over two years, the BBMP has fixed the road with a fresh coat of tar. They have not just filled the pothole, but the entire portion of the problematic stretch to ensure that water does not stagnate. We thank the BBMP for keeping their word with Residents Watch and coming good on their promise. Once the state government grants the money for the road development works for the city, we could see the entire stretch from Silk Board to Iblur being […] - [BEWARE: Death trap at HSR BDA flyover; BBMP promises to fix it tonight](https://residentswatch.in/beware-death-trap-at-hsr-bda-flyover-bbmp-promises-to-fix-it-tonight/): This stretch of the road next to the flyover near BDA Complex in HSR Layout is treacherous. No matter how much you fill it up, the potholes are formed yet again due to stagnant rainwater caused by bad planning of the BDA. When the water isn’t getting drained into the nearby stormwater drains, potholes are always likely. And many vehicle users have had harrowing experiences out here, particularly when it rains and they have no clue that there are potholes underneath the water waiting to surprise them. Despite bringing this sorry state to the attention of the Major Roads department of […] - [Agara Lake jogging track is usable again. Cycling not allowed yet](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-jogging-track-is-usable-again-cycling-not-allowed-yet/):   The Agara Lake jogging track is being used by the walkers and joggers again. However, cyclists are not allowed yet. For those tuning in just now, a portion of the muddy pathway had collapsed due to a leakage in the BWSSB pipeline that runs underneath the track. This was because of the tumultuous rains a few days ago.                     “The Agara Lake track is fixed and people are using it,” says Kavitha Reddy of the Agara Lake Protection & Management Society. “On the first two days, the sewage water was pumped […] - [Swift action by HSR cops: Robbers caught within a week](https://residentswatch.in/swift-action-by-hsr-cops-robbers-caught-within-a-week/): On September 18, 2018, at around 11.20pm, two people on a bike robbed petrol bunk owner Satyanarayana on 24th Main, 15th B Cross, Sector 1. According to HSR police, the robbers pushed him away, and snatched his bag from the car containing Rs 5.71 lakh in cash and other important documents. Within a week after the case was filed at the HSR police station, inspector DR Nagaraj’s team has impressed everyone with their swift action by apprehending the alleged robbers. The finger of suspicion rested on the petrol bunk owner’s 32-year-old driver P Dinesh, a native of Mysore. When the cops […] - [Local MLA's act in BBMP council goes viral today!](https://residentswatch.in/local-mlas-act-in-bbmp-council-goes-viral-today/): h MLA Satish Reddy who governs the Bommanahalli constituency, which includes HSR Layout, has hit the news headlines today for his undignified act during the Mayoral elections in the BBMP Council.   In the video, the MLAs and corporators are seen pushing and shoving each other despite being told by the speaker of the BBMP Council to stay put in their seat. Reminds us of the chair-throwing scene in the parliament many moons ago, Thankfully, it didn’t get to that level here.   In the video, we can also see HSR Layout resident and MLC VS Ugrappa answering to a letter […] - [IT firm in Sector 1 suffers damage worth over 50k due to short circuit](https://residentswatch.in/it-firm-in-sector-1-suffers-damage-worth-over-50k-due-to-short-circuit/): Coviam, an IT company based out of 11th cross, 24th Main, Sector 1, suffered damages worth over Rs 50,000 due to a short circuit.         A month ago, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) installed a High Tension (HT) line from 24th Main near Maha Bazaar right up to 22nd Main where a new marriage hall is coming up. This HT line touches many trees on 11th Cross Road where this IT firm is located. Every time it rains, there are sparks and small fires in the trees. Last week, Coviam suffered a loss of rupees 50,000 caused by […] - [A swimming pool outside Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/a-swimming-pool-outside-swabhimaana-tree-park-in-sector-3/): A week ago, we had written about the sorry state at the entrance of the Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3. Action is yet to be taken on it. If this is allowed to go on, the stagnating water will create potholes, which is a massive dent on the excheque and a waste of public money. Did you know that Rs 3 crore is spent on relaying a kilometre of road?         “It’s a water pond near the main gate of the park,” says resident SB Kittur. “Whenever there is even half-an-hour of rain, the water collects on […] - [KCDC stink covers HSR Layout and surroundings](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-stink-covers-hsr-layout-and-surroundings/): Since yesterday, the stink from the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) has become stronger, and is being felt in parts of HSR Layout, Sarjapur Road, Singasandra, Mangammanapalya, Kudlu, Harlur and Bandepalya. Adding to the stink are the rains and the wind direction.           A few days ago, MLA Satish Reddy had stated on social media that the waste was being removed to eventually shut down the KCDC unit soon. The residents of Somasundrapalya who live closest to the polluting composting plant, however, feel that the tonnage might have gone up in the last week. However, KCDC officials […] - [Somasundrapalya lake work delayed by rains; should be ready by November](https://residentswatch.in/somasundrapalya-lake-work-delayed-by-rains-should-be-ready-by-november/):   If all goes well, the Somasundrapalya Lake near Sector 2 will be rejuvenated and open to public by November, according to BBMP sources.     The latest scene at Somasundrapalya Lake   The electric poles near the lake will be shifted to ensure that there are no live wires near the waterbody. There will be a 13-feet road for the residents surrounding the lake to travel through. The lake will be barricaded from this pathway to ensure that the waterbody’s jurisdiction is maintained. In addition, the temples that have come up in the lake premises will be demolished.   Speaking […] - [Resident launches door delivery of plastic and chemical-free groceries in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/resident-launches-door-delivery-of-plastic-and-chemical-free-groceries-in-hsr/): Vandana Pandey, a new resident of HSR Layout, quit her cushy job as a software engineer a year ago, went on a cycling trip across Rajasthan and Gujarat for several months, and moved in to HSR Layout to start an online grocery store with a difference. Her ‘Suunya’ outlet delivers groceries which are plastic and chemical-free.         Born in a farming family where she lived a zero-waste lifestyle in her small village in UP, she finally found a job that stays connected with nature. Soon, she plans to set up a warehouse where customers can visit and fill […] - [Cycle track delayed due to non-payment of bills!](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-track-delayed-due-to-non-payment-of-bills/):   The 9.7-kilometre dedicated cycle track in HSR Layout that was supposed to have taken off more than two years ago is delayed yet again. If it was last year’s record rains and this year’s drain works, it’s now the turn of non-payment of dues.   BBMP contractor Panduranga told Residents Watch that the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) is yet to clear three bills. “We have completed all the drain works along the cycle tracks but DULT is yet to pay for those works,” he said. “We have now stopped all the work because we have no money left […] - [Man flashes in front of housewife and scoots away in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/man-flashes-in-front-of-housewife-and-scoots-away-in-sector-1/): A housewife who came out on the road to talk to a friend on phone due to poor signal reception was flashed by a stranger on a two wheeler this afternoon. Not just that, he also stroked himself when he saw that no one was around to catch him in the act. Thankfully, the offender’s face was captured on a CCTV shown below.               This incident happened on 12th Cross in Sector 1. When the husband rushed out to nab the culprit, he had made good his escape. Thankfully, his neighbour had installed CCTVs, so […] - [RED ALERT: Part of Agara Lake jogging track caves in](https://residentswatch.in/red-alert-part-of-agara-lake-jogging-track-caves-in/):   A section of the jogging track at Agara Lake has caved in this morning after the rains. According to the park caretakers, this is because there is a BWSSB sewage line under the track, a leakage of which has collapsed the mud. A small pit has become a 20 feet pit,” says Kavitha Reddy of the Agara Lake Protection & Management Society. “We have tried to block off the area… the entire track is in a difficult situation. Thankfully, the sewage has not entered the lake.”   The caretakers are not sure how the leakage of the BWSSB sewage pipeline […] - [Sewage enters people's homes in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-enters-peoples-homes-in-sector-3/): The rains last night has led to the overflow of sewage on to the roads in Sector 3, leading to the flooding of homes. One victim of this is software engineer Arunkumar R who resides on 18th Main, 24th Cross. “We woke up at 4am and found the sewage overflowing on the road,” he told Residents Watch. “My neighbours are also facing the same problem of sewage entering their homes.”               Arunkumar is working from home today as he is planning to get a plumber to fix this issue of sewage entering his hall and […] - [MUST WATCH: Aerial view of HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/must-watch-aerial-view-of-hsr-layout/): This is a must-watch aerial footage of HSR Layout taken a year ago from Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3. You can see how much things have changed in just a year. This video is taken by DJI Phantom drone Xplorazzi Tech.     HSR Layout a year ago from Swabhimaana Tree Park                             - [BEWARE: A cycle theft captured on CCTVs in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/beware-a-cycle-theft-captured-on-cctvs-in-hsr/): Here is a CCTV footage shared by Youtuber Arun Kumar on September 17, 2018. Split into three parts from three different cameras and viewpoints in some part of HSR Layout, Arun claims that the captured visuals show how the thief in the blue shirt (which you will see in part 3) stole the cycle and makes his getaway in an auto without a number plate.   In Part 2, his face is clearly visible too. Within 20 minutes, he is able to steal the cycles. He uses a unique cutting tool to steal the costly cycles parked inside an office compound […] - [A fuel counter in Sector 2 for women only](https://residentswatch.in/a-fuel-counter-in-sector-2-for-women-only/): Introduced just a month ago, this is an exclusive counter for women and by women at the Indian Oil Corporation petrol bunk on 19th Main in Sector 2.   Men are not allowed at this counter as this is exclusive to women only. I feel special today because there’s a women’s only counter, said two wheeler rider Tara B.       - [ALERT: Thieves of shoes and clothes caught on camera in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/alert-thieves-of-shoes-and-clothes-caught-on-camera-in-sector-2/): Murali Dhruva Tejomaya, a student and HSR resident has uploaded a video that captures thieves of clothes in Sector 2. “It is high time we start taking our home security to the next level,” he says. “This video clip and this shows two guys robbing clothes from my house and a few other houses on 25th B Cross on 24th Main.”           At 4am on September 9th, shoes were stolen from 23rd Cross, 28th Main in Sector 2. Watching this video, resident Suresh Kumar was shocked to see that “they are too casual on their job”. Ranganath […] - [House damaged in Agara during excavation work by central govt](https://residentswatch.in/house-damaged-in-agara-during-excavation-work-by-central-govt/): Two bedrooms have developed cracks and the the foundation has come unhinged during excavation work on an empty plot behind a petrol bunk in Agara. The house owner is demanding the engineers to fix his house damaged by their unthinking act and has lodged a police complaint at the HSR police station. While this incident occurred about ten days ago, yesterday the petrol bunk’s underground storage tank was affected too. They were told to empty the tank in case of any mishap.               Surprisingly, the offending party happens to be the Ministry of Earth Science, […] - [Community policing has stopped in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/community-policing-has-stopped-in-hsr-layout/): The community policing initiative at HSR police station is no longer being done. The contract with Janaagraha, an NGO, that was enabling this initiative with the the cops has expired. However, the community policing will restart once the community liaison officers (CLO), the rank of Assistant Sub Inspector, are identified at the police station.     Fifteen children who lived in HSR Layout were enrolled into schools due to the efforts of HSR Layout Community Policing Team in June 2017. PIc: Janaagraha   Janaagraha began this initiative five years ago and was operational in around 20 police stations. The HSR wing […] - [Before-After: From garbage dumping spots to seating spaces](https://residentswatch.in/before-after-from-garbage-dumping-spots-to-seating-spaces/): Anil Benni and his team of BBMP workers are doing a world of good in HSR Layout. Here are some of the places that were renovated from blackspots to colourful seating spaces (and some with trees), and ‘no garbage’ zones.     25th Cross, 18th A Main     25th Cross, 18th A Main     Below BDA complex flyover agara lake entrance     Below BDA complex flyover agara lake entrance       Behind Ellukunte Government School     Behind Ellukunte Government School           Iblur, which comes under the HSR ward of the BBMP   […] - [Entrance of Swabhimaana Tree Park is a 'no man's land'](https://residentswatch.in/entrance-of-swabhimaana-tree-park-is-a-no-mans-land/): The road at the entrance of Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3 is flooded. There is no place for the rain water to flow. Even though a pipe is laid close to the entrance, it is filled with mud. We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate and fix this perennial problem before the newly tarred road develops a pothole.       - [Cybercrime in city shoots up by 100% from last year; latest victims from Kasavanahalli & Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/cybercrime-in-city-shoots-up-by-100-from-last-year-latest-victims-from-kasavanahalli-koramangala/): Last year, there were 5036 cyber crime complaints received by the Bengaluru police. This year, and it’s just in its sixth month, and already 4350 complaints have been registered and counting. Some of the recent cases involved residents from Kasavanahalli and Koramangala. And both these cases were identity thefts. THE KORAMANGALA CASE OF ATM FRAUD Twenty-seven-year-old Raghavendra R needed Rs 400 urgently. However, the vendors were not accepting e-wallets. Therefore, he rushed to the nearest ATM in Ramamurthy Nagar and withdrew Rs 400. Three days later, while he was gymmin, he received two SMS-es that someone had withdrawn Rs 10000 and […] - [Wedding hall security guard assaulted to forcibly enter the premises](https://residentswatch.in/wedding-hall-security-guard-assaulted-to-forcibly-enter-the-premises/): On June 2, at around 11.30pm, 23-year-old Mallesh, the security guard at Siddhartha Convention Hall in Sector 2, HSR Layout, was allegedly assaulted by one Naveen who claimed to be a former manager at the wedding hall.   At 11pm, Naveen apparently asked the security guard to let him enter the premises as he was a former employee, but the guard stood his ground by saying that his higher-ups should say so first. Naveen broke the lock and entered the premises despite the warning by pushing aside the guard in addition to mouthing expletives and giving him a death threat.   […] - [Spate of robberies and vehicle thefts in the neighbourhood!](https://residentswatch.in/spate-of-robberies-and-vehicle-thefts-in-the-neighbourhood/):   It pays to install CCTVs in homes and always having someone at home to guard it if you go by the recent spate of robberies in HSR Layout. Between May 29 and June 3, there were police reports of two vehicle thefts and four robberies. That’s six incidents in six days. From robbing an Ayurvedic centre to three domestic homes, it is a spate of robberies. Could it be one gang operating in the area? Nothing conclusive on that yet. FIRST INCIDENT The first incident of robbery occurred between 3am on May 28 and 11.30pm on May 29 on 24th […] - [No more electrocution: High tension lines in HSR Layout to go underground in 18 months!](https://residentswatch.in/high-tension-wires-in-hsr-layout-to-go-underground-in-18-months/):   The Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) has now announced a Rs 5300 crore multi-phased project for different neighbourhoods of Bangalore, including HSR Layout. What this means is that all the high tension cables running above the ground will go below the surface to avoid electrocution, short-circuits and power tripping. Even more fascinating is that the roads will not be dug up incessantly; only holes will be made every few metres in what is called a ‘high definition digging mechanism’. The three-phased project has HSR in the first phase. If all goes well, the project slated to begin from July 2019 […] - ['Super Run' tomorrow to celebrate World Environment Day in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/super-run-tomorrow-to-celebrate-world-environment-day-in-hsr/):   Celebrate World Environment Day. Run for a Greener HSR and Bangalore. The organisers of Super Run tomorrow at BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout, Sector 2, are asking everyone to come forward and take part in this event to make it a thumping success. The registration fee of Rs 499 includes a T-shirt, breakfast, medal and  certificate. There are two categories: 3K Run & 5K Run. For each category, there are three winners in male, female and kids divisions. The winners get trophies too. Mark your calender June 2, 5.30am-9am BBMP Playground, HSR Layout Google Map (for directions) Timing: Report at […] - [Avoid 24th Main during peak hours: BWSSB's pipeline work in progress](https://residentswatch.in/avoid-24th-main-during-peak-hours-bwssbs-pipeline-work-in-progress/):   Congestion is going to continue on 24th Main Road for the next fortnight as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is laying a pipeline from Lotus Hospital to KPTCL junction.   While the pipeline is now laid from Lotus Hospital to KPTCL junction, the levelling of the road is only pending now. BWSSB officials informed us that the asphalting work of the dug up stretch will take up two weeks to complete.   What is throwing a spanner in the works are the rains. The work was supposed to have finished by now but for the rain gods. […] - [KCDC reduces tonnage; refuses garbage with too much leachette](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-reduces-tonnage-refuses-garbage-with-too-much-leachette/):   In the last few months, there is some tussle between the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) and the garbage contractors. KCDC is refusing to take leachette alongwith the garbage that is given to it. It’s contention is that it is commercial waste being given to them when the truth, according to BBMP officials, is that it is very much residential waste. KCDC still wants the contractors to reduce the leachette at source before handing over the wet waste to them. However, the garbage contractors feel that it’s practically impossible to do so, particularly when it rains.   “Since the rains […] - [Basement shop closures soon: BBMP Joint Commissioner](https://residentswatch.in/basement-shop-closures-soon-bbmp-joint-commissioner/):   Following the statement to us by BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad that the basement shops will be shutdown after May 23, it is now learnt that the BBMP is getting ready for this massive operation. As it requires a systematic way of conducting the operation without fear or favour, there needs to be some amount of planning. For this project, political will is not an issue as the action is ordered by the Karnataka High Court.   Enough time has already been given – more than three months – for all the shops to relocate from the basements. Ofcourse, there are […] - [Bike thieves strike during the weekend in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/bike-thieves-strike-during-the-weekend-in-hsr/):   It sure seems like the thieves of two wheelers appear to be quite busy on weekends in HSR Layout. Take the last fortnight for example. In the space of three days, three different bike thefts occurred across HSR Layout. In an earlier incident that occurred in Sector 3, the thief (only his back is towards the CCTV) was seen pushing the bike away from the parked area in front of Subramanya temple on 18th Cross. The bike happened to be that of the priest. This could well be the modus operandi of all the thefts that happened last fortnight as […] - [Jewellery worth Rs 2 lakh burgled from Sector 1 house; thief caught on CCTV](https://residentswatch.in/jewellery-worth-rs-2-lakh-burgled-from-sector-1-house-thief-caught-on-cctv/):   On May 24, at around 12.15pm, a house was burgled in Sector 1, HSR Layout. Gold worth Rs 2 lakh was stolen. The thief was allegedly caught on CCTV, wearing a black tee and blue jeans while riding a blue bike.   According to the FIR lodged at the HSR Layout police station, resident Manjeet Kakoti (30) of 14th Cross, 21st A Main, found his first floor house burgled between 12.15pm and 12.45pm when nobody was at home. The items stolen included Rs 15,000 cash, three gold chains, two pairs of gold earrings, two gold finger rings, one gold locket […] - [Woman software engineer kidnapped near Silk Board](https://residentswatch.in/woman-software-engineer-kidnapped-near-silk-board/): A scary incident occurred recently to a woman software engineer who was kidnapped in the afternoon near Silk Board.   On Monday, April 1, 2019, around 1.45pm, 24-year-old Sushmita Dixit was kidnapped by five people travelling in a car near Vishal Mega Mart on Hosur Road near Central Silk Board.   Employed with Accenture, she had a job interview at Capgemini. Her father dropped her at Silk Board from where she took an Ola cab at 11am. When she reached Capgemini, she was told that the interview was postponed to the next day. She took an auto and got down at […] - [BEWARE: Accidents galore in HSR Layout police limits!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-accidents-galore-in-hsr-layout/):   With the ring road traffic using HSR Layout as a transit route, many accidents are taking place in HSR Layout. The area around Freedom International School, Greens Bar, Sweet Chariot, Mantri Apt and Coffee Day are the latest accident hotspots where severe injuries have taken place. Here is a rundown of each of the incidents where the damages were grievous.   LOCATION: In front of Cafe Coffee Day, near petrol bunk, 19th Main, HSR Layout On February 7, 2019, 18-year-old Evaditya Singh, a resident of AECS Layout, was hit by a 42-year-old lorry driver at around 8am. At the time, […] - [Cheated out of a 3.6 crore site; a person loses Rs 50 lakh advance!](https://residentswatch.in/cheated-out-of-a-3-6-crore-site-a-person-loses-rs-50-lakh-advance/): A resident has complained that he was defrauded of Rs 50 lakh advance on a fake site he finalised for Rs 3.6 crore.   The alleged fraud took place between February 2 and March 13, 2019. Politician R Chandrashekhar, a 46-year-old resident of Electronic City has alleged that he was cheated by Lakshmipathi T (30) and Sebastine (34).   Chandrashekhar, a member of the Konappana Agrahara village panchayat, was doing business in partnership with Suryanarayana. Chandrashekhar’s friend Sanjay Goyal introduced him to Sebastian who operated a real estate firm near Adigas restaurant on 5th Main in Sector 6, HSR Layout. Sebastian […] - [Civic activist's house broken into while he was abroad](https://residentswatch.in/civic-activists-house-broken-into-while-he-was-abroad/): Thieves don’t leave any house unburgled, particularly when the tenant is far away from home. On April 21, 2019, Brigadier (retired) RS Murthy left for Vietnam with his wife. On May 15, 2019, around 5.15pm, Murthy’s security guard Bharat noticed that the back door was broken into.   The guard reported the incident to Murthy’s nephew Sanjeev Balakrishnan who stays in HSR Layout. Upon inspection, Sanjeev found that the house was ransacked as the thieves failed to find what they were looking for: jewellery and cash. They avoided the electronic items and took away all the taps and kitchen fittings. There […] - [HSR restaurant fined Rs 50,000 for dumping waste in drain](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-restaurant-fined-rs-50000-for-dumping-waste-in-drain/):   In a damning case of abject negligence, a restaurant in HSR Layout was fined Rs 50,000 for dumping wet waste into the stormwater drain.   The promoters of the The Paratha Company were made to cough up the hefty fine as it was also a repeat offence, according to the civic officials. However, this time they had the proof to nail them. The restaurant was found guilty of dumping the waste in the stormwater drain behind the Indian Oil petrol bunk and near the Swachagraha Kalika Kendra.   The culprits were caught as they found the company’s address in the […] - [Basement shop shutdowns and demolitions to begin after May 23](https://residentswatch.in/basement-shop-shutdowns-and-demolitions-to-begin-after-may-23/): All the grace time to basement shop owners is about to get over. After the results of the general elections are out on May 23, the basement shop demolitions will resume.   Talking to Residents Watch, BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad said, “We have shutdown many basement shops in Bengaluru and will continue our drive after the elections results are out.”   HSR BBMP officials echoed the same facts and said that the elections had put a spanner in the works. In addition, the shopkeepers had asked for more time to look for alternative places. When the BBMP announced that grace time […] - [Illegal car shed in residential area demolished in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/illegal-car-shed-in-residential-area-demolished-in-sector-3/): Some months ago, we came across a shed that was coming up in Sector 3 on 17th Main-19th Cross. When we enquired, the workers said a call centre was coming up. We were aghast. How can an office exist on a narrow road in a residential area? Later, we were told that a car washing shed was coming up, and it did come up despite our complaints to everyone at BBMP.   However, when the time for permissions came, the BBMP officials rejected the commercial proposition of having a car washing shed. “We clearly said that no commercial activity was possible, […] - [HSR cops catch thieves and recover 20 gold chains](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-cops-catch-thieves-and-recover-20-gold-chains/): For five years, Aruna and Rajesh had a free run snatching necklaces of women across Bangalore. But last week, they were apprehended by the HSR cops who recovered 20 necklaces from them. What’s more, Dr Isha Pant, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East), gave away chains to six people who had lost them to these thieves.    “They had committed 20 chain snatching incidents, including four in HSR Layout police limits, one in Koramangala, 1 in Begur, 3 in Tilaknagar and 4 in Rammurthy Nagar, among others,” said one police official. The star of this investigation was head constable Manjunatha […] - [FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT: A salt cave to fix breathing and skin disorders in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/first-person-account-a-salt-cave-to-fix-breathing-and-skin-disorders/): By Gopika Suresh Recently, I came across something that I had never heard of before: a chance to lighten my day over a session of salt therapy at Salt World in HSR Layout. Upon entering, I sat on one of the chairs for a while, wondering what they would do. I saw a few packs of Himalayan salts on display and I thought: Will I get drenched while getting this done? If I did, how would I get back to the office? Are they going to scrub me with this salt? Will it hurt?   A pamphlet on the coffee table […] - [Sewage in stormwater drains of HSR Layout. Who is to blame?](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-in-stormwater-drains-of-hsr-layout/): There’s sewage in storm water drains of HSR Layout. Who is to blame? The BWSSB, the BBMP or the residents letting sewage into the drains that are supposed to only carry rainwater into the drains? The fact is that everyone is to be blamed for this. In addition, the desilting is done in a haphazard non-systematic manner. The debris cleared is left to dry. When there is another spell of rain, the debris is back into the drains, nullifying the previous effort to desilt the drains. When will the BBMP get its act together? Here is a video of one such […] - [HSR Layout is powerless after yesterday's rains due to tree and pole collapses](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-is-powerless-after-yesterdays-rains-due-to-tree-and-pole-collapses/): Yesterday’s continuous rains have wrecked havoc in HSR Layout, leading to several residents suffering power breakdowns. This has led to water shortage too as the sump and borewell motors need electricity to transport water to the overhead tank. With BWSSB’s schedule being erratic, the residents were far more inconvenienced as they were getting Cauvery water but there was no electricity to send that supply to the storage tank.   According to Bescom officials, over a hundred complaints were registered overnight. Strong winds led to many tree falls and pole collapses across HSR Layout. This has led to outages across the neighbourhood, […] - [Dry leaves and unswept roads and drains? Call these people](https://residentswatch.in/dry-leaves-and-unswept-roads-and-drains-call-these-people/): Dry leaves on roads and footpaths are being swept on different days for different areas in HSR layout. Here is how it works, according to garbage supervisor for BBMP, Anil Benni: “It’s once a week for every road in HSR Layout,” he says. “The entire sweepers team is divided into two groups. They work five days a week between 10 am and 2 pm.   The areas covered are as follows for different days of the week: Mondays = 6th sector & Freedom school area of 4th sector. Tuesdays: 7th Sector Adigas backside, Guntoop, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar & NH Narayana hospital […] - [Sector 3 restaurant found contaminating its surroundings](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-restaurant-found-contaminating-its-surroundings/) - [Cult Fit corporate office causes air and noise pollution in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/cult-fit-corporate-office-causes-air-and-noise-pollution-in-hsr-layout/) - [Sector 3 Swabhimaana Park hosts voter awareness video!](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-swabhimaana-park-hosts-voter-awareness-video/): Recently, a group of residents launched ‘Desh Ke Liye’, a voter awareness video at a function in Oxford College, Sector 4, HSR Layout. The beautiful Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3 played host to it. Watch the video and spread the good word as Bangalore goes to polls tomorrow. - [Brutal tree killing near Sector 5 in Teacher's Colony](https://residentswatch.in/brutal-tree-killing-near-sector-5-in-teachers-colony/) - [Rent your own private mini theatre in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/rent-your-own-private-mini-theatre-in-hsr-layout/):   Yes, you can stream it big, and you can make the theatre your home. Welcome to Binge Club where you can binge watch your favourite TV soaps, movies or sporting events in a group of 6. It’s your very own private mini theatre in HSR Layout, complete with Dolby Atmos sound and a 135-inch giant screen.   If movie-watching is not your thing, you can game on. There are movable, cozy seating arrangements for you like beanbags, sofas and couches, so you can be the boss of everything you survey. With an in-house canteen, you can eat whenever you want, […] - [Events in HSR: Open mic, standup, painting, sketching, personality development, digital marketing, cracking IAS exams & more](https://residentswatch.in/events-in-hsr-open-mic-standup-painting-sketching-personality-development-digital-marketing-cracking-ias-exams-more/): SATURDAY Words Weave Magic Sat, 13 Apr 6:00PM – 7:30PM Lokl – Simply hangout, Sector 1, HSR Layout 668, 13th Cross, 27th Main, Sector 1, HSR Layout (Near Brimstone Cafe) Free Thinking what to do on a Saturday? Show up on the stage to weave magic with your words. If you are a poetry enthusiast, this is the place you would definitely love! Lokl HSR is coming up with the first poetry open mic in this neighbourhood. Couple it with some amazing coffee and brew your way to a remarkable Saturday evening. Are you from NIFT? Because they have some amazing […] - [HSR residents protest today; BWSSB promises water every four days!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-residents-protest-today-bwssb-promises-water-every-four-days/): Despite repeated reminders and warnings, the BWSSB did not follow the schedule it had put out recently. The result was that several residents of HSR Layout protested today at the BWSSB office on 24th Main in Sector 2. They were answering to the protest call given by the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association. Shouting slogans of ‘Beke Beku, Neeru Beku’ (We want water), the residents registered their protest even while meeting the engineers in charge of this sub division. The BWSSB officials said that they cannot help the situation until June 2019 as there is a water shortage due […] - [Clinic found dumping medical waste on Iblur lakebed penalised by BBMP!](https://residentswatch.in/clinic-found-dumping-medical-waste-on-iblur-lakebed-penalised-by-bbmp/): In a rare case, thanks to resident activism, a clinic in Iblur, which comes under the HSR Layout ward, was penalised by the BBMP. When a group of residents found medical waste like used syringes and cotton used to cover wounds, they immediately looked for the identities of the perpetrators. Soon enough, they found prescription receipts of Ganesh Clinic in Iblur. When the news came to the notice of BBMP health inspector Vinodh GM, he immediately went to Ganesh Clinic and fined them for their offence with a warning that they should not be found repeating this crime ever again. “We […] - [Weekend Events: Open mic, Lucky Ali, standup comedy, sketching & doodling!](https://residentswatch.in/weekend-events-open-mic-lucky-ali-standup-comedy-sketching-doodling/): FRIDAY EVENTS Open Mic Night Fri, 5 Apr, 6pm-11pm Grapevine, 43, 22nd cross road, Sector 3, HSR Layout Rs 300 Drop by for an acoustic and intimate open mic night. Those who wish to participate/perform as part of the open mic night will have to come to the venue and register by 7pm. This event is limited to music and musical performances only. Open mic nights are events where in anyone from the audience may register on the spot at the venue, and join the line up to perform. The Comedy Fiesta Fri, 5 Apr, 8pm-9.30pm Sector 7 Café, Sector 7 […] - [Stung by criticism; BWSSB issues time table of Cauvery water release for all sectors](https://residentswatch.in/stung-by-criticism-bwssb-releases-time-table-of-cauvery-water-release-for-all-sectors/): Every Sector in HSR Layout is reeling under Cauvery water shortage. With the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) providing erratic water supply, every resident and association member is up in arms. Stung by the increasing unrest among people, the BWSSB has released a time table for the whole of April. The Background Sector 3 activist HM Javali spoke to the BWSSB engineers and requested them to ration water equitably to all sectors as there were allegations that certain areas were water-sufficient while the other stretches were crying for water. Even the borewells have gone dry in several areas, prompting […] - [Six-year-old HSR resident shares DIY composting tips on YouTube!](https://residentswatch.in/six-year-old-hsr-resident-shares-diy-composting-tips-on-youtube/): HSR Layout resident Prachi, a six-year-old, shares her tips on how to start composting at home through the aerobic method.   Not only has her mother Lalithamba BV recorded this but also uploaded it on YouTube for mass consumption. The video was uploaded on October 2, Swachchata Diwas, and has already recorded over 300 views and gotten six subscribers.   We would like you to watch this as well, because if there is zero wet waste coming out of your house, there will be fewer landfills. You can watch Prachi’s video here. Two days earlier, she had shared a short video […] - [A view of HSR Layout from the heavens!](https://residentswatch.in/a-view-of-hsr-layout-from-the-heavens/):     Aerial shots of HSR Layout’s Agara Lake, Agara village, and parts of Sector 4 and Sector 1 taken from Google Earth     Aerial view of BDA Complex and Sector 4     Central Silk Board junction. The traffic looks far less and is definitely taken in the early mornings!   - [Sai Baba temple in Sector 3 encroaches another section of median park; BBMP looks the other way!](https://residentswatch.in/sai-baba-temple-in-sector-3-encroaches-another-section-of-median-park-bbmp-looks-the-other-way/): In what is a blatant violation yet again by the Sai Baba temple authorities, they have brazenly encroached another large stretch of the median park on 19th Main Road in Sector 3, HSR Layout, to build a metal and concrete structure. This is in addition to the median park they had already encroached several years ago to build the temple. Despite protests and complaints from residents, no action is taken in the last one month.     “The temple itself is illegal and the MLA himself said many years ago that the BMTF has been given orders to demolish it, but […] - [Use steel cutlery for celebrations, say residents and offer a rental service](https://residentswatch.in/use-steel-cutlery-for-celebrations-say-residents-and-offer-a-rental-service/): Hasiru Mithra, a group of HSR Layout residents, that works towards bettering the neighbourhood selflessly also offer an affordable steel cutlery rental service. This is perfect for the upcoming festive occasions. In fact, these are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and just about any occasion that requires you to rent cutlery. Instead of going plastic, go steel. Not only is it environment-friendly, it also saves you from getting diseases like cancer due to plastic usage.                   BYOC is the new buzzword, and it means ‘bring your own cutlery’. Thanks to their venture, little ones […] - [Permanent places to drop off electronic waste in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/permanent-places-to-drop-off-electronic-waste-in-hsr/): There are temporary e-waste pickup points in HSR Layout at Ganesha temple park on 11th cross in Sector 1, at Nagarjuna Greenridge apartment complex in Sector 2 and Royal Habitat, again in Sector 2.   However, these are on specific days and have set timings. We will update you on this channel during those collection drives. But if you are looking at anytime pickup, there are two places where you can drop off your e-waste whenever you want to (see images below). In addition, if you are giving stuff in bulk, doorstep pickup can also be arranged.   - [70% callers in HSR seeking counselling are students](https://residentswatch.in/70-callers-in-hsr-seeking-counselling-are-students/): A women and child safety helpline in BTM Layout receives an average of 10 calls a day, 70% of whom are students. According to the helpline officials, the biggest problems they face is addiction to smartphones, losing interest in studies and getting involved in love affairs.         In rare cases involving warring adult couples who don’t listen to them, such people are referred to the helpline located inside the police commissioner’s office on Infantry Road. “So far, this has happened in about a dozen cases where either the people coming to us are highly educated and adamant or […] - [What is HSR's connection with the world at large?](https://residentswatch.in/what-is-hsrs-connection-with-the-world-at-large/): For those new to HSR, the acronym stands for Hosur Sarjapur Road. But type ‘HSR’ on social media or the search engines, and you will realise that the coinage is used just as widely for completely different entities in an entirely different corner of the world. We are talking about #hsr or even @hsr that will take you to Hamilton Street Railway, a public transport agency in Ontario, Canada. Incidentally, HSR also has bus services and for all its constant updates, it uses the Twitter handle: @hsrnow.               That’s not all. HSR is known in […] - [Haphazard parking on 14th Main & 17th Cross](https://residentswatch.in/haphazard-parking-on-14th-main-17th-cross/):   The resident and vehicle users are inconvenienced by the the indescriminate parking along 17th Cross Road and 14th Main Roads that lead to McDonald’s junction. Not only do they narrow down these major thoroughfares of HSR Layout, but also cause much inconvenience to both pedestrians and vehicle users.         Says resident AB Gowda who has tweeted to the traffic cops for action: “Vehicles parked haphazardly are blocking the main roads at this junction in HSR Layout, 17th Cross Road (McDonald’s signal). It’s the same haphazard mode in all four roads leading to this junction.”     The […] - [One-way violations by school buses continue on 27th Main Road](https://residentswatch.in/one-way-violations-by-school-buses-continue-on-27th-main-road/):         It’s one thing for two wheeler riders to violate one-ways and completely a different magnitude of violation when higher capacity school buses are involved in such violations. That is precisely what is happening on 27th Main Road despite being a one-way from 24th-27th Main junction to Somasundrapalya Main Road junction.   We have highlighted about this before but the traffic police is inept at making their voice loud and heard in schools around the neighbourhood. It’s a branding issue too as residents wonder what these institutions are teaching their kids when they themselves violate the most basic […] - [Paper straws, bamboo stems & papaya stalks to replace plastic?](https://residentswatch.in/paper-straws-bamboo-stems-papaya-stalks-to-replace-plastic/):         An HSR vendor has come up with paper straws to replace the banned plastic straws you use to drink fruit juice and tender coconut water.   “They can be an alternative for disposable plastic straws,” says resident Lalithamba BV who has suggested this to the BBMP top brass, including Randeep, the commissioner in charge of waste management in the city. “These need to be promoted, so that they become economical.”   In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, coconut vendors have come up with several other alternatives like bamboo stems and papaya stalks. Where there is a will, there is […] - [Trees on fire near Agara Lake](https://residentswatch.in/trees-on-fire-inside-agara-lake-park/): After the fire at KPTCL campus on 27th Main in Sector 2 last week, today was the turn of plants near Agara Lake park. The trees caught fire and the fire force officials immediately rushed to extinguish the fire. The lake caretakers suspect that a cigarette butt thrown inside the park fence by the passersby could have led to the accident. The location of the dry grass fire is next to the major stormwater drain (Rajakulave) on 14th Main opposite Greenview Hospital. Luckily, the Agara Lake staff swung into action before the fire force officials arrived.  “This afternoon, there was fire […] - [Another lake in the vicinity of HSR Layout is ready for the rains!](https://residentswatch.in/another-lake-in-the-vicinity-of-hsr-layout-is-ready-for-the-rains/): The residents of HSR Layout are blessed to have four lakes in their vicinity: Agara Lake, Somasundrapalya Lake, Iblur Lake and Kaikondrahalli Lake. And even more blessed are they as all the four lakes are either rejuvenated or in the process of it. Iblur Lake is ready for the rains.  The rejuvenation that began in December 2017 is close to completion. Spread over 18 acres and 6 guntas, it will have an urban forest, pathways, CCTVs and public toilets. Says Jagannath Rao, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP: “The lake work is almost complete. Only the pathway mud work is left. Iblur […] - ['Private bus stand at Silk Board to cause more pollution'](https://residentswatch.in/private-bus-stand-at-silk-board-to-cause-more-pollution/):       To weed out the issue of rampant parking by private bus operators and restrict them from entering the city, the transport department has decided to set up three private bus stands around the Outer Ring Road, including Silk Board. Senior bureaucrats have already asked the officials to figure out the government land around these parts to set up the stands. However, the residents are not happy with this development.   “It means pollution and traffic congestion at Silkboard will significantly increase,” says Mohan Govindiah of Namma Teacher’s Colony group. “The residents are requested to plant more trees to […] - [Somasundrapalya Lake revival in HSR Layout is nearing completion](https://residentswatch.in/somasundrapalya-lake-revival-in-hsr-layout-is-nearing-completion/): The Somasundrapalya Lake was first scheduled to be completed by November last year. And then, it was pushed to January as this video suggests. Now, the lake authorities say they will complete in a month from now. Says Jagannath Rao, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP: “In a month’s time, all our work will be done. The pipeline is laid, the desilting and drain work is done, the bund is done… only minor work is done. We want rain water and the lake will be ready to receive it.” - [Yoga for health, blogging, vlogging, cartooning, embroidery, cycling, summer camp & standup comedy](https://residentswatch.in/yoga-for-health-blogging-vlogging-cartooning-embroidery-cycling-summer-camp-standup-comedy/): SATURDAY WORKSHOPS “Balance for Better Life With Srijata Bhatnagar 9 Mar, 10:30AM – 12:30PM Salt World, 18th Main, Sector 3, HSR Layout Free     Free Entry and Free Salt Room Therapy. Limited seats, Registration is mandatory. Call / Visit Salt World, HSR Layout to get your entry pass. On International Women’s Day, an expert talk on Balance for Better Life by Srijata Bhatnagar. With nearly 20 years’ experience as a life coach and speaker, she will cover crucial pointers for women from all walks of life such as how to balance work and personal life, prioritize responsibilities, take charge of […] - [Conmen cheat financial firm of Rs 1.89 lakh by mortgaging fake jewellery](https://residentswatch.in/conmen-cheat-financial-firm-of-rs-1-89-lakh-by-mortgaging-fake-jewellery/): Mamatha N, a 28-year-old bank manager with IIFL, a financial services company on Mangammanapalya Main Road in Bommanahalli, has alleged that two individuals pledged fake gold jewellery to take a loan of Rs 1.89 lakh.     However, when they did not pay any interest on the loan they had taken, the bank’s auditors examined the jewellery and realised that only the surface was etched in gold and the rest was just cheap metal.   The two people alleged to have defrauded the financial firm are Irfan Ali (25), a resident of Koramangala and Mohammed Ghose (32), a resident of Austin […] - [Another biker dies in HSR Layout due to a water tanker!](https://residentswatch.in/another-biker-dies-in-hsr-layout-to-a-rash-water-tanker-driver/): On November 22, a 41-year-old software engineer died when a water tanker ran over him on 27th Main at 1.10pm. About 12 weeks later, another death due to a water tanker has happened, this time on 14th Main in Sector 6, HSR Layout.     Twenty-eight-year-old Jeevan Kumar, a resident of Shivamogga, was riding on his bike on February 13 at around 12.15pm on 14th main, 15th Cross, near Federal Bank, when he was hit by a water tanker coming from the same direction. he fell on the road and the tanker’s tyres went over his head and ears. There was […] - [RW Impact: Bus stand seat fixed; but work on speedbreakers yet to begin](https://residentswatch.in/rw-impact-bus-stand-seat-fixed-but-work-on-speedbreakers-yet-to-begin/):   3D speedbreakers are being experimented in India. Will HSR get one too?   In October, we had written about a broken seat under the bus shelter on 14th Main in front of BDA Complex. We are glad to inform you that finally, it has been fixed by the authorities.   All is well that ends well. However, BBMP’s traffic engineering cell is yet to take up work on the speedbreakers and signal improvements across HSR Layout, and fix the broken road divider on 27th Main. Earlier, the traffic police informed us that the BBMP has their wishlist for months now, […] - [When will the skywalk come up near BDA flyover?](https://residentswatch.in/when-will-the-skywalk-come-up-near-bda-flyover/):       MLA Ramalinga Reddy inaugurating the skywalk in October 2018   Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy inaugurated the construction of a skywalk near HSR bus stand on Outer Ring Road near 9th Main in August 2018. But the work never began.   Three months later, it was inaugurated again, this time on the Teacher’s Colony side, by MLA Ramalinga Reddy. Residents thought this might have cleared all the hurdles for this Rs 1 crore skywalk to ease the road crossing woes at this busy junction. But so far, the progress is abysmal.   The escalator construction is far from over, […] - [Man masquerades as building contractor and cheats HSR resident of Rs 55000](https://residentswatch.in/man-masquerades-as-building-contractor-and-cheats-hsr-resident-of-rs-55000/): Impersonations are common among thieves, and this one was another ingenious idea hit upon by a criminal mind. On January 20, a man appearing to be in his late 20s, presented himself at the doorstep of Prakash CV, a 65-year-old resident of 23rd Main, 24th Cross, Sector 2, HSR Layout. Calling himself Chandrashekar, he said that if Prakash had any building renovation work, he would do it at a cheaper price. Prakash gave his number and left. On January 23, Chandrashekar calls Prakash again at around 8.30pm, seeking for any job he might have for him. Prakash asks him to show […] - [Cybercrime cops warn about SIM swaps, online jobs & matrimonial/Facebook frauds...](https://residentswatch.in/cybercrime-cops-warn-about-sim-swaps-online-jobs-matrimonial-facebook-frauds/):   Bangalore’s cybercrime police station that has received an average of 13 cases every month in 2018, conducted an awareness campaign on Twitter recently. This is on the heels of several frauds being detected not just in tier 1 but also in tier 2 and tier 3 cities of Karnataka.   Their social media graphics say it all and we would like you to do everyone a favour and share this story with every group and person you know. You will do them a world of good. This is coming straight from the horse’s mouth and not some WhatsApp forward that […] - [Bikes, car, jewellery and laptops stolen in 7 separate incidents across HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/bikes-car-jewellery-and-laptop-stolen-in-7-separate-incidents-across-hsr/): In seven separate thefts across HSR Layout, several valuables, including bikes, cars, laptops and jewellery were stolen in a fortnight, between February 9 and February 23. Which means, there was a theft in HSR Layout every alternate day. Stay safe, stay aware. HOUSE BREAK; OWNER SUSPECTS MILKMAN & CAR WASH PERSON On February 23, retired professional PK Chandran (68) had locked his house on 14th Cross, 22nd Main Road in Sector 1, and gone out of town with his family at around 11.45am. When he retuned on February 27 at around 2.45pm, he found the front door broken. Upon further investigation, […] - [Drug peddlers arrested near NIFT college yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/drug-peddlers-arrested-again-near-nift-college/): Close on the heels of a drug ceisure near NIFT college in Sector 1 worth Rs 50,000 in December 2018, comes another, albeit small, seizure again near the same institution.     Around 2.30pm on February 14, sub inspector M Nilakantan (54 years) received a phone tip off that a few people were selling drugs in Sector 1 near NIFT on 27th Main in HSR Layout. After seeking the relevant permissions from the higher authorities, he rushed to the place and arrested the alleged drug peddlers in the presence of eye witnesses and a gazetted officer, the requirements under this tough […] - [Residents protest noise pollution & shoddy planning by the event organisers at BBMP Grounds](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protest-noise-pollution-shoddy-planning-by-the-organisers-of-an-event-at-bbmp-grounds/): The controversy over the 5-day event at BBMP Grounds refuses to die down. The latest is that despite setting down the rules, the noise levels were higher than permitted and the music went on way beyond the stipulated 9pm. And it happened on a day when it shouldn’t: yesterday. The event was supposed to begin from today, so was that a dress rehearsal yesterday, the residents want to know.     “The loud speaker volume was quite high and caused much inconvenience to students writing their board exams yesterday,” says Girish Shivalingaiah, one of the residents leading the campaign against the […] - [The Shell petrol bunk controversy in HSR Layout continues...](https://residentswatch.in/the-shell-petrol-bunk-controversy-in-hsr-layout-continues/): In December 2018, we reported that the construction of the Shell petrol bunk was stopped for violating the rules. So far, the status quo remains. “Until the Town Planning department of the BBMP does not give its approval, we will not let it reopen,” said one BBMP official at Bommanahalli. “However, they have taken all other permissions and might open anytime soon.”     The bunk was in the eye of a controversy when neighbours objected and got the Sector 3 Residents Welfare Association to complain against the bunk coming up in a residential area. However, the DC converted site was […] - [BBMP Grounds controversy: 11-day event cut to 5 days; 20 conditions set by BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-grounds-controversy-11-day-event-cut-to-5-days-20-conditions-set-by-bbmp/): The BBMP came under heavy fire by HSR Layout residents for letting the BBMP Grounds to Sri Seervi Samaj Trust for organising a 11-day event, that includes another 20-days of setting up and dismantling the gigantic metal frames. Taking note of the protests as the civic body had violated its own rules blatantly under the advise of Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, the BBMP has issued a fresh set of 20 conditions to the organiser to ensure that the mega event does not cause traffic jams, fire hazards, cleanliness and hygiene issues or any untoward incident. Importantly, the 11-day event is now […] - [Hangover pub opens again after a court stay!](https://residentswatch.in/hangover-pub-opens-again-after-taking-court-stay/): Hangover, the pub on 17th Cross in Sector 1 has reopened again after obtaining a stay order from the Karnataka High Court on February 13, 2019. The pub was shutdown on February 5, 2019.     Looking at the writ petition filed by Goldwing Ventures’s partner Tanuja, the court has granted a stay on the excise department’s shutdown order of February 5, 2019 “until next hearing”. Going by the infamous judicial delays, we are not sure when the actual verdict will take place. Which means, the pub will continue to function despite the BBMP cancelling Hangover’s trade licence in November 2018 […] - [What's hot and happening in HSR Layout this weekend?](https://residentswatch.in/whats-hot-and-happening-in-hsr-layout-this-weekend/): FRIDAY, MARCH 1 Night of the MAFIAs8PM – 11PMBrimstone Cafe 670, 13th Cross Rd, 1st Sector, HSR Layout,Rs 249   A super interactive game of Mafia in a unique setting where you can watch the drama unfold and find the mafias before it’s too late. This is a unique chance to meet and bond with strangers, whether you’re an innocent villager or the cunning mafia killing them off! Don’t worry if you have not played, rules will be explained to you. This game is suitable for all poker-faced adults and requires no prior experience. Spend your Friday night solving a unique […] - [Beware of phone and chain snatching on the streets!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-phone-and-chain-snatching-on-the-streets/): With smartphones getting more affordable and in everyone’s hands, every individual walking on the road is a potential prey. Says Deba Saha who was witness to one incident recently: “I saw a phone snatcher near the KPTCL power station on 27th main. Two people on a bike tried to snatch the cellphone of a girl who was walking on the road. Unfortunately, I was in the opposite direction, and therefore couldn’t chase them.”   The safer way of not getting your phone stolen is to always hold your smartphone on the drain side of the road. Remember to be vigilant around […] - [Will BDA complex shut down to make way for a mall in HSR Layout?](https://residentswatch.in/when-will-bda-complex-shut-down-to-make-way-for-a-mall/):         A few shopkeepers in BDA Complex have come together and knocked on the doors of the court against the agency’s plan to turn the HSR landmark into a mall. Citing loss of business, they have filed a Public Interest Litigation. However, there is no confirmation on when the case will come up for hearing. But the Bangalore Development Authority officials say that the complex will be shutdown for sure.   The shopkeepers have confirmed receiving 2-3 closure notices from the BDA so far, but nobody is clear on when the complex will eventually shutdown for construction. Until […] - [BREAKING NEWS: BBMP demolishing unauthorized shed in Sector 5](https://residentswatch.in/breaking-news-bbmp-demolishing-unauthorized-shed-in-sector-5/): In what should come as welcome news to many civic activists, an unauthorised shed is being demolished today by the BBMP (Jakkasandra ward) with the help of the cops on 14th Main near Greenview Hospital in Sector 5, HSR Layout. “The people should shiver before they think of building anything without BBMP’s plan sanction,” said one BBMP official. In addition, the building was being built in the Agara Lake buffer zone specified by the National Green Tribunal.       According to the National Green Tribunal, no structures can come up between 30 and 75 metres of Rajakaluves (major stormwater drains). […] - [Residents oppose a 11-day non-sports event being held in violation of the rules at BBMP Grounds from tomorrow!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protest-a-11-day-non-sports-event-being-held-in-violation-of-the-rules-at-bbmp-grounds-from-tomorrow/): The BBMP Grounds recovered after a five-year fight by the Resident Welfare Associations of HSR Layout is being misused by the local politicians and BBMP officials despite resident protests. But this time, the residents decided that enough was enough when they realised that the BBMP, on the advice of Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, had given the permission for a 11-day non-sports event from March 1. Though the permission was given in November last year, it has come to bite BBMP now as the event is slated to begin from tomorrow.     When the residents saw that the erection of the […] - [The 6-month-old bottleneck on 9th Main is finally cleared for vehicular movement!](https://residentswatch.in/the-6-month-old-bottleneck-on-9th-main-is-finally-open-for-vehicular-movement/): Since September 2018, the 9th Main-14th Cross was inaccessible to commuters. Thanks to rains and stormwater drains getting blocked and flooding homes in low-lying areas, this was BBMP’s way of desilting the drains. However, the works hit a road hump when the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) took its own time to do its bit after the BBMP had done its desilting.   In fact, the box drain could not be closed until the KPTCL shifted their cables going underneath the 9th Main Road. “We cannot touch the cables; they have to switch off the power going through these lines […] - [Peak hour traffic in HSR looks like this!](https://residentswatch.in/peak-hour-traffic-in-hsr-looks-like-this/): This is the traffic you can encounter at the 5th Main-Mangammanapalya Main Road junction at 7pm. Strangely, this junction is manned by the cops from Electronic City. “We have to come 10 kilometres away from our station to manage the traffic here,” complained one cop.   When we checked with HSR traffic police on that day, we were informed that they were sent 10 kilometres away to Freedom Park for some traffic bandobast. Clearly, the jurisdiction of cops can be anywhere but where they should be. No wonder, you hardly find a few cops in HSR Layout. Will the higher ups […] - [Power sub station in HSR Layout was on fire again!](https://residentswatch.in/power-sub-station-in-hsr-layout-was-on-fire/): The sub station of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) was on fire between 6.30pm and 8pm yesterday. Coincidentally, when we uploaded a story yesterday about how the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (Bescom) is coming under fire from the residents for outages and fluctuations that have damaged electronic equipment, one resident pointed out that the actual power sub station on 27th Main could actually be on fire. At 12.30pm, Krishna Kumar Puravoor reacted to our story in a WhatsApp group saying, “I am seeing a considerable amount of dry grass in the KPTCL compound which is highly inflammable in the light […] - [Bescom under fire: Frequent outages and fluctuations damage equipment and cause unrest!](https://residentswatch.in/bescom-under-fire-frequent-outages-and-fluctuations-damage-equipment-and-cause-unrest/): The sparking and buzzing/hissing sounds in the new transformers of the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (Bescom) across HSR Layout has become an everday affair. When you ask the officials, they use all the technical words to confuse you no end. All the residents want to know is when will this nightmare end.   Complaints against Bescom’s frequent power shutdowns, fluctuations and damage of equipment is becoming all too common in HSR Layout. Despite raising this issue many times with the authorities, the resident welfare associations have nowhere else to turn for a proper remedy to this problem.   Watch the video […] - [SHOCKING! BBMP contractor breaks tiles and refuses to re-lay new ones! Shopkeeper does it on his own](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-bbmp-contractor-breaks-tiles-and-refuses-to-re-lay-new-ones-shopkeeper-does-it-on-his-own/): https://youtu.be/c9xwVQx55TA The BBMP contractor assigned to redo all the footpaths and drains in HSR Layout made a careless mistake a few months ago that will cost him lakhs of rupees.  This video recording of the scene captures the story for you. Check it out.   Now, here is the back story. The contractor broke all the tiles laid over the stormwater drain by three shopkeepers on 27th Main Road in Sector 1. Before he realised that he was to only relay the tiles on the footpath and not on the stormwater drain, the damage was done. The tiles in front of […] - [BDA flyover service road is in a shambles but...](https://residentswatch.in/bda-flyover-service-road-is-in-a-shambles-but/): Resident S Srinivasan, who shot this footage next to the BDA flyover on the side of Sector 5 near Devi Eye Hospital, says that the entire stretch from the BDA junction on 14th Main to the point where the flyover lands on Outer Ring Road near Swathi restaurant, needs to be relaid. It’s not a pothole but a pot road.   “When it rains, the water collects over here, causing the road damage,” he reasons. “There is no more proper drainage system in the adjacent buildings and on the road. And at night, it’s also a vulnerable spot for mobile phone […] - [Community organic gardening is a hit in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/community-organic-gardening-on-sundays/): https://youtu.be/HP2It9d33co The HSR Citizens Forum, a group of HSR residents, has turned a dilapidated median park into a community garden a while ago. Today, it’s not only a green lung space but also the educational ground for students. If you want to take part, you can drop anchor on any Sunday at the median park on 18th Cross in Sector 3, diagonally opposite McDonald’s. And if you want to understand organic gardening thoroughly, then every last Sunday of the month, there is a free workshop at Swachagraha Kalika Kendra in Sector 4 behind HP petrol bunk opposite BDA Complex, from 8am […] - [Sunday events: Aero show, standups, cycle rides, runs & calligraphy!](https://residentswatch.in/sunday-events-aero-show-standups-cycle-rides-runs-calligraphy/): SKY THEATRE Aero India Show 2019 Till Feb 24 Air Force Station Yelahanka, Technical Area, BSF Campus, Yelahanka ₹600-1800 General Visitor, Entry Gate – Gate # 5. Access Zones – Exhibition area only: 9.30am to 5.30pm. Access rights is only upon security clearance and validation of Govt ID proof. Air Display Visitor (ADVA): Entry Gate – Gate # 8 – 9. Access Zones – ADVA Area ( Flying Display Area) – 10 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm. Tickets: BookMyShow.com. STANDUP COMEDY Lokl Comedy Gigs Sun, 24 Feb 4:00PM – 7:00PM Rs 1000 Lokl – Simply Hangout, 668, […] - [Residents want the RTO fitness check vehicles to be moved out of Agara Lake Service Road](https://residentswatch.in/residents-want-the-rto-fitness-check-vehicles-to-be-moved-out-of-agara-lake-service-road/):   The Agara Lake Protection and Management Society (ALPMS) has written to the authorities to shift the Road Transport Office (RTO) checks that happen on Agara Lake Service Road during the early mornings. Citing traffic jams and inconvenience to lake visitors, they want this removed from this vicinity also because of the alleged antisocial activity of the drivers who assemble out there the previous night itself. “The citizens are facing serious issues due to the RTO fitness checks (FC) at the Agara Lake Service Road,” says Kavitha Reddy, the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Agara Lake Protection and Management Society, […] - [Captured on CCTV: Kid knocked down by two wheeler in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/captured-on-cctv-kid-knocked-down-by-two-wheeler-in-sector-1/): Kids getting hit by vehicles is becoming common in HSR Layout. However, a classic case of this act being caught on CCTV is rare. Here is one such incident of a playful kid in Sector 1 hit by a two-wheeler in October last year. You can clearly see that the rider was not at fault. When the playful kids just cross the roads without looking either way, they are bound to be knocked down. However, the riders and drivers have to go slow on residential roads to avoid major mishaps. They cannot treat such internal thoroughfares like the highway because then, […] - [The mess created by BDA contractors of Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/the-mess-created-by-bda-contractors-of-swabhimaana-tree-park-in-sector-3/): It is always a work in progress at the Swabhimaana Tree Park on 15th B Main, 19th Cross, Sector 3. With the contractors dumping debris all around the park, particularly on 15th B Main, there is little space to park vehicles for both the residents and visitors to the lung space. In addition, there is air pollution all around. Enough sand needs to be laid in the kids play area to bury the red mud underneath that is causing more pollution. The entrance to the park resembles a swimming pool when it rains. That needs to be plugged with a proper […] - [These guys make playground equipment with scrap tyres in HSR and beyond!](https://residentswatch.in/these-guys-make-playground-equipment-with-scrap-tyres-in-hsr-and-beyond/): They have done it in Haralakunte Government School in Sector 3 and intend to do it in other institutions across HSR Layout and beyond. To date, they have built over 50 playgrounds across India. Watch this video to know more about how they are changing the landscape of education across the country, literally! Welcome to the young and energetic team of Bangalore-based Anthill Creations.   <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MVnPb88Ba0″ frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe> - [Why do QuestMath students achieve better academic results and move ahead in studies? Read on…](https://residentswatch.in/why-do-questmath-students-achieve-better-academic-results-and-move-ahead-in-studies-read-on/): At QuestMath International, ‘Every child is different’. Their approach recognises that each student is different and therefore, the content and instructor interaction has to be completely personalised and dynamic so that the student progresses at a rate that best suits them. It focuses on mastering how to think, how to reason, and how to go about solving problems. QuestMath International is a Singapore-based K-8 education company that offers after-school learning programs. Their team comprises math experts based in the US, India and Singapore. Their flagship academy in Bangalore is in HSR Layout on 19th Main in Sector -2. It is a fully personalized math mastery […] - [9th Main mess in Sector 6 continues due to delay by KPTCL](https://residentswatch.in/9th-main-mess-continues-due-to-delay-by-kptcl/) - [BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout: Crumbling under too many non-sports events!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-grounds-in-hsr-layout-crumbling-under-too-many-non-sports-events/): Residents are angry that the BBMP Grounds in Sector 2 are being used more for religious and political functions than sporting activities. Not only are they at the receiving end of noise and air pollution due to the many functions that happen here but also upset that there is no upkeep or maintenance being done to restore it to its original state after the activities are over. The government officials are just as fed up with this but express their helplessness as most of these events have the backing of local politicians. Despite the Sector 2 Residents Welfare Association expressing their […] - [HSR Layout's most beautiful park is looking for CSR funds!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layouts-most-beautiful-park-is-looking-for-csr-funds/): The Swabhimaana Tree Park off 18th Cross, 15th B Main, in Sector 3 is a joy to behold. The biggest problem with any new public space is that money is granted to build a park or lake, but there is hardly any money given for their maintenance. That’s precisely the problem facing many public amenities in HSR Layout. Thankfully, last week’s BBMP budget is now allocating money towards the maintenance of parks, and this should help other parks in HSR Layout. However, this park comes under the BDA for now. The largest assets that HSR has are two: Agara Lake and […] - [(Sponsored) The Herbal Strategi range of cleaners, repellants and pet products](https://residentswatch.in/sponsored-or-a-chemical-free-life/): With its herbal cleaners, insect repellants, pet products, and more, Bengaluru-based Herbal Strategi advocates a clean and natural life without the use of chemicals. The journey began when serial entrepreneur John Thomas was in search of a new adventure. That’s when he developed a serious respiratory infection, which the doctors suspected was caused by the carcinogens in chemical-based mosquito repellants. John saw this as an opportunity and found that there were no healthier alternatives to chemical repellants. In 2011, he launched Herbal Strategi and has never looked back. Offering natural, herbal products in the segments of repellants, cleaners, petcare, and others, […] - [Are paan shops peddling drugs?](https://residentswatch.in/are-paan-shops-peddling-drugs/) - [One of HSR Layout's biggest scams!](https://residentswatch.in/one-of-hsr-layouts-biggest-scams/) - [The Herbal Park in Sector 3 is in a mess](https://residentswatch.in/the-herbal-park-in-sector-3-is-in-a-mess/): Some time ago, the Herbal Park in Sector 3, behind the Sai Baba temple, was inaugurated with much fanfare by MLA Satish Reddy himself. However, the initial enthusiasm waned over time, and the tussle between who will take control of it led to its current dismal state where weeds have grown and it’s unwalkable at the moment. People are cautioned from stepping inside due to the presence of snakes by Madhu Krishna, one of the residents managing the park. So what happened, really? Explains Madhu whose house is right opposite the park. He is not able to look after the garden […] - [Must-visit Sunday event: The Kaikondrahalli Lake festival is here!](https://residentswatch.in/must-visit-sunday-event-the-kaikondrahalli-lake-festival-is-here/): It’s that time of the year when Kaikondrahalli Lake on Sarjapur Road comes alive. Mark your calendar. Tomorrow, the 17th of February, will witness Kere Habba 2019 between 6am and 6pm. The lake that is home to a kalyani tank, kalyani gazebo and bridge gazebo will play host to a food court, retail stalls (santhe), citizens corner, kids corner (pottery, handicrafts) and play area. The lake festival begins at 6am with a bird walk at the bridge right at the entrance of the lake. This will be followed by a 5k run in the school ground which is close to the […] - [Go for a standup comedy night in HSR this weekend!](https://residentswatch.in/go-for-a-standup-comedy-night-in-hsr-this-weekend/): FRIDAY EVENT The Comedy Fiesta Friday, 8pm English, Hindi 1hr 20mins Sector 7 Cafe, 1136, 17th Cross Road, Muneswara Nagar, Sector 7, HSR Layout ₹150 An open mic show where comedians will try some of their new material for the very first time so come and be part of their journey and witness their material being Developed. Come and watch a lot of new comedians before they become famous. The lineup is subject to change every week. Watch some of the top comedians from Bangalore try out new material and expect some surprise acts from traveling comedians from other cities. SATURDAY […] - [What happens to abandoned vehicles on the roads and footpaths?](https://residentswatch.in/what-happens-to-abandoned-vehicles-on-the-roads-and-footpaths/): Recently, the state government announced that they are setting up a scrapyard in Yelahanka to dismantle old and abandoned vehicles. While we are not sure when that proposal will reach the execution stage, here is what happens to seized and abandoned vehicles that you see around police stations in the neighbourhood. The Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) has urged the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to set up dump yards for unclaimed vehicles. This can also generate revenues for the BBMP. - [Budget 2019 demands: Pet park in HSR, lake maintenance fund, waste processing and incineration units, metered parking & more](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-demand-pet-park-in-hsr-lake-maintenance-fund-sanitary-napkin-incineration-waste-processing-and-leaf-shredding-units-silt-traps-for-drains-metered-parking/): We are mighty impressed with some of the demands made by HSR resident activist Kavitha Reddy to the BBMP Commissioner for the forthcoming budget. If these suggestions are implemented, much of the garbage situation can be bettered. After much consultation with experts and regular citizens, Kavitha has formulated a list of demands for the BBMP to move forward in making Bangalore, a better place. From demanding a pet park in HSR to lake maintenance funds, sanitary napkin incineration centres to waste processing and leaf shredding units in every ward to silt traps in major stormwater drains (rajakaluves) and metered parking to […] - [Driver on hire assaults passenger in Sector 6 for coming late](https://residentswatch.in/driver-on-hire-assaults-passenger-in-sector-6-for-coming-late/): In a curious case, here is a story of a cab driver allegedly hitting a 36-year-old passenger for not letting him do his job at the appointed time. According to the police complaint, Sharad Agarwal called for a rental cab service to pick him up from a restaurant at 9th Main, 13th Cross, Sector 6. The date was February 8, at around 11pm. He had finished partying with his friends and didn’t want to drive home drunk. However, this turned out to be a mistake. Sharad had booked for a driver from DriveU, a company that provides drivers to people on […] - [Another death at the dangerous Iblur junction](https://residentswatch.in/another-death-at-the-dangerous-iblur-junction/): Despite some efforts made by the traffic police, Iblur junction continues to be dangerous to riders and pedestrians alike. In January, a pedestrian died when a water tanker ran over him while he was crossing the road. While a skywalk is yet to be budgeted and sanctioned, there is another death at this junction of HSR Outer Ring Road and Sarjapur Road. On February 9, at around 3.45am, 45-year-old Veerabhadrappa came under the wheels of a water tanker (KA01 AF2847). He was riding his two wheeler at around 3.45am in front of Columbia Asia hospital at Iblur junction. At around the […] - [BBMP & HSR residents beautify Outer Ring Road](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-hsr-residents-beautify-outer-ring-road/): On February 9, volunteers gathered to remove a blackspot on Outer Ring Road. It was earlier a place for the secondary collection point that is since moved to under the BDA flyover. It was also a place where lorries parked and the drivers dirtied the place. And it is still a place where sewage flows into the stormwater drains, causing more mess, thanks to BWSSB’s inability to prevent the houses nearby from letting sewage into the stormwater drains. The Ugly Indians got to work with several other residents from 8.30am to 12.30pm alongwith BBMP’s sweepers (pourakarmikas). We are talking about 30 […] - [Two pubs shutdown by residents in Sector 1 and Sector 4 are planning to reopen again](https://residentswatch.in/two-pubs-shutdown-by-residents-in-sector-1-and-sector-4-are-planning-to-reopen-again/): Hangover and Botellon, the two pubs that were shutdown are showing all signs of re-opening, much against the wishes of the residents. Will the authorities act again remains to be seen? - [Is HSR Layout turning into a den of diverse crime?](https://residentswatch.in/is-hsr-layout-turning-into-a-den-of-diverse-crime/): Several diverse incidents occurred in the first week of February 2019. Read on... - [HSR basement shopkeepers defy closure orders and open for business](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-basement-shopkeepers-defy-closure-orders-and-open-for-business/): Some basement shops on 27th main road that were recently shutdown by BBMP have opened for business again. While a few of them are observing the law, several others are openly defying the law. After shutting down nearly 70 shops on this road after serving closure notices, the BBMP forcibly shut a few while the other shops voluntarily closed for business. However, with pressure mounting on the BBMP top brass, the High Court order implementation was halted for a while, so that the other shopkeepers get some time to relocate their business. The BBMP officials told Residents Watch that they have […] - [What to do this weekend? Here's a definitive list for this Saturday & Sunday!](https://residentswatch.in/what-to-do-this-weekend-heres-a-definitive-list-for-this-saturday-sunday/): HSR Layout is full of events that are a welcome mix of the old and new, the inspirational and aspirational, informative and entertaining. Take your pick. The events suit everyone, and there is something for everybody… almost. FEB 9, SATURDAY EVENTS FITNESS Meditation Session for Deep Relaxation 6-7pm Vivekananda Health Global, 61, 11th Main Rd, Sector 6, HSR Layout Rs 350 This meditation is a simple and effective technique to relieve stress and induce deep sleep and relaxation. It is based on the principle of stimulation and relaxation. There are proven results that, this meditation can reduce the number of hours […] - [CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Cow eating plastic!](https://residentswatch.in/caught-on-camera-cow-eating-plastic/): We spotted this cow, among many, eating plastic from a roadside garbage mound in Jakkasandra, near HSR Layout. It's about time, we said 'no' to plastic and blackspots. - [Final clean up of HSR Outer Ring Road tomorrow! You can be part of it too!](https://residentswatch.in/final-clean-up-of-hsr-outer-ring-road-tomorrow-you-can-be-part-of-it-too/): We had written about how the secondary collection point on HSR service road near BDA flyover was the source of anger from residents for many years now. Well, the good news is that the point has shifted to below the BDA flyover, much to everyone’s relief. However, the service roads are left in a bad shape due to many agencies playing their part: the BWSSB, a nearby apartment that is letting its sewage into the drains, and ofcourse the lorries that are parked perennially along this stretch. For the last two weeks, much work is already completed by the BBMP in […] - [BREAKING NEWS: Anti Corruption Bureau raids BBMP office in Bommanahalli](https://residentswatch.in/breaking-news-anti-corruption-bureau-raids-bbmp-office-in-bommanahalli/): The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the state government has raided the BBMP office in Bommanahalli on Begur Road. The raids are going on as we write this. The Joint Commissioner of Bommanahalli and other senior officials of Bommanahalli are being questioned in a closed door meeting, according to our sources. HSR Layout comes under Bommanahalli office’s jurisdiction. The raid has unearthed over Rs 900 crore worth scam related to fake bills, and the provident fund and medical benefits of pourakarmikas (sweepers). We have heard of rampant corruption in the Bommanahalli office relating to granting of trade licence, khatas, and even […] - [TODAY & TOMORROW: Standup Comedies rule HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/today-tomorrow-standup-comedies-rule-hsr-layout/): Standup comedies rule HSR Layout this weekend. Here are the ones lined up this evening and tomorrow evening. Relax and unwind this weekend with any or all these events being organised by different outlets in HSR Layout. Old Wine and New Jokes Feb 7, Thursday, 8pm Hindi, English 1hr 30mins Grapevine, 22nd Cross, 14th Main, Sector 3 ₹100 It is that time of the week where you get to witness some of the best comedians in town harvest their newest jokes. It’s a 5 comedian line up in which, on your lucky day, might see some famous comedians try out their […] - [Sector 1 housewife alleges dowry harassment](https://residentswatch.in/sector-1-housewife-alleges-dowry-harassment/): A 30-year-old housewife in Sector 1 has filed a dowry harassment case against her husband and in-laws at the HSR Layout police station. According to the complaint given on January 31, 2019, the resident of 24th main has alleged that her 30-year-old husband Dinesh Chandra and his family members Sitadevi (50), Hanuman (54), Tara and Dilip, have been harassing her for more dowry even though she claims that her parents paid Rs 3 lakh, her husband demanded more money and also inflicted mental and physical torture over her. Married on December 12, 2016, she has now gone to the cops for […] - [HSR pub shutdown by excise department](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-pub-shutdown-by-excise-department/): In a move that was pending for over a year, the excise department has shutdown the Hangover pub on 17th Cross in Sector 1. It is learnt that the action was taken after the Lokayukta ordered the shutdown when residents HE Chandrashekar and BN Ravichandra Reddy of Federation of HSR Residents Welfare Association petitioned the court for legal intervention. Though BBMP health officer Dr Savitha SK denied issuing a trade licence to Hangover, it was over-ruled by Veerabhadraswamy, the previous joint commissioner of Bommanahalli. However, when the Lokayukta ordered its cancellation due to flouting of rules, the present joint commissioner Dr […] - [Basement shop shutdowns: BBMP going 'slow' to allow tenants to vacate on their own](https://residentswatch.in/basement-shop-shutdowns-bbmp-going-slow-to-allow-tenants-to-vacate-on-their-own/): The crackdown on basement shops in HSR Layout is temporarily halted to give time for tenants to vacate on their own. - [Found a new stray dog on the street? It could be illegally relocated](https://residentswatch.in/found-a-new-stray-dog-on-the-street-it-could-be-illegally-placed/): For many months now, a few dog lovers of Bangalore, including HSR Layout, are concerned that over 70 stray dogs gradually vanished from the streets. One dog lover even confronted one vehicle that had come at night to take away the dogs. There is a police complaint at HSR police station regarding this, and we have reported about it earlier. To prevent the illegal location of such dogs (because that could lead to more trouble than peace as dogs can get aggressive in a new area), a group of pet lovers across Bangalore, including Nandita Subbarao and Harini Raghavan, have created […] - [Bescom pole sparking damages electronic equipment in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/bescom-pole-sparking-damages-electronic-equipment-in-hsr-layout/): Frequent voltage fluctuations are becoming a daily affair in HSR Layout as Bescom's new transformers are turning out to be non - starters. - [Saturday events: Math adventure for kids & standup comedies](https://residentswatch.in/saturday-events-math-adventure-for-kids-standup-comedies/): STANDUP COMEDY It’s a Laughing Matter 8pm-9.30pm True Bleu Restocafe, True Bleu Restocafe #89, 1st floor, 17th Cross Road, Sector 4, HSR Layout Rs 199 A Hinglish stand-up comedy night where you don’t take anything seriously, seriously. True Bleu in association with The Blackbuck Comedy brings you a night of stand-up comedy where sports, politics, personalities, music, mythology — everything is a LAUGHING MATTER. Come one, come in group and the comics will make you laugh! The lineup includes: Kjeld Sresth (Host) Akshay Paraikal Rupen Paul Kartik Dua Siddarth Dash Najmuzzaman Mohammad Manish Jain Pronoy Chowdhury Ritesh Banerjee and Maninder Singh. […] - [The nail mafia rears its ugly head again!](https://residentswatch.in/nailmafiahsrlayout/): If you find nails sprayed on flyover, main roads and cross roads across HSR Layout and on Outer Ring Road, know this. The nail mafia is alive and well. And they are targetting bikers and old car owners who don’t have tubeless tyres. They want your vehicles to get punctured, so you make use of their puncture shops sprinkled across HSR. Not that the HSR Layout cops did nothing about it. Three years ago, they did arrest one person for this crime, but there are many, old and new, who are indulging in this horrid act and inconveniencing motorists even today. […] - [State of birds at BDA Complex](https://residentswatch.in/state-of-birds-at-bda-complex/): The BDA Complex is facing demolition. The infrastructure is in a dilapidated state and the birds have no water to drink. - [70 basement shops on 27th Main shutdown; 24th Main is next](https://residentswatch.in/70-basement-shops-on-27th-main-shutdown-24th-main-is-next/): The axe is falling on all the basement shops in HSR Layout, following directions by the Karnataka High Court. Until yesterday, all the 70 basement shops on 27th Main that were issued notices are shutdown. The next couple of days will see shops on 24th Main facing the axe. According to BBMP officials, they will no longer be issuing notices to the other shopkeepers in HSR Layout. “Since the violations are clear and the court has ordered shutdown, we will not give them three days time like we did earlier… we will just shut them down,” said one official. The tenants […] - [Why can't BMTC buses take a detour at HSR Layout?](https://residentswatch.in/why-cant-bmtc-buses-take-a-detour-at-hsr-layout/):         With the increasing traffic congestion, and the failed plan of the BMTC to have shuttle buses in HSR Layout due to lack of proper planning, the residents are now asking the transport department why all the buses plying between Sarjapur Road and Whitefield don’t enter HSR Layout.   If this happens, people will find it more convenient to use public transport. Clearly, the BMTC needs to have the right people to plan bus stops in strategic places where most people will find it convenient.   Says Sharad Holani and echoed by the Whitefield Rising group: “Why are […] - [CAUGHT REDHANDED: BBMP worker burning dry waste](https://residentswatch.in/caught-redhanded-bbmp-worker-burning-dry-waste/):       Burning garbage is a punishable offence by law. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike is supposed to uphold the law and penalise those who don’t. However, what do you say when their own people indulge in garbage burning? This is the question being asked by several residents across Bangalore and outside.   Here is a case of one such BBMP worker burning dry waste and plastic on 3rd Cross in Muneshwara Layout, Hosapalya. Says software engineer Uday Shankaran, a resident of Kudlu who caught him in the act: “Thrice a week, they are burning plastic, twigs, dry waste, and […] - [Shutdown of basement shops has begun in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/shutdown-of-basement-shops-has-begun-in-hsr-layout/):                         After years of allowing traffic congestion due to illegal basement shops meant for parking, the BBMP is finally implementing the law that is around for decades now due to a recent order by the Karnataka High Court. This legal intervention prompted BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad to instruct all the zonal joint commissioners to implement the court verdict.   Two weeks ago, the HSR BBMP officials issued notices to over 70 basement shops on all the main roads. And last night, the basement shops on one side of 27th Main […] - [Road cutting on 27th Main irks residents; complaint closed without resolving issue](https://residentswatch.in/road-cutting-on-27th-main-irks-residents-complaint-closed-without-resolving-issue/):                 Road cutting by new buildings is rampant, with or without BBMP’s permission. This stretch of the busy 27th Main-22nd Cross Road junction was dug up allegedly by the building owner of Motonation shop on 27th Main Road. Clearly, this is in violation as road cuttings are not allowed on roads that were tarred only a year ago. When the residents complained to the BBMP, the civic agency closed the complaint without resolving it, irking the citizens even more.         “The road and the foothpath in front of the Motonation shop […] - [One HSR non-profit keeps this tree park, clean and pristine!](https://residentswatch.in/one-hsr-non-profit-keeps-this-tree-park-clean-and-pristine/):                 Amazed that there is a tree park right around HSR Layout? Well, there is one near Freedom International School in Sector 4. But did you know that one local NGO has been keeping it clean for the last three years?   Only last week, it was cleaned yet again by Kaagaz Foundation. “It gets filled with garbage due to BBMP’s secondary collection point,” says trustee Kavitha Reddy. Almost every three months, we get it cleaned. In the next tree plantation season, we should be adding 30 more saplings.”   The quarterly cleanup sometimes […] - [Don't keep your laptop in car; two people learnt this lesson, the hard way!](https://residentswatch.in/dont-keep-your-laptop-in-car-two-people-learnt-this-lesson-the-hard-way/):         THE INCIDENT IN SECTOR 1 On January 22, at around 3.45pm, 30-year-old Sudarshan Raghunath was shocked to find his Lenovo laptop, two bank cards and his passport missing from his car seat.   He had parked his Hyundai Asset car at 3.45pm last Tuesday in front of CPWD quarters on 27th Main Road to shop at Health & Glow. However, when he came back at 4.45pm, the front passenger window was broken and his laptop bag with his belongings was nowhere to be seen.   The resident of of Somasundrapalya has learnt a bitter lesson not to […] - [This road divider is yet to be fixed even after 2 months!!](https://residentswatch.in/this-road-divider-is-yet-to-be-fixed-even-after-2-months/):           Two months after it was reported, the broken divider on 27th Main Road is yet to be fixed by the BBMP and the traffic police. When the BBMP does not do its job, the traffic department is supposed to act, particularly to enforse one-way on a busy thoroughfare.   However, the it is status quo at this divider near Rockview restarant in Sector 2. Agreed that they are the responsibilities the BBMP’s traffic engineering cell. But two months is just too long a time to excuse themselves for being ‘busy’. That’s the excuse they have been […] - [Your wet waste is being turned into biogas and organic fertilisers!](https://residentswatch.in/your-wet-waste-is-being-turned-into-biogas-and-organic-fertilisers/):         There is some confusion over BBMP’s rule of 10 kilos or 50 units rule. Some apartment owners in Somasundrapalya are saying that they are using a commercial service provider even though they are less than 20 units. BBMP sources in HSR Ward say that such cases are happening in the neighbouring 190 ward of MG Palya.   Resident activist Kavitha Reddy believes that this idea of having separate vendors for commercial and domestic users by the BBMP is a money-making racket to inflate costs of waste collection. “It’s a totally stupid idea. My point is if two […] - [Now government school students around HSR will get to drink pure water!](https://residentswatch.in/now-government-school-students-around-hsr-will-get-to-drink-pure-water/):   The water purification unit installed at Agara Govt School       Biocon, B.PAC (Bangalore Political Action Committee) and HSR Layout’s Kaagaz Foundation have paid and installed water purification units in six government schools in and around HSR Layout. Only a few days ago, the sixth one was installed at the Agara Government School. All the logistics and planning was done by the HSR-based non-profit group.   A month ago, the units were installed in Govt PU College and Govt Degree College in HSR Layout. In the last week, the other schools got them too – Somasundrapalya Govt School, Bandepalya […] - [Residents divided over government's 'elevated corridor' plan](https://residentswatch.in/residents-divided-over-governments-elevated-corridor-plan/):               There is quite a mixed reaction from people about the state government’s proposal for an elevated corridor in the city. While some advocate it vociferously, the others decry the proposal for being a crony capitalism model.   “The answer plainly is efficient public transport,” said one resident. “And, in that ‘the bus’, the most versatile of the modes, is today incapacitated by the archaic Contract Carriage Act, disallowing the genuine public (as different from the “public sector”) to come up with solutions – ZipGo being just one. Agreed civic activist Mukunda N: “Yes, it […] - [Captured on CCTV: Auto rams into parked car in Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/captured-on-cctv-auto-rams-into-parked-car-in-sector-4/):   The other day, HSR resident Suresh Bhaskaran’s car was damaged due to an errant auto driver. Captured on CCTV, it clearly shows him colliding with his white car neatly parked in front of his house. His wife is also seen in the video. Before she could raise a voice, the auto driver takes a U-turn and flees.   Says Suresh: “The auto rickshaw fellow was probably looking into his mobile navigation and crashed into our parked car. Sensing that only my wife was there, he just drove away.” He has also lodged a police complaint. However, even though the act […] - [Accidents on 24th Main, Sarjapur Road and Bellandur flyover](https://residentswatch.in/accidents-on-24th-main-sarjapur-road-and-bellandur-flyover/):     This morning’s mishap on Sarjapur Road after Wipro   JANUARY 23 This morning, there was an accident involving a water tanker and a cyclist on Sarjapur Road, after the Wipro office. “We need water and we need regulation of water tankers,” says a member of Bellandur Jothige, an apolitical group of residents working towards ensuring civic amenities for the residents. “Else, the cost we pay for water may prove too high: accidents and lives.”   JANUARY 22 Yesterday, there was another accident, this time on Bellandur flyover when a tipper lorry rammed into a car from behind at around […] - [Residents show their green thumbs to tweetathon on #MyGreenHabit](https://residentswatch.in/residents-show-their-green-thumbs-to-tweetathon-on-mygreenhabit/): From January 13 to 18, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, invited residents to tweet about their green habits to inspire the others. With the theme of ‘My Green habit’, there were many residents who shared their daily routines. One of them happened to be Pinky Chandran, a resident of Teacher’s Colony and the co-founder of a community radio station in Bangalore. To know more about her many accomplishments, read our detailed profile on her HERE.   Coming back to the Swach Sarvekshan campaign, this is what Pinky shared on Twitter: “MyGreenHabit #1: Composting at home. As […] - [Controversial 'secondary collection point' on ORR to be relocated](https://residentswatch.in/controversial-secondary-collection-point-on-orr-to-be-relocated/): The issue of secondary collection point (SCP) on the service road of Outer Ring Road reached a flash point the other day. The amount of garbage removed from the service road that is home to Mantri Sarovar apartments went on to show the extent to which the drains are regularly being clogged by garbage, sludge and leachate. “The entire stretch from Agara Flyover to BDA Flyover both sides of the Service road is filled with garbage,” says resident activist Kavitha Reddy. “The drains are choked to the brim with garbage, and on the BDA flyover side is the SCP, where the […] - [Diners step out of restaurants to find valuables stolen from car](https://residentswatch.in/diners-step-out-of-restaurants-to-find-valuables-stolen-from-car/):     27th Main and 17th Cross witnessed two thefts last Sunday   Last Sunday, two diners in HSR lost valuables worth thousands of rupees when they parked their car and went to dine at restaurants nearby.   FIRST INCIDENT Thirty-two-year-old Rajat Bhat, a resident of Purva Fairmont apartments on 24th Main in Sector 2 lost items worth Rs 50,000 when he went out to eat at a restaurant near Pepperfry Studio. On January 20, at around 8.30pm, he parked his car opposite Pepperfry Studio on 17th Cross in Sector 2 and stepped out to eat at a nearby restaurant. When […] - [Despite closure notices; two more basement eateries come up on 27th Main](https://residentswatch.in/despite-closure-notices-two-more-basement-eateries-come-up-on-27th-main/):     Charcoal Eats is a chain of eateries and yet they are ignorant of the law     Wicked Cup is next to Charcoal Eats   Despite shutting down a few basement eateries in the last few months, there are two more new eateries that have come up on 27th Main Road. This is despite 36 closure notices being issued by the BBMP to basement businesses on this road alone.   Incidentally, Charcoal Eats is a chain of eateries. The residents are wondering how such a franchisee store is unaware of the basic rules of operating a business. “It is […] - [Cops level road dug up by Gail Gas; FIR lodged against engineer](https://residentswatch.in/cops-level-road-dug-up-by-gail-gas-fir-lodged-against-engineer/):         In a rare case of a Gail gas engineer being booked for inconveniencing the public, the HSR traffic police has achieved a one-of-a-kind feat. When residents called up the cops to complain that the road in front of Motherhood hospital on Sarjapur Road was dug up and left as it is by Gail Gas, the cops rushed to the place the next day to fix it as traffic movement was badly affected.   The call from the resident came on the morning of January 17. However, the cops acted on this complaint on January 18 when traffic […] - [HSR has a new police inspector. Here's all about him](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-has-a-new-police-inspector-heres-all-about-him/):   SR Raghavendra is the new 38-year-old police inspector of HSR Layout. After a wait of over three months, the neighbourhood finally gets a senior police officer. He replaces DR Nagaraj who is now in charge of Bommanahalli police station.   Raghavendra is not new to HSR though. He had served in HSR from 2013 to 2015. He is back again after completing his terms in Siddapura and Kalasipalya. He got into the police service in 2003, and has 15 years of experience under his policing belt.   However, BNR Reddy, chairman, Federation of Residents Welfare Association, opposes his appointment. “We […] - [Closure notices issued to basement shops in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/closure-notices-issued-to-basement-shops-in-hsr-layout/):         Following the BBMP Commissioner’s order, the HSR ward officials have issued 36 closure notices to basement shops and eateries on 27th Main Road. Next on cards to receive them are business establishments on 24th Main, 5th Main and 9th Main, among others.   “We will give them only three-days time to shut shop,” said one BBMP official. “If they don’t, we will shut shop after taking approval from Bommanahalli Joint Commissioner.”   One meeting regarding this matter is to take place today with the joint commissioner is to happen this afternoon. We will update you when shops […] - [India's first composting park receives visitors galore!](https://residentswatch.in/indias-first-composting-park-receives-visitors-galore/):     Corporators from the North-East at Swachagraha Kalika Kendra     SK Ram, Joint secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs, Government of India, and Sarfaraz Khan, Joint Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, BBMP   India’s first composting park is in HSR Layout and already, it’s a big hit with environmentalists, policy planners, scientists and politicians. Only recently, corporators from the north east visited Swachagraha Kalika Kendra in Sector 4. “They were impressed with the project,” says Ratnakar Bhadravathi. “There has been regular demand for visit to the Centre. We welcome HSR residents to visit and see the pride project and […] - [Newborn girl found floating in stormwater drain](https://residentswatch.in/newborn-girl-found-floating-in-stormwater-drain/):         On Sunday, January 13, a dead baby was found in an HSR drain. After receiving a call from the police control room, the Hoysala team headed by Anil Kumar spotted the baby at around 3.30pm in the rajakaluve (major stormwater drain) on 13th Cross, 9th Main in Sector 6.   It was a newborn baby floating in the murky waters. With help from the general public, the body was retrieved from the major drain. It was a female baby and investigation is on.   - [Cops catch 4 robbers near Agara Lake; 2 absconding](https://residentswatch.in/cops-catch-4-robbers-near-agara-lake-2-absconding/):       On the night of Sunday, January 13, HSR cops headed by police sub inspector Neelakantan M (52 years) caught four persons for allegedly attempting to rob people by threatening them with weapons. They were caught near Ayyappaswamy temple near Agara Lake on Outer Ring Road. All the accused are from Bihar aged between 20 and 40 years.   The cops witnessed this group of six people in the act of threatening the general public and snatching their precious belongings. One stick and one knife was seized from them after being brought to the HSR police station at 10.30pm. […] - [When is HSR Layout, the most polluted?](https://residentswatch.in/when-is-hsr-layout-the-most-polluted/):             In the last 24 hours, we have noticed, and this is the general trend across four months since we began this channel, the pollution in this area is most between 7am and 9am. Clearly, it’s vehicular pollution during peak hours that’s causing it, among other reasons.   Thanks to the Sankranti festival yesterday, the pollution fell below 100 on the Air Quality Index (classified as ‘safe’) from 11am to 7pm. From 8pm, the pollution steadily rose again to peak at 7am today with an AQI of 182.   The least polluted times are usually in […] - [Car tyres stolen and stones kept in their place!](https://residentswatch.in/car-tyres-stolen-and-stones-kept-in-their-place/):   Santhanam Benedict was in for a shock the other day when his car’s tyres vanished overnight. Tweeting to the media and the cops, he says, “I had parked my Hyundai I10 car last night near my residence in Sector 4. The miscreants have stolen the left side front and back alloy wheels of the car and kept stones in the middle.”   The robbery between 9.30pm on January 9 and 10am on January 10. It happened on 15th D Main, 15th Cross.                     - [What's being done at accident-prone Iblur junction?](https://residentswatch.in/whats-being-done-at-accident-prone-iblur-junction/):                       Bellandur Jothege is an “apolitical civic positive action federation of RWAs and citizen groups” who are all for “livability, inclusion and the environment in Bellandur, for Bellandur, by Bellandur”.   Now, this group, fed up with the laxity shown by the government and the authorities is asking the general public to pitch in with their ideas. The subject is the designing of Iblur junction where two pedestrians died in the last one month alone.   “Iblur junction is a big cog in the Bellandur’s wheel of traffic,” the group says. […] - [Lorry driver who killed pedestrian gets bail, cops root for overbridges](https://residentswatch.in/lorry-driver-who-killed-pedestrian-gets-bail-cops-root-for-overbridges/): Following the death of another pedestrian at Iblur Junction in a month on January 12, the traffic police is pressurising everyone possible in ensuring that road deaths on Sarjapur Road and Iblur junction are minimised with proper overbridges and other safeguards. In the meanwhile, the lorry driver who ran over Doddamuniyappa and killed him at around 9.34am is out on bail. Even the vehicle that was seized is released. “Since it was a case under negligent driving, it is a bailable offence,” said one traffic cop. The senior officers of the traffic department are visiting and examining all the road deaths […] - [Lorry driver who killed pedestrian gets bail, cops root for overbridges](https://residentswatch.in/lorry-driver-who-killed-pedestrian-gets-bail-cops-root-for-overbridges-2/):         Following the death of another pedestrian at Iblur Junction in a month on January 12, the traffic police is pressurising everyone possible in ensuring that road deaths on Sarjapur Road and Iblur junction are minimised with proper overbridges and other safeguards. In the meanwhile, the lorry driver who ran over Doddamuniyappa and killed him at around 9.34am is out on bail. Even the vehicle that was seized is released. “Since it was a case under negligent driving, it is a bailable offence,” said one traffic cop.   The senior officers of the traffic department are visiting and […] - [Kids rescue injured pigeon; finally someone adopts it](https://residentswatch.in/kids-rescue-injured-pigeon-finally-someone-adopts-it/):         When one 12-year-old kid from Teacher’s Colony found an injured pigeon who could not fly, he thought of adopting it. But his parents objected. So he gave it to another kid who met with the same resistance from his parents. Eventually, it went to a 13-year-old boy who decided to go to resident BR Subhash who lived in the same colony.   “The parents were the spoilsports who did not want to adopt the pigeon because it would be a hassle to keep it,” Subhash told Residents Watch. “I uploaded a picture of the pigeon with the […] - [Bike theft outside TBC Sky Lounge after midnight](https://residentswatch.in/bike-theft-outside-tbc-sky-lounge-after-midnight/):         Mobile phone snatching and bike thefts are the most common crimes in HSR Layout. Sunil MA realised this the hard way on the night of January 3, 2019. He had stepped inside TBC Sky Lounge on 27th Main Road at around 7.45am. By the time he got out at 1am, he found his bike (KA51 EV3097) was nowhere to be seen. Strangely, the FIR was registered only on January 12, 2019. Working from an office in Sector 4, Sunil had decided to have dinner after work when the theft occurred.   ANOTHER INCIDENT A few days later, […] - [Harlur couple creates an online destination for organic & health products!](https://residentswatch.in/harlur-couple-creates-an-online-destination-for-organic-health-products/):     Promotional Story   www.ShopHealthy.in is your one-stop shop for all health, nutrition and beauty needs. The website run by residents of Harlur offer products in categories such as Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Naturopathy, Organic and also Imported brands of health and beauty products. They have been in business for over five years and have more than 50,000 unique products that you can choose from.         ShopHealthy took birth due to the inherent problem of availability when the couple, Divya & Manoj, were looking for organic health supplements and had to go to various shops to get all the […] - [Mason loses Rs 50,000 when bike-borne thieves divert his attention](https://residentswatch.in/mason-loses-rs-50000-when-bike-borne-thieves-divert-his-attention/):   On January 7 at around 3.10pm, 30-year-old mason Mallikarjuna was on 5th Main in Sector 7.     The thieves used a Bajaj Pulsar to rob the victim   After having withdrawn Rs 50,000 from Canara Bank on 5th Main in Sector 7, he was about to ride away when a person threw some Rs 10 notes and asked if those were his.   With his moneybag in his bike’s box, he bent down to pick six notes when two bike-borne thieves came from the other side and made away with his bag. Both wore helmets, making the exercise of […] - [Rehab centre for drug and alcohol addicts opens near HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/rehab-centre-for-drug-and-alcohol-addicts-opens-near-hsr-layout/): MRR Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre opened about a month ago on Mangammanapalya Main Road. And already, there are about 8 patients undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse. Most of them are married with children and average 35 years.           DETOXING & COUNSELLING According to supervisor KS Harish, the inpatients are being detoxed and counselled on a daily basis for a minimum of one month before they are released from the centre. “We have no strict timeframe…. they coudl stay longer than one month,” he told Residents Watch. “They are given detox tablets after being […] - [Woman accuses Kaya Clinic staff of stealing her necklace!](https://residentswatch.in/woman-accuses-kaya-clinic-staff-of-stealing-her-necklace/):   Software engineer Pratishtha Pandey, 32 years, has accused two staffers of Kaya Skin Clinic on 27th Main Road for stealing her gold necklace. The resident of Sobha Cinnamon and Saffron on Harlur Road suspects that Asabuddin and Shalini are behind the theft of her jewellery.     Representative image   The incident occurred on January 4 at around 2pm when she went to Kaya Skin Clinic for a facial. She asked staffer Shalini to remove her necklace and keep it safely until her session is over.   However, after the facial, she returned home without the necklace as she had […] - [BBMP & Bescom attacked at 2nd ward committee meeting!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-bescom-attacked-at-2nd-ward-committee-meeting/):             During Saturday’s monthly ward committee meeting on HSR Layout ward, several issues were highlighted. This was only the second meeting after the ward committee was formed more than a year ago. And even this was being done after BBMP Commissioner ordered all the 198 wards in Bangalore to conduct the meetings every month without fail.   “About 70% streetlights in HSR, Iblur and Suncity apartment are to be fixed,” said ward committee member Vinutha. Another member Padmashree requested the BBMP to fix the culverts in several areas, including the places where optic fibre cabling companies […] - [Pink taxis for women stepping out of the city airport](https://residentswatch.in/pink-taxis-for-women-stepping-out-of-the-city-airport/):               These are taxis driven by women and for women fliers. The next time you arrive at Bengaluru airport to reach HSR Layout, you could board these pink taxis. Keeping security in mind, these taxis have been introduced by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and supported by the Kempegowda International Airport authorities. They were flagged off only yesterday and are being promoted on Twitter by the city traffic police as well.   Right now, only ten cabs are operational but the number will go up, depending on the demand. They will operate round-the-clock […] - [Tennis star Sania Mirza was at Agara Lake today!](https://residentswatch.in/tennis-star-sania-mirza-was-at-agara-lake-today/): Having heard rave reviews from her friends and associates, tennis superstar Sania Mirza was at Agara Lake this morning. Posing with her father at the water body, she has put up her photo on social media saying, “When you drag your dad for a walk/run and he shows up like he’s going to office feet upwards”. Having delivered a baby after a painful C-section more than a year ago, Sania has embraced parenthood and has penned Ace Against Odds, the paperback version of which was released only last week. Her father Imran Mirza is also her coach, guide and mentor who […] - [How many FIRs were registered at HSR police station in 2018?](https://residentswatch.in/how-many-firs-were-registered-at-hsr-police-station-in-2018/): Under-reporting of minor crimes is well-known in the police department for decades and this trend continues. We have come across cases where the HSR cops refuse to file FIRs (First Information Reports) related to mobile snatching, chain snatching and petty thefts. We are not sure how many grievous offences are swept under the carpet, but we will assume that most of those offences are being reported. Taking this into account, here goes a breakdown of the number of criminal and traffic offences recorded by the HSR police in 2018.         It is sad to note that for the […] - [Sex, drugs and crime at Agara Lake!](https://residentswatch.in/sex-drugs-and-crime-at-agara-lake/): Spread over 98 acres, the recently-revived Agara Lake has also become the hub of youngsters who frequent the place and indulge in drugs and public display of affection. The families and children that visit the park are visibly embarassed and have complained to the park authorities. This has prompted the cops to take action on such errant couples misusing a public space. However, the youngsters are not happy with this intrusion. In addition, there have been cases of chain snatching and usage of drugs.         Complains one such disgruntled person going by the Twitter handle ‘Bandit Biker’: “Why […] - [112 unresolved BBMP complaints; some are over a year old!](https://residentswatch.in/112-unresolved-bbmp-complaints-some-are-over-a-year-old/): 112 unresolved BBMP complaints; some are over a year old!Posted: Jan 1 at 12:32 pmThere are 112 BBMP complaints that remain unresolved, with some grouses that are almost a year old. Such is the callousness with which the civic body functions in HSR Layout. The latest list of grouses have to do with flooding, footpath encroachments and drainage issues. FOOTPATH ENCROACHMENT This complaint was filed more than a year ago, on November 1, 2017. According to the GPMS Online Complaint Monitoring System, this complaint (BBMP-GPMS/CMT-19329) is yet to be resolved. Says the complainant: “The foot path at junction of 14th B […] - [Residents fed up of Bescom's frequent power fluctuations & disruptions!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-fed-up-of-bescoms-frequent-power-fluctuations-disruptions/): While it is true that some of the power disruptions are due to the ongoing cabling work that will make Bescom lines insulated from rains and short circuits, there are several other issues that the electric company needs to sort out fast. To begin with, there are voltage fluctuations galore, that have damaged home alliances and electronic goods worth thousands in offices and houses in HSR Layout.         Sector 4 resident Geetha Pitchai sums up the long list of excuses that the Bescom gives its consumers: “Everytime we raise a complaint, the BESCOM staff will say that the […] - [Techie alleges dowry harassment by inlaws in Sector 7](https://residentswatch.in/techie-alleges-dowry-harassment-by-inlaws-in-sector-7/):   A thirty-year-old software engineer and a resident of HSR Layout, Sector 7, has alleged that she was threatened with life by her inlaws if she does not pay more dowry in addition to the Rs 5 lakh jewellery and Rs 2 lakh given to the groom during marriage.         The police complaint lodged on December 23 alleges that the victim was pressured by her inlaws between January 2018 and July 2018 before she was thrown out of her husband’s house in BTM Layout. Since then, she has been staying with her parents in HSR Layout.   According […] - [Robbery, bike theft and cheating cases in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/robbery-bike-theft-and-cheating-cases-in-hsr-layout/):   Four FIRs were lodged in the last few days in HSR Layout. Besides the dowry harassment case mentioned in a separate story today, there has been a bike theft case in Sector 3, a house robbery in Sector 7 when people were not at home, and a cheating case worth over Rs 3 lakh in Sector 2.       ROBBED WHEN OUT OF TOWN Between 21 and 23 December, the house belonging to 52-year-old Surendra Hegdein Sector 7 was broken into. The victim was staying on 8th B Main, 21st Cross. On December 21, he locked his home at […] - [Woman passenger dies due to rash bus driver near Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/woman-passenger-dies-due-to-rash-bus-driver-near-sector-4/):   A 53-year-old woman passenger died due to a rash bus driver and a badly designed Outer Ring Road stretch. The residents allege that the BBMP was as much at fault for the faulty road elevation.   S Savitri was travelling with 50 other passengers in a Tamil Nadu public transport bus (TN23N 2115). Seated in the back seat with her family members, the bus was ferrying her from Silk Board on Outer Ring Road towards HSR Layout. On the night of December 24 at around 1.35am, the bus driver was driving rashly and zig-zagging all over the road.   When […] - [Begur Road footpath encroachments removed](https://residentswatch.in/begur-road-footpath-encroachments-removed/):   Here is some good news for all those commuters from HSR Layout who take Begur Road to avoid the congestion at Silk Board junction. Several encroachments by pushcart vendors and shops were removed on Thursday and Friday for ease of access. This was a long-pending drive that was now possible, thanks to the recent visit by Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) P Harisekharan.             Expect a wider road with few impediments on Begur Road. While the regular vendors might be absent, they could come back or newer vendors might take their place. Therefore, a continuous […] - [HSR police refuse to register FIR for mobile snatching, but not when it's one of their own!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-police-refuse-to-register-fir-for-mobile-snatching-but-not-when-its-one-of-their-own/):   Several residents have complained that the HSR Layout police are refusing to register complaints of mobile snatching as a First Information Report (FIR). However, the other day when a senior cop’s phone was snatched away by miscreants on a bike, the cops not only registered his complaint but also arrested habitual offenders to check if any of them had stolen the top cop’s phone. After all, it was a prestige issue for the department now.         On December 20 at around 8.45pm, IPS officer Sanjay Sahay (55 years) was taking a stroll on 17th Cross in Sector […] - [On this site, garbage is being burnt every day! Is BBMP the culprit?](https://residentswatch.in/on-this-site-garbage-is-being-burnt-every-day-is-bbmp-the-culprit/): This is the empty land opposite The Cambridge International School on Silver County Road in HSR extension. Residents have reported that garbage is burnt regularly out here for the last seven to eight months. But the BBMP health inspector of the area expresses helplessness as the area does not belong to the BBMP. However, the residents allege that they have spotted several BBMP garbage autos dumping garbage on roadsides (Kasavanahalli Road near Amrutha College) and even part of the dumping on this vacant land in Shantigram panchayat. This is a serious issue as the fence is eating the crop here. When […] - [How to clean up your house without an air purifier!](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-clean-up-your-house-without-an-air-purifier/):   The 2.5 micron particulate matters rose to 157 AQI (air quality index) at 8am today. However, residents who are monitoring the air quality in HSR Layout tell us that even if the pollution is high during the day, you can beat it with some nifty measures.         Don’t want to invest in an air purifier as you don’t have people with breathing issues, no problem. “Just open your doors and windows during non peak hours for about 20 minutes,” says Shashank A. “The stale air goes out and the fresh air comes in. This itself drastically brings […] - [Cycling has begun inside Agara Lake premises](https://residentswatch.in/cycling-has-begun-inside-agara-lake-premises/):   The ban on cycling inside Agara Lake premises is lifted. However, the park authorities don’t want too many cyclists or cycle rentals to operate inside the park premises due to haphazard dumping of vehicles by cyclists and injuring walkers.     Cyclists dumping the bikes haphazardly     Cyclists spoiling the walking track, particulary when it’s wet   There have been several calls made to the police by the walkers regarding these injuries, and therefore, the park caretakers want only the ones responsible for their cycle and cyling to enter the premises.   Therefore, we request the cyclists, and particularly […] - [Cycle track work delaying speedbreaker work in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-track-work-delaying-speedbreaker-work-in-hsr/): The HSR traffic police has given a list of roads that need speedbreakers on five occasions, but the BBMP is yet to do its job. When we contacted the senior officials in the civic body’s headquarters, we were told that work will start after the cycle track is laid. That is not the only reason, however. “Everytime, we give them a list of speedbreakers, they would say we have a lot of work,” said one cop. However, when we spoke to the traffic engineering cell of the BBMP, they said there were no funds.         When we pressed […] - [Pavement parking: Is it no offence?](https://residentswatch.in/pavement-parking-is-it-no-offence/):   HSR Layout resident Sankar Sarma is shocked that his complaint about footpath parking on 14th Main Road in Sector 3 was rejected by the Public Eye app of the city traffic police. “Are you saying parking on footpath is not a violation?” tweeted Sarma to the top cops in traffic. “Footpath is for pedestrians. Please check again.”         HSR residents believe that parking on the footpaths in commercial roads should be restricted as the pedestrians could be risking their life and limb if they stepped on to a busy thoroughfare. In addition, it’s impossible to commute on […] - [Cops refuse to take theft complaint; resident forces them to](https://residentswatch.in/cops-refuse-to-take-theft-complaint-resident-forces-them-to/):   This is the third theft of electronic goods in HSR Layout where an FIR is registered. We are not even talking of the many cases that don’t get registered and just remain a simple police complaint.         Take this theft on December 13 at 6.40am on 24th Main, Sector 1. Since the door was open when the theft occurred, the HSR cops refused to file a police complaint. But Sushmita, the Sector 1 resident waited for five days and then went to the station, sat for two hours and did not leave the station until the complaint […] - [Second theft of electronic goods in a fortnight; door was kept open](https://residentswatch.in/second-theft-of-electronic-goods-in-a-fortnight-door-was-kept-open/):   If all HSR residents follow the crime updates on this channel, many of their valuables would be safe. They can learn from the faults of others. On December 6, we wrote about how a Sector 3 resident lost his laptop and phone for keeping his door open. Twelve days later, a similar theft happened at an apartment on 24th Main in Sector 2. The door was kept open and the alleged thief made away with electronic goods worth lakhs.         The theft occurred between 7.30am and 7.50am on December 18 at Misty Meadows apartment near Food Palace […] - [BBMP issues notice to HSR resident for 'rearing and selling' cats](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-issues-notice-to-hsr-resident-for-rearing-and-selling-cats/):   Based on complaints from residents of Sector 3, BBMP has issued a notice to resident Sudha Venkatesh today to stop rearing and selling cats within three days, failing which the law will take its course.   “When the BBMP tried serving the notice (for health and safety concerns) on the breeder yesterday, they initially declined to accept it, but later acknowledged it,” says resident Gowtham Reddy, the primary complainant. “The breeder and shelterer was raising her voice and threatening me for complaining with the authorities. She had rowdies at her place, at least five guys.”   The notice by health […] - [FREAK ACCIDENT: Sector 3 resident comes under the train and dies!](https://residentswatch.in/freak-accident-sector-3-resident-comes-under-the-train-and-dies/):   Vikram Vijayan, a resident of Sector 3, HSR Layout, died in a freak accident on the night of Monday, December 17. Employed with Wipro as a software engineer, the 28-year-old had gone to the Carmelaram railway station off Sarjapur Road to see off his parents who had come to visit him.     Vikram with his parents   Since the train stops only for a minute, the rail began to move when he was nearing the seat where his parents had booked their birth. Immediately, he placed their luggage and rushed out with a hurried goodbye to his parents. But […] - [Spurned lover stabs girl and kills her boyfriend; goes behind bars for 10 years](https://residentswatch.in/spurned-lover-stabs-girl-and-kills-her-boyfriend-goes-behind-bars-for-10-years/):   Aparna, a 22-year-old resident of HSR Layout and a student of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Sector 1 was stabbed by her collegemate last year by Rana. He had mistaken her friendship for love but when he realised that she was in love with her office colleague Kaushik after graduating from NIFT, he couldn’t take it anymore.         On October 16, 2017, Rana went to her house in HSR Layout and finding them together, stabs both of them with a knife. While Kaushik dies instantly due to repeated stabs, Aparna was rushed to the hospital […] - [Rs 50,000 worth narcotics seized near NIFT college](https://residentswatch.in/rs-50000-worth-narcotics-seized-near-nift-college/): Based on a tip off, the HSR Layout police swooped down on a drug peddler and seized narcotics worth Rs 50,000. In an elaborate procedure, the lone accused was arrested after all the procedures were followed by the police like getting independent people to verify that the accused possessed drugs on him.     Cannabis or weed   The police operations began at 10.30am and went on till 1.15pm near NIFT in Sector 1 on December 15. The accused is Samsuddin, a 28-year-old resident of Mangammana Palya. The cops found 1050 grams of ganja and Rs 500 cash on him at […] - [Car stolen in HSR Layout used for drug trafficking in Rajasthan](https://residentswatch.in/car-stolen-in-hsr-layout-used-for-drug-trafficking-in-rajasthan/): On the night of December 4, a pearl white Toyota Fortuner (KA03 AE4825) worth Rs 22 lakh was allegedly stolen in Sector 1. Thanks to a hidden, inbuilt GPS, the sports utility vehicle was traced to Rajasthan near the India-Pakistan border. The cops and the car rental company officials gave chase in two instances, but the thieves outsmarted them. Later, they allegedly disconnected the GPS in the car and the car trail is dead ever since. Orix Infrastructure, the car rental firm, has filed a case of theft with the HSR cops. The accused Roshan Khan faces two allegations: criminal breach […] - [HSR gives away 350 kilos of electronic waste!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-gives-away-350-kilos-of-electronic-waste/):   On Sunday, a special drive was conducted by a recycling company in collaboration with HSR Layout residents. About 350 kilos of electronic waste was collected during the process.       The HaSiRu Mithra team of HSR Layout residents conducted a successful e-waste collection drive for residents of HSR Layout and Somasundrapalya with 4R Recycling, an approved and Authorized vendor by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.   “Individuals and resident welfare associations came to drop off ewaste from various nearby areas,” said volunteer Kamesh Rastogi. “It was nice to see the enthusiastic response from the citizens as we collected […] - [New neighbour shelters several cats and dogs; residents protest](https://residentswatch.in/new-neighbour-shelters-several-cats-and-dogs-residents-protest/):   A new resident of HSR Layout turned her house in Sector 3 into a sheltering space for several cats and dogs. The result was the constant barking, meowwing during late nights and the health hazard due to the mess created by these pets, allege the neighbours. However, the pet owner defends herself by saying that the noise pollution will come down once the animals settle down in their new house. She also claims to have taken all precautions to ensure that there is no hygiene or nuisance issue in the area.         BBMP ACTS BBMP Health Inspector […] - [Drop your electronic waste here on Sunday!](https://residentswatch.in/drop-your-electronic-waste-here-on-sunday/): A special one-day drive is being conducted by 4R Recycling, a waste management company. It will pick up electronic waste at a designated spot in Sector 2 tomorrow between 10am and 1pm. For some items, it will even pay you for it. The detailed chart is given below as electronic items are divided into positive, negative and zero value materials.               HOW TO DISPOSE EWASTE AFTER SUNDAY? Well, for small items, there is the permanent ewaste collection kiosk by Saahas in front of MK Retail on 17th Cross near NIFT in Sector 2. If that […] - [Thief steals laptop & phone but returns passport the next day!](https://residentswatch.in/thief-steals-laptop-phone-but-returns-passport-the-next-day/):   On December 10, a thief took the keys lying inside an open window and let himself into a second floor house in Sector 1. He stole the laptop bag which contained a passport and a mobile phone and quickly escaped. A day later, the thief returns the passport by keeping it above the switchboard on the ground floor.         According to the FIR, the incident occurred between 6.30am and 7am at a house on the 2nd floor of 22nd Main, 7th Cross. Thirty-three-year-old software engineer Santosh Yadav was sleeping when the theft occurred. He lost a Lenovo […] - [Pedestrian grievously injured by bus at Iblur junction](https://residentswatch.in/pedestrian-grievously-injured-by-bus-at-iblur-junction/): On Monday, December 10, 75-year-old Gangadhara N Nayar, a resident of Suncity apartments in Iblur off Sarjapur Road was crossing the road in front of Columbia Asia Hospital at Iblur junction when a BMTC bus hit him. He suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Columbia Asia hospital for treatment by the traffic cops at 5pm. The bus driver panicked and ran away while parking the bus on the road itself. The Iblur junction is the most risky for pedestrians. The residents have been demanding an elevated walkway for the longest time but the BBMP is yet to sanction it. […] - [Thief caught on CCTV robbing a house in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/thief-caught-on-cctv-robbing-a-house-in-sector-3/): A house was burgled in Sector 3 on Monday, December 10. Cash and gold jewellery was stolen during daytime by breaking the door lock. The incident occurred between 1.20pm and 1.50pm on 18th C Main, 3rd floor. Dr Shreyaa (27 years) stays with her husband Vivek Prashant. On the day of the robbery, both had left home at 11am to a hospital.   Later, the husband left for Patna on work while Shreyaa returned home at 5pm. She was horrified to see that the front door was ajar and the thief had broken into her home. The cupboard was open and […] - [HSR residents organise candle light march for missing dogs](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-residents-organise-candle-light-march-for-missing-dogs/): HSR pet lovers are alleging that vans are coming at midnight in HSR Layout to take away stray dogs for their meat. The next time, you eat out, you could be having ‘Bow Bow Biriyani’ instead of beef, chicken or mutton biriyani, they allege, citing a famous case that happened recently in Chennai where a restaurant was caught selling dog meat to its patrons.   In addition, relocating dogs is a violation of the Supreme Court order that only permits the BBMP to pick up the dog for vaccination and return the dog to its original habitat. The problem happens when […] - [UPS at HSR police station can only work for 3 hours!](https://residentswatch.in/ups-at-hsr-police-station-can-only-work-for-3-hours/): Two-and-a-half months ago, we had written a story that you were not able to file an FIR at HSR police station whenever there is no electricity. Well, now you can, because the UPS has been fixed, but it cannot last for more than three hours.         Can Bescom give them special treatment? No, say Bescom officials because the station is on 27th Main Road, the hub of all commercial activity where new and old connections keep getting installed and uninstalled. Bescom has to switch off the power supply to rectify, erect or install new connections.   Only a […] - [Here is how HSR cops can help you...](https://residentswatch.in/here-is-how-hsr-cops-can-help-you/): Recently, a police-public meeting was held at the Sector 4 park. Vehicle thefts occupied prime attention, but here are some surprising facts that came out from the meeting. Importantly, here are tips that would work for everyone in HSR and beyond. Read on… RESIDENTS KEEP THEIR VEHICLES UNLOCKED Responding to many vehicle thefts in the neighbourhood, the cops said that many two-wheelers are left unlocked at night. “Their suggestion is to lock the front wheel of the 2 wheelers,” said Sector 4 resident Suresh Bhaskaran. SAFEGUARD YOUR PRIVACY Another interesting fact revealed by the HSR cops was for the residents to […] - [HSR Habba slammed yet again for latenight music!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-habba-slammed-yet-again-for-latenight-music/): Despite our last year’s story about the organisers using high decibels and conducting the musical night even after midnight, they don’t seem to have learnt their lesson this year too. Yesterday, the loud music went on past midnight, annoying several residents across Sector 3, 4 and 2. Everybody wanted to know how the cops can allow such a function to happen. There were several calls made by the residents to the police control room. “The cops said they would send the Hoysala, but the music hasn’t stopped yet?” complained one resident. Another resident replied: “That’s because how can they stop an […] - [Sector 7 senior citizen goes missing on Wed, found on Friday, thanks to social media](https://residentswatch.in/sector-7-senior-citizen-goes-missing-on-wed-found-on-friday-thanks-to-social-media/): Here is a bittersweet story about a Sector 7 senior citizen who went missing on Wednesday and was found in Jayanagar on Friday by folks who had seen his photograph flashed across social media.         S Narasimhan, an 80 year old suffering from dementia (short term memory loss) stepped out for a walk and forgot his address along the way. His photograph with his details were uploaded by his family members across social media. His son Sathyanarayana N is much relieved now.   “That’s the power of social media,” Sathyanarayana told Residents Watch. “He was found in Siddapura, […] - [Marshalls allegedly catch culprits behind Bellandur Lake fire](https://residentswatch.in/marshalls-allegedly-catch-culprits-behind-bellandur-lake-fire/): According to the BBMP, the culprits behind the massive fire that engulfed Bellandur Lake in January this year have been caught. And they don’t happen to be industries letting chemicals into the lake but four scrap dealers who have been clandestinely burning OFCs to extract copper from them to sell it elsewhere and make a living.         According to the cops, these youth were indulging in this for the last two years, and could well be the reason behind the frequent burnings spotted around the lake.   However, this time around, with marshalls on duty, they were caught […] - [Silk Board signal waiting time of 20-30 minutes will not end for some more time](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-signal-waiting-time-of-20-30-minutes-will-not-end-for-some-more-time/):   Commuters at Central Silk Board junction wait atleast 20-30 minutes to cross the signal during peak hours and atleast 10 minuets during non-peak hours. Plans to make it signal-free have been in the works for the last 2.5 years, but the first tender failed to get a response from enough bidders. And now, the second bidding has also failed. It’s back to square one for both Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the commuters who will have to suffer more.         The Silk Board junction is also the most congested and polluted junctions in the city. […] - [HSR has a new Joint Commissioner and Assistant Executive Engineer](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-has-a-new-joint-commissioner-and-assistant-executive-engineer/): BBMP Joint Commissioner (Bommanahalli) Veerabhadraswamy has left to make way for Dr A Soujanya, who was previously Deputy Commissioner, Land Acquisition and TDR (Transferable Development Rights) at the civic body. Last year, she was the Additional Commissioner (Administration) of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).     Dr A Soujanya   That’s not all. HSR Layout has a new Assistant Executive Engineer in SV Srinivas at the BBMP. His predecessor was Ananth Raju. Previous to him, Venkatesh was the AEE who was sacked by then chief minister Siddaramaiah at a public meeting in Sector 3 when the residents complained about his inaction on […] - [HSR's Top 10 property tax offenders list is out!](https://residentswatch.in/hsrs-top-10-property-tax-offenders-list-is-out/):       Sector 2 resident K Shiva Rao tops with Rs 13 lakh outstanding payments towards BBMP for property tax. He is followed by Agara village resident G Vasudeva with outstandings of Rs 11.74 lakh. The Top 10 tax violators in HSR Ward owe the BBMP over Rs 80 lakh.   This list was generated as the BBMP officials were ordered by the taxation department of the civic agency to identify the top 10 property tax violators in every zone by December 1.   It has been found that many property owners of commercial buildings have not paid their property […] - [Sector 3 resident loses laptop & phone for keeping his door open](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-resident-loses-laptop-phone-for-keeping-his-door-open/):   Always keep your doors and windows shut, particularly if you live on the ground floor. Twenty-seven-year-old Somil Jhavar realised this harsh truth when he kept his door open and allowed thieves to steal his valuables.     Dell Inspiron     Samsung Galaxy Note 9   The incident occurred on December 3 between 8am and 8.20am. Staying on 18th A Main, 23rd Cross, Somil had left the door open and gone inside his house to cook. In those 20 minutes, some strangers have entered his house and stole his Dell Inspiron laptop and Samsung Galaxy Note 9.   Both are […] - [Cycle track width reduced to accommodate more traffic on roads](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-track-width-reduced-to-accommodate-more-traffic-on-roads/):       When the 2014 cycle track plan was proposed for HSR Layout, the cycle track width was more. But over the years, the roads in HSR also had as much more vehicular traffic. Therefore, the width of the cycle tracks are now reduced to provision more space for movement of vehicles.   Since road users are far more than those using cycles, the BBMP is now forced to ensure that the road width isn’t reduced to accommodate the cycle track. “Today, we cannot dedicate 2.5 metres to the cycle track,” said one senior official. “Therefore, we are now working […] - [Which came first? Graveyard or the road?](https://residentswatch.in/which-came-first-graveyard-or-the-road/): Did you know that a graveyard encroaches half the road on 26th Cross, 17th Main in Sector 3? Well, here are some interesting facts about it. According to one BDA official who served his previous term before being transferred, this was a wasteland belonging to the government when HSR was just a village. However, once the BDA took over the land, it left the graveyard as it is and did the rest of the road, according to him.               Another BDA official said that the area around Ellukunte where this graveyard is located is rife […] - [Pizza was delivered like this! Zomato refunds money!](https://residentswatch.in/pizza-was-delivered-like-this-zomato-refunds-money/): Resident Prakher Singhal was mighty upset yesterday when Zomato delivered a pizza that was all scrunched up (see pic). It was like delivering a smashed up cake. Although Zomato refunded the money, the damage was done. And Prakher went public with this pathetic delivery style of Zomato.       Tweeting to Zomato, he said 14 hours ago, “Is this how pizza is delivered? Orderid# 1188351487. I saw the delivery boy. He carried the pizza like a laptop in backpack. All slices were on top of each other. I have got the refund but is this an excuse for pathetic delivery?” […] - [Cab runs into ambulance parked on Outer Ring Road](https://residentswatch.in/cab-runs-into-ambulance-parked-on-outer-ring-road/):   On December 3, at around 5am, 22-year-old cab driver Nagendra was driving in front of Microsoft office near Iblur junction on Outer Ring Road (ORR). He was ferrying passenger Ravikumar (40 years) towards Bellandur not realising that a little ahead, an ambulance driver (KA04 A3559) had stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road and stepped out.     Representative image.   The bus driver in front of Nagendra’s cab expertly manoeuvred the bus at the last minute to the left, but since the cab driver wasn’t aware of the ambulance’s presence, he tried to apply the breaks at […] - [Realtor loses Rs 1 crore in a land deal gone wrong](https://residentswatch.in/realtor-loses-rs-1-crore-in-a-land-deal-gone-wrong/):   A BTM Layout resident has allegedly been conned of Rs 1 crore by four landlords staying in HSR Layout. The cops have registered a case of ‘criminal breach of trust’ in addition to cheating and dishonesty.       Forty-four-year-old PK Chacko, is the managing director of Oceanus Dwellings Private Limited whose office is in PN Plaza building on 18th Cross, Sector 3, HSR Layout. The accused are Muninanjamma (93), N Nagaraja Reddy (72), B Govindamma (66) and N Vasudev Babu (47) who claimed to own 3 acres 9 gunta land in Singasandra.   On January 31, 2006, Chacko entered […] - [Flesh racket: Sanjana Spa is still not shut online!](https://residentswatch.in/flesh-racket-sanjana-spa-is-still-not-shut-online/):     On November 19, we wrote about a prostitution racket being publicised on a website and Twitter handle. The HSR cops got back to us saying that the pimps simply name posh areas in Bangalore as part of their marketing tactic although the place of their operations could be outside HSR.   While the Twitter handle did not update HSR for a while, it is back up again. Just 11 hours ago, it has posted that offers “Body to Body massage, Oil massage, Female to male full body massage in Bangalore, Independent girls personal services in RR Nagar, Nagarbhavi, JP […] - [Amphitheatre to be inaugurated by Deputy CM this month!](https://residentswatch.in/amphitheatre-to-be-inaugurated-by-deputy-cm-this-month/): The amphitheatre work is about to be completed in a week at the Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3. The sprawling lung space in HSR Layout on 19th Cross, 15th B Main will play host to Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwar when the open air stadium work is completed.         According to BDA officials, the park work is going along swimmingly and will be completed in a week or two. It is HSR resident and Bellary MP, VS Ugrappa’s idea to call Parameshwar who is also the city development minister. Sources tell us that even chief minister Kuramaraswamy […] - [NPS, Oxford & PGs inconvenience residents of Sector 4](https://residentswatch.in/nps-oxford-pgs-inconvenience-residents-of-sector-4/):   The presence of Oxford College and National Public School (NPS) is causing much heartburn among residents of 17th B Main in Sector 4. Adding to their problems is the lackadaisical attitude of school authorities, bus drivers and civic agencies in finding a permanent solution to the problem of rash driving, blaring loud speakers and traffic jams on this thoroughfare. In addition, two residential buildings have turned commercial and host Paying Guest accommodations, two xerox shops and a tailoring unit. The result is that there is queuing up of people, haphazard parking, constant noise and a lot of latenight pickup and […] - [Suffering from a prolonged powercut in HSR? Here is why...](https://residentswatch.in/suffering-from-a-prolonged-powercut-in-hsr-here-is-why/): There is no electricity since 11am in Sector 3 today. The Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) officials informed Residents Watch that two transformer cables are being replaced. “The work is time-consuming and takes 6-7 hours,” said one official. “The power should be restored in Sector 3 by 6pm.”         This power interruption is part of the months-long work going on by BESCOM to install low tension aerial bunched cables across HSR Layout. Once installed, the cables will not be hazardous to trees or people even if you touch them as they will be heavily insulated from the elements. […] - [Potholes, streetlights, stray dogs and parks headline the first Ward Committee meet of BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/potholes-streetlights-stray-dogs-and-parks-headline-the-first-ward-committee-meet-of-bbmp/):   December 1 will be a historic day in the history of HSR Layout as the first ward committee meeting was conducted today for both Ward 174 (HSR) and Ward 190 at the BBMP office on 9th Main Road in Sector 6, as the officials for both wards are largely the same, barring a few exceptions. This is also historic because now the monthly meetings are mandated by the Karnataka High Court and ordered by the BBMP Commissioner.         It does not end there. Every first Saturday, after the meeting is conducted, the minutes of the meeting are […] - [Neighbourhood youngster designs energy-efficient solar vehicle!](https://residentswatch.in/neighbourhood-youngster-designs-energy-efficient-solar-vehicle/):   Nineteeen-year-old KM Vishall Somaiya, a resident of Teacher’s Colony that is adjacent to HSR Sector 5, is a mechanical engineering student of New Horizon College of Engineering in Marathahalli. He and his friends from different disciplines like automobile and electrical engineering have built an energy-efficient solar vehicle for an international contest by Shell. They are one among the four participants from Bangalore who are shortlisted for the competition in the second week of December called Shell Eco-Marathon in Chennai.     Vishall is in the front row and third from right     Not only will Vishall’s work be displayed […] - ['HSR is the only layout in India to have comprehensive cycle parking'](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-is-the-only-layout-in-india-to-have-comprehensive-cycle-parking/): About 14 locations for cycle stands have begun to function from today – four more locations will be ready for primetime in a fortnight. That’s a total of 55 stands where 110 cycles can be parked at any given time in HSR Layout.   This is great news for all the cycle enthusiasts in HSR Layout, which even have a full-fledged group called HSR Cyclists Forum powering this community and all the associated initiatives like Cycle Day, cycle tracks, cycle rentals and now cycle stands.         Corporator Gurumurthy Reddy inaugurating the facility this morning         […] - [(Promotion) Sumptuous Birbal Biriyani and the best Gabbar Chai](https://residentswatch.in/promotion-sumptuous-birbal-biriyani-and-the-best-gabbar-chai/): What do you say to a chai shop that is sitting cheek by jowl with a restaurant serving the best cuisine? And the proprietor happens to be the same for both? The icing on the cake! And that’s precisely what you get at Birbal Biriyani and Gabbar Chai.       Why would anyone travel 18 kilometres from HSR Layout to sample the food out here? Well, to begin with, it’s perfect as a weekend retreat. Ample parking, sumptuous food, and about 25 minutes of driving during non-peak hours, the winsome twosome dazzle your tastebuds.       From starters to […] - [Public cycle stands in 18 places across HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/public-cycle-stands-in-18-places-across-hsr-2/): A three-year project will come to fruition tomorrow when public cycle parking will be thrown open to residents at 18 places across HSR Layout. The reason for the delay was the civic works being carried out by the BBMP and the flooding issue that enveloped the neighbourhood in the interim.             Be there tomorrow for the inauguration   “It’s a very unique project based on multiple themes unlike any other in the world,” says Shashidhara K of HSR Cyclists Group that won the Neighbourhood Improvement Program challenge in December 2015 that helped create this facility.   […] - [KLM mall finally removes the sole footpath encroachment](https://residentswatch.in/klm-mall-finally-removes-the-sole-footpath-encroachment/): KLM Mall, the ‘common man’s mall’ that had encroached the common man’s footpath for almost a month has finally removed all the encroachments on 27th Main Road.         Yesterday, the BBMP officials had promised this channel that if the mall authorities don’t remove it, they would remove the encroachment themselves. However, health inspector Vinodh GM informed us that when he went to the mall during his inspection round, he found that the mall authorities had removed the encroachment yesterday afternoon. “They removed it, so we didn’t have to,” he told us.   This is a long saga that […] - [Illegal hoardings removed on 27th Main!](https://residentswatch.in/illegal-hoardings-removed-on-27th-main/): Several unauthorised hoardings and advertisements put up by various brands and shopkeepers on 27th Main Road were removed yesterday by the BBMP. Here are a few of those shops whose hoardings were removed.   This is a drive based on the Karnataka High Court order and a BBMP notification that no hoardings, posters or outdoor advertisements of any kind will be allowed till August 2019. Only those who are approved by the BBMP after paying a licence fee are eligible to put up the hoardings.                 BBMP Health Inspector Vinod GM in action   […] - [Public cycle stands in 18 places across HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/public-cycle-stands-in-18-places-across-hsr/):   A three-year project will come to fruition tomorrow when public cycle parking will be thrown open to residents at 18 places across HSR Layout. The reason for the delay was the civic works being carried out by the BBMP and the flooding issue that enveloped the neighbourhood in the interim.             Be there tomorrow for the inauguration   “It’s a very unique project based on multiple themes unlike any other in the world,” says Shashidhara K of HSR Cyclists Group that won the Neighbourhood Improvement Program challenge in December 2015 that helped create this facility. […] - [The oldest organic store of HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/the-oldest-organic-store-of-hsr-layout/):   The Eco Store, the oldest organic store in HSR Layout, celebrated its sixth anniversary this July. Today, there are many more alternatives in the neighbourhood, but this shop stands out for sticking to promoting high-quality products produced by farmers and farming groups. As its founder Seshu Maringanti says, “We carefully select our products so that they are healthy and harmless to our body.”   The store gets vegetables five days a week (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun), as soon as they are harvested in the farm. Their grocery section has a wide range of products ranging from rice, millets, […] - [BBMP fines plastic sellers and removes footpath encroachments](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-fines-plastic-sellers-and-removes-footpath-encroachments/): On the HSR side of Mangammana Palya Main Road, the BBMP officials have removed footpath encroachers yesterday. In addition, shops using banned plastic were fined. In the last week alone, Rs 18,000 worth of fines were levied for using plastic bags and dumping garbage in stormwater drains and vacant sites.                     There were four raids in HSR Layout last week, including one yesterday. The places covered were 24th Main in Agara, Sector 2, 27th Main and 17th Cross. Yesterday, the raids were conducted on Mangammana Palya Main Road where footpath encroachers were […] - [Want to be a corporator of your ward? Citizen groups want to help you!](https://residentswatch.in/want-to-be-a-corporator-of-your-ward-citizen-groups-want-to-help-you/): The residents are fed up of the immoral, greedy and illiterate politicians hogging the landscape and want to do something. They want to nominate people within their areas who are doing great work selflessly to become their next corporator and MLA. That is the only way things can get done in a systematic way, according to them. Towards this end, many such pan-Bangalore organisations are coming together in Bengaluru and HSR Layout, like the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF), Citizens Action Forum (CAF), Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB), Whitefield Rising, and Pothole Raja, among others. The underlying idea is that the city’s infrastructure […] - [Join citizens' yatra for the constitution from Bengaluru to Bidar from Nov 26-Dec 11](https://residentswatch.in/join-this-yatra-for-the-constitution-from-bengaluru-to-bidar-from-nov-26-dec-11/): Walk, run, and cycle for the constitution. Two city mountaineers and environmentalists, Kavitha Reddy and Jigna Modh, are calling everyone to join them in their ‘Yatra for Constitution’. The idea is to not only commemorate 70 years of the constitution’s existence but also to ensure that it’s sanctity is maintained. The Bengaluru to Bidar journey of 700 kilometres will cover 10 districts in 16 days. The flag off is on November 26 at 7am from HSR Layout. The funds raised during this initiative will go towards the conservation of lakes and the environment through the NGO, Kaagaz Foundation. Anyone from Karnataka […] - [HSR Layout's most accident-prone roads!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layouts-most-accident-prone-roads/): Most accident-prone roads of HSR Layout. Well, actually, most happen to be junctions as people from different ends are always in a hurry to get from Point A to Point B. The result is an unfortunate accident. Which is why, a former traffic inspector in HSR Layout prevented these frequent head-on and side collisions by creating deviations. We are talking about three killer junctions: The 17th Cross-24th main junction, 22nd Cross-19th Main junction and the 17th Cross-19th Main junction. Some residents loved the idea and the others didn’t. Some riders, allegedly under the influence of some stimulant broke the median several […] - [Woman loses Rs 2.6 lakh gold chain to bike-borne thieves in Sector 5](https://residentswatch.in/woman-loses-rs-2-6-lakh-gold-chain-to-bike-borne-thieves-in-sector-5/): Despite repeated police and media warnings, some people are still falling prey to thieves every other day. Either the women are completely unaware that there are chain snatchers around or they believe that such incidents happen only to others, not them. This chain snatching incident occurred on October 17 at around 8.15pm near Swathi restaurant, opposite Elm montessori school in Sector 5. Sixty-year-old Molly Mathew finished her work at a gift shop in Bellandur, hopped on to a bus and got down at HSR Layout BDA Complex flyover. While she was walking towards her home in Venkatapura, two bike-borne thieves on […] - [On Nov 1, a public meetup with BMTC officials in Sector 4; Bus Priority Lane project begins from Byappanahalli to Silk Board](https://residentswatch.in/on-nov-1-a-public-meetup-with-bmtc-officials-in-sector-4/): On November 1, Bellanduru Jothege, a citizen action group is organising a meet-up between the public and the officials of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). This is the most apt day because on this very day, the Bus Priority Lane (BPL) project will also begin from Byappanahalli and Central Silk Board. What this means is that the left side of Outer Ring Road will now only be meant for ambulances and BMTC buses. This is to almost halve the travel time between these destinations. They are introducing 45 buses specifically on this route towards this objective. At the citizen meet earlier, […] - [Water enters homes in HSR Layout due to last night's rains!](https://residentswatch.in/water-entered-homes-in-hsr-layout-due-to-last-nights-rains/): HSR Layout’s low-lying areas in Sector 2 and 3 were flooded due to last night’s heavy rains. All the food delivery services stopped accepting orders after 8pm due to the rains, affecting several residents who were dependent on outside food. Stepping out was particularly a problem for the residents in certain areas of Sector 2 and 3 as water was knee-deep. What’s worse was that the rainwater entered the homes of many in Sector 3 due to this unplanned development by the BBMP that has not desilted the drains for over a decade. The BBMP officials are only raising the heights […] - [Mother files police case against son for assaulting her and misusing husband's retirement money](https://residentswatch.in/mother-files-police-case-against-son-for-assaulting-her-and-misusing-husbands-retirement-money/): Fifty-nine-year-old Nirmala, a resident of Sector 2, has alleged that when her husband Satyameshan retired in 2015, her son Nitin and his wife Keerti took the lumpsum retirement money and promised to look after them. However, the couple allegedly spent all the money and didn’t keep up their promise. With a monthly pension of Rs 30,000, the couple is not able to pay for the house rent and the medical expenses. When Nirmala asked her son to give their money back or help them in their hour of need, he allegedly pushed her, mouthed expletives and threatened her with life. Taking […] - [Suffering from a rain issue? Call BBMP at these numbers...](https://residentswatch.in/suffering-from-a-rain-issue-call-bbmp-at-these-numbers/): BBMP is ready for the rains with Prahari, their mobile jeep equipped with everything they need to remove uprooted trees, and pump out water. Prahari is an emergency response vehicle of the BBMP, and there are six at different points in the city, like Bommanahalli and Mahadevapura that receive the most complaints due to rain. From tree-cutters and pickaxes to ladders, electric saws, ropes and pumps, the six Praharis are at your service. In addition, BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar is particularly cautioning riders. “I request all motorists, especially 2-wheeler riders, to ride carefully,” he has tweeted. “Road rage is no […] - [Accident prevention: To barricade or not to barricade?](https://residentswatch.in/accident-prevention-to-barricade-or-not-barricade/): The residents and the traffic police in Sector 4 are having a tough time with a perplexing issue: to barricade or not barricade. The issue is about avoiding accidents by placing a barricade on 19th Main to avoid vehicles rushing into 11th Cross. However, the cops argue that this would lead to more accidents, particularly at night. For now, the cops have erected a barricade on 11th Cross instead. But the residents are not happy. The Sector 4 residents feel that the absence of a speedbreaker on 19th Main near 11th Cross (Kubera TVS corner) in HSR Layout is causing accidents. […] - [Children's Book Festival at refurbished City Central Library](https://residentswatch.in/childrens-book-festival-at-refurbished-city-central-library/) - [Building owners in HSR put Swiggy and Zomato on notice!](https://residentswatch.in/building-owners-in-hsr-put-swiggy-and-zomato-on-notice/) - [BBMP demolishes restaurant wall to make way for drain](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-demolishes-restaurant-wall-to-make-way-for-drain/): Kadal Da Meen, a restaurant at the junction of 22nd Cross and 17th Main Road in Sector 3, HSR Layout, had built a compound wall on the footpath abutting a storm water drain on 22nd Cross. Recently, the BBMP broke the wall to make way for the storm water drain. However, this box drain work that began more than a year ago from 27th Cross in Sector 2 continues to get interrupted for one or the other reason. In addition, the entire route is unscientific as it goes through low-lying areas of Sector 3 that leads to flooding of homes when […] - [Commercial firms on narrow, residential roads in HSR; BBMP looks the other way!](https://residentswatch.in/commercial-firms-on-narrow-residential-roads-in-hsr-bbmp-looks-the-other-way/): The residents are fed up of commercial establishments coming up on residential roads. It is illegal to have any commercial outlet on roads that are 40 feet and less. On roads wider than 40 feet, BBMP decides on what can be completely commercial and what can be mixed use. However, the commercial business owners either don’t know the law or they are willingly violating the law. NAMING AND SHAMING We asked residents to name some such establishments in HSR that they feel are a nuisance in their neighbourhoods. We also noticed some commercial operators in HSR Layout. We urge the BBMP […] - [KCDC stink is unbearable in Somasundrapalya and just bearable in HSR! What can you do?](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-stink-is-unbearable-in-somasundrapalya-and-just-bearable-in-hsr-what-can-you-do/): If the smell in Somasundrapalya, Hosapalya and Kudlu is unbearable, thanks to the smell emanating from the composting plant, Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC), it’s just about bearable in HSR Layout. The stink affects different areas at different points in time, depending on the wind direction and also when the KCDC staff turn over the compost heap. That’s when the stink gets worse. And yes, the smell becomes all pervading and reaches up to Hosur Road and Nice Road, when it rains rhinos. This smell is usually in the evening and night, between 6pm and 12pm. That’s when either the heap […] - [Free carrybags have to be provided by shops: Bata India in the dock!](https://residentswatch.in/carrybags-have-to-be-provided-by-shops-bata-india-in-the-dock/):   Here is some money-saving tip for consumers. By law, no shop can charge you for carrybags. A recent ruling by a consumer court has much to say about this rule. The story goes that Dinesh Parshad Raturi was made to pay Rs 3 for a carrybag when he shopped at a Bata showroom. Upset with this deficiency of service, he reported the matter to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Chandigarh. After the arguments were heard, the court ruled that Bata was indeed guilty of unfair trade practice as they were not supposed to charge any money for the […] - [Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/gandhi-jayanthi-celebrations-in-hsr-layout/) - [Consumer Court orders Dreamz Infra to refund Rs 12.5 lakh to buyer for faking documents](https://residentswatch.in/consumer-court-orders-dreamz-infra-to-refund-12-5-lakh-to-buyer-for-not-building-a-flat/):   When Veenish Kumar realised that Dreamz Infra India Pvt. Ltd, a company whose founders were based out of HSR Layout failed to furnish proper land documents to him, he asked for a refund. When nothing happened, he approached the consumer court. Recently, the consumer court ruled that the builder pay up Rs 12.5 lakh deposit money to Veenish and Rs 10,000 as compensation for all the trouble. The story goes that Dreamz Infra had not given Veenish the proper papers on the land they had allotted to him. This was revealed by Veenish’s lawyers who found that the property documents […] - [EVENTS: Collection drive, tree plantation, cultural evening & more on Oct 2](https://residentswatch.in/events-collection-drive-tree-plantation-cultural-evening-more-on-oct-2/): Make the most of the Gandhi Jayanthi holiday tomorrow (Oct 2) by taking part in one or more events planned by the residents and organisations in HSR Layout. DAAN UTSAVIf you want to donate your belongings, be part of the ‘Daan Utsav’ (Joy of Giving) by Goonj. The collection drive is to help the millions of families affected by the recent floods. They include children’s clothes, school material, dry ration items, woollen clothes and utensils. Remember to contribute materials that are in good condition. Monetary contributions are also welcome. You can pay via PayTM to the following numbers: 94480-63776 or 99862-03156. […] - [HSR Layout to get a skywalk in Sector 4!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-to-get-a-skywalk-in-sector-4/): Days after the residents had petitioned the Deputy Chief Minister to sanction a skywalk in front of Mantri Sarovar apartments on Outer Ring Road, it is now known that the BBMP had already called for short-term tenders for 39 skywalks across the city. And it includes the one that the residents demanded in Sector 4. The proposed skywalks will be on a ‘design, build, finance, operate and transfer’ (DBFOT) basis for a concession period of 30 years. Interestingly, when the residents raised this issue in front of the Deputy CM, both the local corporator and MLA were unaware of the BBMP […] - [Aamir Khan's real-life Phunsukh Wangdu will be in the neighbourhood this weekend!](https://residentswatch.in/aamir-khans-real-life-phunsukh-wangdu-will-be-in-the-neighbourhood-this-weekend/): Innovator and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, the real life Phunsukh Wangdu of Aamir Khan-starrer ‘3 Idiots’ will be in town this weekend. Catch him at the Bhoomi International Conference whose theme is ‘In Search of Wellbeing’. Sonam is just one among 15 pioneers and practitioners (see the image above) who are coming to inspire and motivate you. Make the most of this two-day affair from Sept 28-29 at Koramangala’s Satya Sai Convention Centre. Some of the topics that educators and parents can listen in would include issues like climate change, safe food, economics, education and sustainability. Be part of this enriching and […] - [Pharmacy and home looted in Sector 2, gold stolen in Sector 5](https://residentswatch.in/pharmacy-and-home-looted-in-sector-2-gold-stolen-in-sector-5/):   Burglaries have reared their heads again in HSR Layout. On the night of September 2, a pharmacy in Sector 2 was burgled. According to Sourav Mewara (22) who works at a pharmacy on 27th Main in Sector 2, the theft occurred after he shuttered the shop at 10.40pm on September 1, 2019. When Sourav came back at 9am the next day, he noticed that someone had broken the shutter lock and stolen Rs 1.1 lakh cash kept inside the drawer of the pharmacy. Gold burglariesRupa, a resident of 24th Main, left home at 1030am on August 29. When she returned […] - [Builder flouts joint venture agreement and threatens victim](https://residentswatch.in/builder-flouts-joint-venture-agreement-and-threatens-victim/): Businessman AK Balaji (48) and Amrutakala G Pai (47), both residents of Hosapalya, have accused Ramesh Babu (68) and seven other unknown persons for cheating and threatening them. All the accused are residents of JP Nagar. Apparently, Balaji signed a joint development agreement with Lepakshi Construction Corporation over his 75×120 feet land in Ellukunte village in 2004. According to the agreement, the builder was supposed to build a gated community in two years and give away 30% of the area to the site owner. However, even after two years, the builder did not build any structure and neither did he give […] - [How crowdfunding a hyper local news channel can better your neighbourhood!](https://residentswatch.in/video-how-crowdfunding-this-news-channel-can-better-your-neighbourhood/) - [A Cycle Day in every sector. Interested?](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-day-rocked-in-hsr-layout-yesterday/): Cycle Day completed five years last Sunday. While the event stopped in April 2019 due to new legal requirements, the video above is a chronicle of the events in the past. However, Cycle Day can now happen in every Sector of HSR Layout. In the new format, the organisers require a partnership with an NGO or RWA to conduct future events. If anybody is interested, they can Whatsapp Shashidhar Kumaraswamy at 99720-20900. “If all RWAs come forward, we can have a Cycle Day every Sunday in their locality,” he says.  - [Global Climate Strike in HSR Layout this evening!](https://residentswatch.in/global-climate-strike-in-hsr-layout-this-evening/) - [Couple dupes HSR Layout jeweller by promising to buy gold worth Rs 18 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/couple-dupes-jeweller-by-promising-to-buy-gold-worth-rs-18-lakh/):   A customer of Mansi Jewellers on 24th Main in Sector 1 has allegedly cheated the shop owner worth Rs 18 lakh. The fraud occurred between July 20 and July 2, 2019. However, the police complaint was filed two months later on September 7. According to Munnaram who runs Mansi Jewellers, Nagireddy and his wife Reddamma were transacting with his store for five months. On more than six occasions, they took jewellery in advance and paid the entire amount a couple of days later. In the same vein, they allegedly bought jewellery worth Rs 4 lakh on August 20, 2019 and […] - [Now you can pay your traffic fines online!](https://residentswatch.in/now-you-can-pay-your-traffic-fines-online/): Now, not only can you check if your vehicle is penalised but also pay the challan in the same time. Here is just one website by the Ministry of Road Transport that will help you check if your car is guilty of violating any traffic laws. Every other state have their own websites for paying traffic challans. However, the process remains the same. And we believe in the ‘one nation one challan’ motto of the ministry and would like you to focus on just one website that processes traffic challans from across India. Just visit this website and access your e-challan […] - [CM visits Agara Lake today; grants Rs 5 crore](https://residentswatch.in/cm-visits-agara-lake-today-grants-rs-5-crore/): Chief minister BS Yediyuruppa visited Agara Lake this morning for a tree planting event titled ‘Vrukshotsava 2019’ by the Forest department. Heeding a request from MLA Sathish Reddy, he also granted Rs 5 crore. However, the residents are wondering what it’s really meant for? A new project at the lake? And why? When Rs 17 crore is already spent on its development, all the water body needs is an annual budgetary grant of Rs 15 lakh towards maintenance. Lake activists feel that the MLA would have been wiser if he had asked for monetary aid to the other neglected lakes in […] - [Hurry! Last date to verify your voter ID is Oct 15! Here is how to do it online](https://residentswatch.in/hurry-last-date-to-verify-your-voter-id-is-oct-15-here-is-how-to-do-it-online/): There is no time like now to ensure that your Voter ID is alive and working. The last date for online verification of voter ID across India is October 15. Sandhya Bhatt, one of the volunteers of citizen group Whitefield Rising has prepared a nifty presentation to make it easier for you to understand. Just visit the National Voters’ Services Portal and register as a new user by creating a user ID and password. Click on the elector verification program and follow the instructions. The video above is self explanatory. Please watch, share and show that you care. The last date […] - [Canara Bank in HSR Layout duped of Rs 4.8 lakh; accused tampered cheque meant for somebody else!](https://residentswatch.in/canara-bank-in-hsr-layout-duped-of-rs-4-8-lakh-accused-tampered-cheque-meant-for-somebody-else/): The Canara Bank branch located on 17th Cross, Sector 7, HSR Layout, recently became a victim of fraud. According to bank employee Vasanthi N (52), the accused happens to be Syed Fairoze Pasha, an autorickshaw driver who is absconding. Vasanthi is the chief manager at Canara Bank in HSR Layout’s Sector 7 branch. Syed Fairoze Pasha happens to hold an account with her branch. On August 27, 2019 at around 3.15pm, he allegedly deposits a cheque of Rs 4.8 lakh to be transferred into his account. The cheque happened to be from a company called Systems Control Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd. […] - [(Sponsored) Save yourself from malaria & dengue with these herbal repellants](https://residentswatch.in/sponsored-save-yourself-from-malaria-dengue-with-these-herbal-repellants/):   A tiring day spent rushing through the dull monotony of everyday life. You return home in anticipation of your comfy blankets and warm food. Within the safe comforts of a healing home, you prepare to doze off for a few blissful minutes. BUZZZ. And there goes your peace. One stray mosquito that keeps buzzing all over the place. One that prepares to zoom in and bite when you are right about to sleep off. You try swatting it but it is always cleverer and much faster than you. Soon, they multiply and continue their onslaught in huge swarming numbers. Frustrating […] - [Test drive BBMP's online apps to report potholes and inform the courts if they fail yet again](https://residentswatch.in/test-drive-bbmps-online-apps-to-report-potholes-and-report-to-the-courts-if-they-fail-yet-again/):   Now citizens have a way to put BBMP in the dock at the Karnataka High Court. Following its recent public notification about two apps (BBMP Sahaaya and Fix My Street) for reporting faults in the civic infrastructure, it is expected that they might work better than before. However, civic experts don’t want to take this for granted. Koramangala resident Vijayan Menon who had filed a writ petition about the state of roads in Bangalore is asking every Bangalorean to try out these apps and point out any faults they notice through screenshots and mail him. The reason why he’s doing […] - [Mobile apps to the rescue if traffic cops catch you!](https://residentswatch.in/mobile-apps-to-the-rescue-if-traffic-cops-catch-you/): It’s official now. The IT Act had already made the documents stored in DigiLocker and mParivahan app legitimate, but now is the time to make the most of these mobile apps. Pray why? Because the fines have doubled, tripled and quadrupled starting from September 1, 2019. If you are caught speeding or not wearing a seat belt, it’s Rs 1000. If you are a disqualified driver, the fine goes up to Rs 10,000. And if you are driving without a licence, it’s Rs 5000. If the traffic cops stop you and ask you for documents you don’t possess like the vehicle […] - [Drop off your e-waste at 3 points in HSR; Sunday is E-Waste Day!](https://residentswatch.in/drop-off-your-e-waste-at-3-points-in-hsr-sunday-is-e-waste-day/):   Tomorrow, September 8, happens to be E-Waste Day. To commemorate the occasion, Saahas, an NGO, is organising a doorstep collection of e-waste in Sector 5. If you have bulkier items, you can call their hotline number (73497-37586). The three collection spots are as follows. Please pay attention to the timings at each point: * 12th Main, 7th Cross (10-am-11am)* End of 6th Cross (11am-12pm)* 12th Main, 4th Cross (12pm-1pm) Be an e-responsible citizen. Discard, the eco-friendly way! - [Beware of chain snatchers at BBMP Grounds in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-chain-snatchers-at-bbmp-grounds-in-sector-2/):   Chain snatchers are striking it rich at the many exhibitions happening on BBMP Grounds in Sector 2 abutting 19th Main and 17th Cross. Two women learnt this the hard way when they found their gold necklaces missing the moment they had stepped out of the open space. Two similar incidents were registered on August 25 and 26. FIRST INCIDENTMJ Sharada, a 72-year-old women and a resident of Sector 2 was the first victim on August 25. She lost her plain gold chain and mangalsutra. On August 24 at 7pm, she had been to Srinivasa Kalyanotsava celebrations on BBMP Grounds. When […] - [Woman, child thrown out of home for Rs 5 lakh dowry](https://residentswatch.in/woman-child-thrown-out-of-home-for-rs-5-lakh-dowry/): A Sector 1 resident has alleged harassment for dowry between May 28, 2015 and February 15, 2019 at her inlaws place in Anekal. However, the complaint was lodged only on August 24, 2019. Housewife Silpi (name changed), a 24-year-old married to Shivakumar (32), has alleged harassment for dowry from her husband and his family. The accused are Nagaratnamma and Motappa (residents of Anekal), Shivashankar and Manjula (residents of Kudlu). According to Silpi’s complaint, she was married on August 28, 2015 where her parents spent Rs 12 lakh on the wedding and gave Rs 4 lakh as dowry. She lived happily only […] - [74-year-old goes missing in Sector 2; found the next day by auto driver](https://residentswatch.in/74-year-old-goes-missing-in-sector-2-found-the-next-day-by-auto-driver/):   Software engineer Ananth (42) is relieved to find that his father who went missing on the evening of August 27 was found the next night. He is indeed fortunate as several missing persons vanish for days before being found or never found at all. His father Selvadurai left his home in Sector 2 to go for a walk and never returned last Tuesday. A missing complaint was lodged the next day. The same day, an auto driver found him lying on the footpath near Forum mall in Koramangala. He later admitted him to St John’s hospital where he is being […] - [6 youngsters arrested for selling narcotics near NIFT College](https://residentswatch.in/6-youngsters-arrested-for-selling-narcotics-near-nift-college/):   Six persons in their 20s were allegedly caught redhanded by the cops for selling narcotics near NIFT College in Sector 1, off 27th Main. The cops unearthed the racket under the leadership of inspector Raghavendra SR. Three mobile phones, Rs 1000 cash, and ganja (cannabis) weighing 10 kilos worth Rs 45000 were seized during the raid. The accused include Lakshman Cherudu (22) and Sai Charan (24) both from Andhra Pradesh, and Sujeeth (26) and Dominic (22) both from Kerala.  The incident occurred at 12.30pm on August 23, 2019. The cops received a tip off that two persons were selling drugs […] - [Work-from-home firm in HSR Layout vanishes overnight; cheats over 60 remote employees](https://residentswatch.in/work-from-home-firm-in-hsr-layout-vanishes-overnight-cheats-over-60-remote-employees/):   A firm housed in NR Tower on 17th Cross, 19th Main in Sector 4 shut shop within months of its operations. The company has allegedly cheated over 60 people who were given work-from-home jobs but never got paid. Dipreeth was one such victim. This 23-year-old resident of BTM Layout posted his resume on online sites like Naukri, Indeed and LinkedIn. Later, one firm named Mac Infotech Company based in HSR Layout reached out to him. When he reported to work, the officials allegedly asked him to work from home and the work will be assigned to them online. Dipreeth worked […] - [Pubs and bars cannot play live or recorded music without police permission](https://residentswatch.in/pubs-and-bars-cannot-play-live-music-complain-if-they-do/): A recent Karnataka High Court on 107 pubs and bars in Indiranagar for violating various rules has given the much-needed respite to all other neighbourhoods reeling under commercialisation, including HSR Layout. With this order, no pub or bar can play live or recorded music without police permission. And the cops can only permit if the establishment has all the requisite approvals to run a pub or restaurant from various authorities. In January this year, the Supreme Court upheld a 13-year-old law that banned live music, which led to the crackdown on pubs and bars. This latest judgement will hopefully bring down […] - [Plastic carrybag users to be penalised from Sept 1; vendors/shopkeepers will lose licence for repeat offences](https://residentswatch.in/plastic-carrybag-users-to-be-penalised-from-sept-1-vendors-shopkeepers-will-lose-licence-for-repeat-offences/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is getting down to brass tacks. Special BBMP Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Randeep D has stated that the single-use plastic ban implementation is going to be even more stricly implemented from September 1. From October 1, the central government is banning plastic in the entire country. These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets. Officials insist that this ban is comprehensive and will cover the manufacturing, usage and import of such plastic items. Not only will repeat offences lead to cancellation of trade licences but also seizure of equipment. […] - [How to become a traffic warden in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-become-a-traffic-warden-in-hsr-layout/):   The police has begun recruiting traffic wardens across Bangalore. “You cannot be more than 60 years old. It’s a voluntary service; there is no salary,” says HSR’s traffic warden Sukesh Nayak. “You should be a graduate and put in 16 hours of duty every month on the minimum and should not have any police record.” All you need to do is fill this application form, attach two passport size photos in addition to the requisite degree certificate to substantiate your educational credentials and courier them to the address given below: SR NayakMahalsa, 693/C 21st main, 21st cross, Sector 2, HSR […] - [Bellandur resident falls victim to identity theft, loses Rs 20100! JP Nagar citizen loses Rs 4 lakh!](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-resident-falls-victim-to-identity-theft-loses-rs-20100-jp-nagar-resident-loses-rs-4-lakh/): Victims falling prey to the various identity thefts in Bangalore has doubled from last year. If there were 5036 cyber crime cases registered all of last year, it’s 7101 already this year; there are four more months to go by which time the number will cross 10,000 complaints in 2019. In February this year, Bangalore even got the notorious title of ‘cybercrime capital of India’. The latest such victim in this neighbourhood was a 37-year-old woman resident of an apartment complex in Bellandur. She lost Rs 20100 to Roshan Sharma, the accused in this case of identity theft on August 20 […] - [24-year-old rider dies on Harlur Road when car rams into him](https://residentswatch.in/24-year-old-rider-dies-on-harlur-road-when-car-rams-into-him/):   On August 20 at 8.45am, 24-year-old Chinta Ravindra, a resident of Singasandra, rented a bike and took the Harlur Road from the side of Sobha apartments and proceeded towards Sarjapur Road. He was a Denzo delivery boy on the job. However, another unknown vehicle driven allegedly by a rash driver rammed into the right side of Ravindra’s bike. The accident left the victim with blood injuries on his face, left shoulder and head. The mishap occurred in front of SM Group’s compound. Around the same time, Ganesh, the driver of a Sakra Hospital ambulance van spotted the victim and rushed […] - [18-year-old girl goes missing with her parent's car in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/18-year-old-girl-goes-missing-with-her-parents-car-in-sector-1/):   On August 20, between 1pm and 5pm, a curious incident occurred in Sector 1, HSR Layout. An 18-year-old daughter of a 45-year-old software engineer went missing. The missing person, a resident of 14th Cross, 25th B Main, took her mother’s Honda Jazz car (KA03HW9167) on the pretense of taking it for a spin. However, she never returned. To add to the worries of parents, her phone was switched off whenever they called. After enquiring with friends and relatives, the girl’s father decided to file an FIR. The cops have registered a missing person’s complaint and are investigating. In such cases, […] - [Jewel thieves strike in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/jewel-thieves-strike-in-sector-2/):   Recenty, a house was broken into in HSR Layout. Interestingly, not all the gold and silver jewellery was stolen. It appears that the thief was quite selective on what needed to be stolen. The police complaint is filed by Harisha HG, a 39-year-old resident of Sector 2. The theft occurred when Harisha left home on August 15 at 4.30pm to visit his uncle’s home in Koramangala. When he returned around 9.40pm, the front door knob was broken and the door was wide open. When Harisha inspected the interiors, he found all the belongings scattered all over the place. He found […] - [Employees cheat company worth lakhs by diverting clients to their new firm!](https://residentswatch.in/employees-cheat-company-worth-lakhs-by-diverting-clients-to-their-new-firm/):   When you pay well, your employees should be happy. However, if you set up a new firm and siphon off all the business from the company that employed you to the firm that you set up, it becomes a fraudulent activity. And that’s what has happened in HSR Layout recently. Real estate dealer Pruthvi Raj Batra (57), a resident of Sector 6, is the affected party due to the alleged fraud committed by his employees, Abhishek Gupta (29), a resident of Sector 7, and Himanshu Mitra Agarwal (38), a resident of Iblur. The complaint states that the two accused were […] - [Cult Fit cancels business deal; businessmen threaten firm](https://residentswatch.in/cult-fit-cancels-business-deal-businessmen-threaten-firm/):   Shivaram Narayanan, a 36-year-old employee with Cult Fit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and a resident of Sector 2, has accused Avijit Alakatti and Devi Prasad Biswal of mouthing expletives and threatening him with life for cancelling their business contract with Cult. The Cult Fit corporate office in Sector 3, HSR Layout, aligns with various software firms to support its suite of services. For Cult Fit Healthcare, the firm attaches different software firms to service its clientele. One such company was Book Your Gym Pvt Ltd. Cult Fit signed an agreement with this firm in May this year. However, when Shivaram sought […] - [Resident nominated for international honour for environmental-friendly activism](https://residentswatch.in/resident-nominated-for-international-honour-for-environmental-friendly-activism/):   Smita Kulkarni, a resident of HSR Layout until last year and now the inhabitant of Whitefield, is nominated for the coveted REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra award. The honour is given by iCONGO in association with the United Nations. Smita is not only part of Whitefield Rising, one of the most proactive residents welfare associations in Bangalore but also a member of Swachh Doddanekundi. According to the REX organisers, the recognition is for “champions of change who make a difference in our society with their ideas for action to be the change and REXchange mindsets by walking the […] - [SUV runs over pedestrians in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/suv-runs-over-pedestrians-in-hsr-layout/): Around 2pm on Sunday, August 18, 2019, an SUV ran over seven pedestrians in HSR Layout. The vehicle was driven by a drunk driver. The drunk driver hurt six pedestrians, four of whom sustained broken bones. The accused driver is Rajendra K, who drove the Mahindra Xylo cab. The incident occurred in front of Reddy Restaurant, opposite Reliance Trends, on 17th Cross, Sector 7, HSR Layout. - [Rs 30 lakh dowry was not enough; housewife files harassment case against husband and in-laws](https://residentswatch.in/rs-30-lakh-dowry-was-not-enough-housewife-files-harassment-case-against-husband-and-in-laws/): Dowry harassment began from August 22, 2018 and ended on April 22, 2019. The police case was filed on August 1, 2019. This is the second such case from Sector 3 in the last one year. According to 30-year-old BR Geetha (name changed to protect identity), a resident of Vishweshwariah Layout, Shashi Kumar GN (34), a resident of Sector 3, married her on August 22, 2018 in front of family members at a temple in JP Nagar, Bangalore. Her family members apparently gifted him valuables worth Rs 30 lakh, including a jeep. According to Geetha, the harasment began the very first […] - [Silk Board traffic chaos will be greatly reduced soon](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-traffic-chaos-will-be-greatly-reduced-soon/): The Silk Board junction, one of the most busiest intersections in India, might soon lose the infamous tag. On June 21, the first step was taken to end the traffic nightmarish section of Outer Ring Road and Hosur Road. Today, vehicle users have to wait for up to 45 minutes sometimes just to cross the signal junction. Renaatus Projects is given the tender by The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to build 2.8 kilometre flyover over the existing flyover. The Rs 134-crore project will greatly help commuters from HSR Layout, BTM Layout and Electronic City. Estimated to be completed in […] - [Beware of rash motorcyclists: Pedestrians and pillion riders are most vulnerable](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-rash-motorcyclists-pedestrians-and-pillion-riders-are-most-vulnerable/): Bikers and pedestrians are being run over by water tankers. Similarly, bikers are running over pedestrians and injuring other pillion riders in HSR Layout police station limits. ACCIDENT ON OUTER RING ROAD On July 23 at 9pm, near the 9th main bus stop on Outer Ring Road (ORR), 54-year-old Renappa G Karadi was trying to cross ORR. He was moving from HSR towards teacher’s colony near Baby Shoppe when a motorcyclist, Vivek S (30), travelling from Agara towards the Silkboard on the HSR flyover, ran over the right leg of Renappa and broke his bone. Renappa also incurred minor bruises in […] - [Promising to set up a firm, conmen cheat businessmen of Rs 33 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/promising-to-set-up-a-cab-firm-conmen-cheat-businessmen-of-rs-33-lakh/): Businessman Somashekhara Raju (31), a resident of Laggere, has alleged that four persons conned him and his partners by promising to set up a company for them. However, even after 19 months, the firm was never opened although the expenses kept getting added up. Raju and his two partners Shivakumar and GMK Gowdar were allegedly cheated of over Rs 33 lakh. According to the police complaint at HSR Layout police station, the accused namely Zameer, Nadeem, Suhel Khan and Nazeer met Raju and his business partners and promised to set up an inexpensive firm near Jalahalli and promised to take care […] - [HSR inspector releases video: Asks people to banish PoP idols and adopt clay Ganeshas](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-inspector-releases-video-asks-people-to-banish-pop-idols-and-adopt-clay-ganeshas/): SR Raghavendra, the inspector of HSR Layout, has created a video message in Kannada to inform people about the environmental hazards of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Instead, he asks the residents to go in for clay Ganeshas for the upcoming Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.   - [Alert resident foils robbery attempt in Sector 6](https://residentswatch.in/alert-resident-foils-robbery-attempt-in-sector-6/): On July 16, a midnight robbery attempt was foiled by an alert neighbour. While constable Mylarappa was at his police outpost in Sector 6, one neighbour rushed to inform him at 1230am. The alert resident reported that a stranger was seen loitering on the terrace of a house on 1st A Main. When the citizen and the cop rushed to the scene of perceived criminal activity, the stranger jumped out of the house compound and vanished under the cover of darkness. The cop inspected the locked house for any forcible entry but was checked to be fine. The alert citizen had […] - [Cops attacked by two boisterous men after midnight](https://residentswatch.in/cops-attacked-by-two-boisterous-men-after-midnight/): The cops had a hard time the other day when they tried to quieten two men talking loudly on 14th Main Road in Sector 6. At 1230am on July 28, head constables B Kumaraswamy and constable Basavaraju encountered two men during their night beat. They found the youth parking their car at the junction of 14th Main and talking loudly. When the cope asked them to lower their voice and vacate the spot, the men mouthed expletives like ‘police dog’ and threatened to kill the khaki-clad men if they obstruct their activity. In the melee, one of the men caught the […] - [Take laptops with you; they are being stolen from homes and cars](https://residentswatch.in/take-laptops-with-you-they-are-being-stolen-from-homes-and-cars/): Don’t leave precious belongings in your car or home, not even laptops, particularly company property that contains confidential information. On July 18 between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, Jyothi Singh (29) learned this truth the hard way. A resident of Sector 6 and working for a private firm, she had left home at 6.30pm and returned an hour later to find that her front door was opened and valuables stolen. The items included a 13-inch Macbook Pro, and a 14-inch Dell Latitude. A week later, on July 25, 32-year-old engineer Piyush Makhija became a victim of theft. However, this time around, the place […] - [Thieves con bike rental service; 3 vehicles yet to be returned](https://residentswatch.in/thieves-con-bike-rental-service-3-vehicles-yet-to-be-returned/): Two wheelers being stolen every other day in HSR Layout is quite common. However, a rental service has also not been spared by the thieves now. On June 6, June 30 and July 8, Road Panda, an online bike rental service was used by alleged thieves to get three bikes which they never returned till date. The police complaint alleges that Theja, Arun Sai and Vamsi Krishna, all residents of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, rented three bikes online: Royal Enfield Classic 350 (KA51 AA0180) and two Honda Activas (KA51 AC5055 & KA51 AC7496) on three separate days. Complainant Vijay Meena alleges […] - [Watch out for tempo travellers near Bellandur flyover!](https://residentswatch.in/watch-out-for-tempo-travellers-near-bellandur-flyover/): Drivers of water tankers have killed and broken many bones of people in HSR Layout. Now, individuals driving tempo travellers have become dangerous too. In recent cases, one driver critically injured a pedestrian while another driver rammed into a car, and hurting its driver. Therefore, watch out for them. Take the case of July 25, 2019. Divya S (20 years), a resident of Bellandur, was grievously injured by Venkatesh (31), the driver of a tempo traveller near the upper ramp of the Bellandur flyover. The incident occurred at around 7.30am when Divya and her brother Ashok were walking from Shanti Sweets […] - [Be careful when you withdraw money from the bank; thieves are watching you!](https://residentswatch.in/be-careful-when-you-withdraw-money-from-the-bank-thieves-are-watching-you/): The next time you decide to withdraw a large amount of money from the bank, be more careful. Importantly, don’t stop anywhere on your way back home. Not even to attend to a small errand or meet someone along the way. Just go straight home without stopping anywhere. And when, someone tries to bang on your car door or divert attention while you are riding your bike, don’t pay any attention. Pray why? Because thieves are following your every move. The moment you leave your vehicle alone with your cash or valuables even for a few minutes, they could vanish, like […] - [Drug peddler caught near NIFT College yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/drug-peddler-caught-near-nift-college-yet-again/): Nift College area is a hotbed for drug peddlers as several cases in the past have testified. It happened again recently, and this time, the cops caught one such alleged criminal on July 21 in an operation that began at 2.30pm and ended at 5.50pm. HSR’s 27th Main, 18th Cross was the hub of all action in front of NIFT College. Under the guidance of HSR Layout inspector Raghavendra SR, labourer Rahul, a 22-year-old resident of Annasandrapalya, is the accused. The cops seized Rs 500 cash and 900 grams of cannabis (ganja) from him. As per the procedure of the Narcotic […] - [Thieves bang car, divert attention and steal iPhone near 5th Main signal](https://residentswatch.in/thieves-bang-the-car-divert-attention-and-steal-iphone-near-5th-main-signal/):   Thieves diverting attention and stealing phones, laptops and jewellery is well-known. However, the tactic is such that any person will succumb to it even now, like businessman Sajid Hussain realised it the other day. On July 29 at 7.20pm, when he was driving his Maruti Swift car and approaching the 5th Main signal on Outer Ring Road, the Sector 1 resident found an unknown biker repeatedly hitting his car from behind. When he looked back, another stranger banged on the car’s passenger window with his hand. When Sajid rolled down his window to check who the persons are, the stranger […] - [Young software engineer alleges sexual harassment against boss of firm in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/young-software-engineer-alleges-sexual-harassment-against-boss-of-firm-in-hsr/):   Twenty-four-year-old Mukta (name changed) has alleged that her boss made sexual advances to her while she was busy working in his office. According to the complaint, Amar Bhowmik, a director at Tresilient Business Solutions located in Sector 6, outraged her modesty by forcibly hugging her while she was working. The incident is said to have occurred on July 26 between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. The victim is a resident of Ellukunte and deeply embarassed about the incident. She wants the cops to take action on the alleged culprit, so he does not commit this devious act with any other female employee. […] - [Left for US, Sector 1 resident's house burgled](https://residentswatch.in/left-for-us-sector-1-residents-house-burgled/):   The next time you decide to go out of town for an extended period, it’s best to inform your local police station. They will send cops regularly on your street to keep a watch. Otherwise, you could become a victim like Kiran Kumar’s relatives in Sector 1, 24th Main, 9th Cross. On April 3, 2019, Kiran’s uncle locked the house and left for the US. On the morning of July 18, Kiran’s neighbour called to inform him that sarees were thrown outside the main door of his uncle’s house. When Kiran reached the spot, he found that someone had broken […] - [Diamond & gold jewellery stolen from parked car on Agara service road](https://residentswatch.in/diamond-gold-jewellery-stolen-from-parked-car-on-agara-service-road/): Next time you are parking your vehicle anywhere, make sure you take your valuables with you. And ensure that you have properly rolled up the windows and locked all the doors of your car. Victim Lakshmi discovered this truth last month.   On June 29 at 6.30pm, Lakshmi Kaushik parked her Honda CRV car on Agara service road and left to be part of her friend’s birthday celebrations of their daughter.   When she returned around 8pm, the dickey door was open and three bags were found to be missing. The items that were in them included kids toys and clothes, […] - [Phone snatched in front of police station](https://residentswatch.in/phone-snatched-in-front-of-police-station/):   Phone snatching has caught up with phone snatching incidents across the city, and HSR Layout is no exception. Sometimes, drunk youth snatch mobiles from those walking on the roads with their handsets stuck to their ears. But most times, there are two-wheeler borne thieves who are waiting for hapless victims to use their phones, so they can approach them on the pretence of asking for directions and snatching their phone in the interim. The only way to prevent phone snatching is to avoid talking on public roads and take the footpaths instead. However, if you have to use the phone, […] - [Laptop stolen in 5 minutes; 9 bikes stolen in 18 days!](https://residentswatch.in/laptop-stolen-in-5-minutes-9-bikes-stolen-in-18-days/): Never leave your belongings out in the open even for a few minutes. One person discovered this harsh lesson when he lost his laptop kept on his bike. Similarly, HSR Layout has become a hotbed of bike thefts. Whether you park them in front of your house or inside your compound, or anywhere you visit in HSR, your bike is ripe for the picking. In 18 days, 9 bike thefts were reported stolen at the HSR police station. The thefts occurred between June 28, 2019 and July 16, 2018. GONE IN 5 MINUTES Beware! There are thieves loitering about everywhere in […] - [Rs 12 lakh worth liquor goes missing in HSR Club; cashier suspected of wrongdoing!](https://residentswatch.in/rs-12-lakh-worth-liquor-goes-missing-in-hsr-club-cashier-suspected-of-wrongdoing/):   Between May 12, 2019 and May 27, 2019, HSR Club was witness to a scam running into Rs 12 lakh regarding the illegal sale of liquor by a staffer. The cops have filed a case of criminal breach of trust and cheating against him. The case relates to CA site 12 where the HSR Club is located in Sector 3 since 1996. According to Srinivasa Reddy, the secretary of HSR Club, when an auditing was done on the number of liquor bottles, it was found that alcohol was missing from the cans. The fingers are pointing to Sudhakar, a resident […] - [Investors file fraud charges against HSR-based TGS Construction](https://residentswatch.in/investors-file-fraud-charges-against-hsr-based-tgs-construction/):   Sector 6 based TGS Construction is in the eye of a storm. Several investors have complained to the HSR police against the firm. Most charges are to do with taking advances and not allotting the promised sites to them. The cops have charged the company directors for criminal conspiracy (120B), criminal breach of trust (406) and cheating (420). Take the case of Geetha H, a housewife and a resident of KR Puram. She has accused six real estate dealers working for TGS. Her case also dates back to July 2015 like so many others when she paid an advance of […] - [Herbal cleaners for your home!](https://residentswatch.in/herbal-cleaners-for-your-home/):   Herbal Cleaners It is a lazy Sunday. One day of late mornings, crazy brunches and bored nothings. For those of you that toil throughout the droning week, this is the one day you get to take care of yourself. Most of the time, you are left with a musty home for the weekend. Thus a major part of your special Sunday is devoted to making your home look spick and span for the coming week. You may be the one that is infused with an obsessive energy to wipe away every speck of dirt every moment. You might also be […] - [Sector 5 businessman goes missing in Coimbatore!](https://residentswatch.in/sector-5-businessman-goes-missing-in-coimbatore/):   Another curious ‘missing person’ case was reported in the neighbourhood recently. According to software engineer Shwetha M (name changed on request), the 39-year-old wife of Shashank K (name changed on request), he left their Sector 5 home on June 16, 2019 for business. Once he reached Coimbatore, he called her from there on June 18, 2019 to tell her that he’s coming back to HSR Layout on June 19, 2019. However, subsequent calls made to him by her did not yield any results as the phone was switched off. Sensing danger, the wife has filed a ‘missing person’ complaint with […] - [14-year-old goes missing; 42nd day of searching continues!](https://residentswatch.in/14-year-old-goes-missing-42nd-day-of-searching/):   Parents and guardians, be warned. Kids need to be handled with extreme care. Anything too stern and you could lose your sleep over them, and perhaps even lose them forever. This is precisely what has happened with 46-year-old Sundar, a resident of Sector 2.   Sundar, the father of Dhanush Deepak, a 14-year-old male, is searching for him ever since he went missing on the night of June 2, 2019. The kid is conversant in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and English and is 4.5 feet tall. He was last seen in a sky blue shirt and cream colour pant. Right now, […] - [One real estate firm cheats the other in Sector 1 by selling sites without approval](https://residentswatch.in/one-real-estate-firm-cheats-the-other-in-sector-1-by-selling-sites-without-approval/):   A real estate dealer has accused another merchant of fraud in Sector 2. According to the police complaint filed on June 26, 2019, T Narasimhulu (58 years) of M/s Kumari Infrahomes had inked a Joint Development Agreement with five accused belonging to Dhatri Developers over a parcel of land in Anekal taluq. All was well between September 5, 2017 and May 2019. The deal was towards the construction of a gated enclave on eight survey numbers. However, the Narasimhulu has alleged that the five accused sold off the sites belonging to him and cheated him out of his money. The […] - [HSR firm cheated of Rs 32 lakh by company director in collusion with bankers](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-firm-cheated-of-rs-32-lakh-by-company-director-in-collusion-with-bankers/):   A curious case has risen to the surface in Sector 2. A firm was allegedly defrauded of Rs 32 lakh by the company director in collusion with bank officials. According to the complaint lodged with HSR Layout police station on June 17, 2019, the alleged crime took place between June 13 and June 17, 2019 at V2 Care Facilities and Outsource Pvt Ltd based out of 19th Main, 25th Cross. According to the victim JP Veeresh, Vijay Kumar JM and he were directors of V2 that provided services in housekeeping, securities, facilities management and contract management. The firm had accounts […] - [Rajesh Jewellery Mart cheated of Rs 5.75 lakh by vendor](https://residentswatch.in/rajesh-jewellery-mart-cheated-of-rs-5-75-lakh-by-vendor/):   A big-time jeweller in HSR Layout was conned by a vendor the other day. He took gold but never made any jewellery from it and neither did he return the gold. Although, the incident happened in February this year, the complaint was lodged only on June 22, 2019. According to Rajesh KV, the proprietor of Rajesh Jewellery Mart on 5th Main in Sector 6, HSR Layout, 45-year-old Dhananjay, a resident of Nandini Layout, took 180.38 gram gold from Rajesh Jewellers on February 25, 2019. He was allegedly tasked to fashion jewellery out of it. The deadline came and went but […] - [Shop and house burgled in Sector 7; another home looted in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/shop-and-house-burgled-in-sector-7-another-house-burgled-in-sector-2/):   Pots and crafts shop burgled in Sector 7 A shop was broken into on the night of May 24, 2019. Strangely, the police complaint was registered only on June 18, 2019. The story goes that the Pots & Crafts shop on the ground floor of 5th Main in Sector 7, HSR Layout, was burgled on the night of May 24 between 8pm and 10am on May 25. Shop owner Manoj Thalessery noticed the theft when he opened his shop at 10am and found that the front door was ajar. Inside, he found that his Samsung S10 tablet and JBL Extreme […] - [Cops arrest person selling stolen laptops on 24th Main](https://residentswatch.in/cops-arrest-person-selling-stolen-laptops-on-24th-main/):   Based on a tipoff, the HSR Layout police swung into action on June 24 at around 6pm. The place was near Anjaneya swamy temple on 24th Main in Sector Agara, Sector 1. Head constable Sardar Pasha took his men to arrest a person who was allegedly trying to sell stolen laptops in a cloth bag. When he saw the cops approaching him, he ran but was soon caught by the khaki-clad folks. Upon enquiry, the man revealed his name as Govindappa, aged 45 years, and a resident of a village in Kolar district. The police recovered two Dell laptops and […] - [Contractor & house owner charged for causing labourer's death due to negligence in Sector 2](https://residentswatch.in/contractor-house-owner-charged-for-causing-labourers-death-due-to-negligence-in-sector-2/):   On June 19, a labourer died a horrible death on 23rd Cross off 24th Main in Sector 2, HSR Layout. The incident occurred at an under construction building around 12.40pm and the police complaint was lodged the same day at 4.30pm. The building was coming up on plot number 275. On June 19, at around 9am, building contractor Gopi took 22-year-old labourer Maruthi to Venkatesh, the house owner. The proprietor apparently asked Maruthi to do the plastering work on the fourth floor along with Maruthi’s elder brother Gangareddy and younger brother Anjaneya. However, Anjaneya fell from the fourth floor while […] - [Liquor stores raided in Sectors 1 and 7 for allowing drinking within the premises](https://residentswatch.in/liquor-stores-raided-in-sectors-1-and-7-for-allowing-drinking-within-the-premises/):   Two liquor stores were raided by the cops for allowing drinking near the cash counter as they went against the excise rules of the state. The first raid was conducted on Manjunath Bar & Restaurant on 24th Main in Sector 1 between 6pm and 6.50pm. The alleged accused is Lokesh, a 39-year-old resident of a village in Mandya district. All the liquor at the cash counter was seized, including one Old Tavern (90ml), one Original Choice (180ml), and one Royal Stag (180ml). A case of violating the rules of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965 under section 36 (b) is registered […] - [Police raid HSR pub in Sector 3 for violating noise norms after residents complain](https://residentswatch.in/police-raid-hsr-pub-in-sector-3-for-violating-noise-norms-after-residents-complain/):   On June 17, the HSR Layout cops received complaints from citizens that a pub was playing loud music late at night. The calls began coming at around 11pm about the Shift Pub and Lounge bar on 14th Main in Sector 3. On June 18 at around 1am, the cops visited the pub and found the place was playing music with amplifiers without a valid licence. For violating the noise norms and not holding the necessary permissions, the cops have filed a public nuisance complaint against 32-year-old businessman Jugal Kishor Sharma, a resident of Jayanagar. Upon receiving the complaint, the court […] - [Flesh racket busted in Sector 2](https://residentswatch.in/flesh-racket-busted-in-sector-2/): A two-year-old beauty parlour-cum-massage centre was found to be the hub of prostitution. The parlour owners are facing the charge of violating the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956 under various sections in addition to being charged under the Indian Penal Code for trafficking persons (IPC 370). On June 20, 2019, based on a tip off, the HSR Layout police raided Clover Unisex Salon & Wellness Spa on 27th Main, 25th C Cross in Sector 2. The operation was conducted between 5pm and 7.30pm under the guidance of inspector Raghavendra SR, and the complaint was lodged at 7.45pm. Businessman Seiminthang Haokip, a […] - [Woman files rape charge after a man sleeps with her and later refuses to stay with her](https://residentswatch.in/woman-files-rape-charge-after-a-man-sleeps-with-her-and-later-refuses-to-stay-with-her/):   This is one internet romance gone wrong. A girl meets a stranger online and gets so comfortable with him that she even has sex with him when he repeatedly promises to live-in with her. However, when the deed is done, the man breaks off all ties with her. The incident occurred between June 3 and June 5, 2019 and the police complaint was lodged much later on June 25, 2019. The place where the relationship was allegedly consummated was Harihara apartment in Sector 6, HSR Layout. On May 16, 2019, 30-year-old software engineer Dhruthi VS (name changed to protect identity) […] - [Cycle lane project in HSR Layout halted indefinitely!](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-lane-project-in-hsr-layout-halted-indefinitely/): Almost ten months ago, we wrote that the much-touted cycle lane project for HSR Layout was delayed due to non-payment of bills. While only one bill is cleared, the rest of the bills are pending clearance. The reason is that the Department of Urban Transport (DULT) only cleared the bill for the work that was originally given to the contractor. However, the project work later involved doing up the pavements and drains, which escalated the original project cost and required a revised plan. It was merely a practical decision. When the project was mooted in 2011, the drains and pavements were […] - [Two young women go missing in a week in Sector 7](https://residentswatch.in/two-young-women-go-missing-in-a-week-in-sector-7/):   On June 11, a 25-year-old woman goes missing. Within a week, another young woman goes missing from the same area in Sector 7, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar. The cops are investigating to see if there is a link to this or are these isolated incidents. More details follow… FIRST INCIDENTSangeetha, a 25-year-old housewife and a native of Bellary and a resident of 3rd Cross, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar near Sector 7 went missing, according to her uncle Kantaswamy. On June 7, she came back to Bangalore from Bellary. On June 9, 2019, Kantaswamy and his wife step out to work and leave […] - [Sewage Treatment Plant for HSR: BWSSB's lies turn this into another stinker like KCDC!](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-treatment-plant-for-hsr-bwssbs-lies-turn-this-into-another-stinker-like-kcdc/):   On a recent visit to Agara Lake by Santosh Hegde, the former Karnataka Lokayukta and head of the Lake Development Plan set up by the National Green Tribunal, he was exposed to the BWSSB’s lies. When he spotted sewage flowing in the stormwater drain abutting the lake, BWSSB officials admitted that the sewage treatment plant (STP) did not have a provision to let only treated water into the drain and lake. If this continues, the stink will be similar to the one that the residents are suffering from in the neighbouring Kudlu area due to the unscientific management of the […] - [Chevrolet car burns up under HSR flyover; car wasn't maintained well!](https://residentswatch.in/chevrolet-car-burns-up-under-hsr-flyover-car-wasnt-maintained-well/):   On Monday, Chevrolet Enjoy, a multi purpose vehicle launched in 2010, caught fire under the Agara flyover on Outer Ring Road. The HSR cops say that the air conditioned duct started to smell, alerting the six passengers who immediately got out of the vehicle and escaped an excruciating death.  Driven by Shivanna, a businessman from Dommasandra, the incident occurred around 5pm on June 24, 2019. The fire force officials extinguished the fire within 20 minutes after receiving the complaint. Traffic was naturally disrupted as a large crowd gathered to witness the rare incident. “The vehicle was old and wasn’t maintained […] - [IMA scam fallout: HSR skywalk delayed yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/ima-scam-fallout-hsr-skywalk-delayed-yet-again/):   Last year, a skywalk on Outer Ring Road in HSR Layout was inaugurated with much fanfare twice – read all about it here and here. It was supposed to have become operational by the end of last year. However, the skywalk is jinxed again. The principal sponsor for the flyover was IMA, the ponzi scheme company that is alleged to have defrauded people of Rs 2000 crore. Adonai Shelters was given the tender to build this skywalk by the BBMP. However, Adonai, allegedly run by a relative of former mayor Sampath Raj, was in a joint venture with IMA for […] - [Two house thefts in Sector 1 while victims were sleeping](https://residentswatch.in/two-house-thefts-in-sector-1-while-victims-were-sleeping/):   In the space of a week, two thefts have occurred in Sector 1 while the victims were at home and sleeping. Both the thefts happened in the morning. Read on to know how you can avoid a similar incident as the victims were at fault here. FIRST THEFTOn the morning of June 3, 2019, between 7.15am and 8am, there was a theft in a third floor house on 25th C Cross, 27th Main in Sector 1. The victim was Kalpit Pandey, a 26-year-old employed with a private firm. The theft occurred while he was asleep. The thieves had allegedly opened […] - [Sector 3 park being handed over from BDA to BBMP; much more needs to be done](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-park-being-handed-over-from-bda-to-bbmp-much-more-needs-to-be-done/): The Swabhimaana Tree Park on 15th B Main, 19th Cross, Sector 3, is being handed over from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The park that saw an investment of Rs 5 crore is still a work in progress. The water outlets coming on to the roads are improperly designed. They let water out on to the road instead of the drains, which could flood the homes in low-lying areas. The main entrance  of the park resembles a swimming pool when it rains heavily as there is no proper elevation and shoulder drain that can take […] - [CAUGHT: Thief who stole Rs 2 lakh jewellery from HSR house](https://residentswatch.in/caught-thief-who-stole-rs-2-lakh-jewellery-from-hsr-house/): On May 24, a thief broke into a house in Sector 1 when nobody was home to steal Rs 2 lakh worth jewellery. Yesterday, he was caught while trying to break into another house in Bellandur. Incidentally, the accused named Pasha is behind 80 house break-ins, one of the house being that of Manjeet Kakoti whom we wrote about last month. Unfortunately, the stolen items couldn’t be recovered from him yet. “The police say that jewellery is with his friend in Mangalore who is still absconding,” says Manjeet. “He showed the police my house and that’s how the Bellandur police informed […] - [Man forges property papers and steals Rs 32 lakh from HSR resident](https://residentswatch.in/man-forges-property-papers-and-steals-rs-32-lakh-from-hsr-resident/):   Last week, the 6th additional magistrate court ordered the HSR Layout police to file a complaint of fraud where a person allegedly forged and HSR Layout resident’s identity to steal Rs 32 lakh from the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KAIDB). According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident happened between July 6, 2011 and May 31, 2019 when the court finally ruled. The HSR cops filed the complaint of fraud on June 10, 2019 after the court order. The story goes back to July 2011 when Ramaiah Krishnamurthy (58), a resident of Sector 2, HSR Layout, and the […] - [Conmen promise bank loan and take away Rs 30 lakh in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/conmen-promise-bank-loan-and-take-away-rs-30-lakh-in-sector-1/):   Businessman NR Shridhar Reddy (42) met three people at Krishnasagar restaurant on 27th Main in Sector 1. They promised to get him a loan on his building from Kotak Mahindra Bank. However, they asked for Rs 30 lakh as a security deposit. It was in this connection that he met Shilpa Shetty, Manohar Lal, and his father at Krishnasagar. A resident of Doddanekkundi, Shridhar was in need of the loan and readily gave away six cheques totalling Rs 30.88 lakh on November 3, 2018 at around 2pm, according to the police complaint. Once the bank loan came through, the alleged […] - [HSR firm promises visa and cheats customer of Rs 1.65 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-firm-promises-visa-and-cheats-customer-of-rs-1-65-lakh/): Twenty-two-year-old engineer Thirumale Gowda, a resident of Hassan, had applied for a visa through a consultancy firm in Sector 1, HSR Layout. However, the visa never came but the firm refused to refund the money. According to the police complaint filed on June 5, 2019, the alleged scam occurred between December 28, 2018 and June 5, 2019. Gowda has accused Kali Prasad Rath of fraud. Rath working for KT Consultancy operating out of 27th Main in Sector 1, allegedly took Rs 1.65 lakh from Gowda to get him a visa to go abroad. When Rath failed to get Gowda the promised […] - [Chain snatching averted by an alert police constable](https://residentswatch.in/chain-snatching-averted-by-cops/):   In a rare case, a chain snatching incident was averted by an alert cop last week in HSR Layout. On June 14, at around 7.50pm, HSR Layout police constable Ningappa Kembavi (26 years) heard screams coming from 1st D Main Road in Sector 6, IAS officers colony, HSR Layout. At the corner of the road, two vehicle-born thieves were trying to snatch the chain from one pedestrian. When the victim screamed, the constable rushed to the spot. Looking at the cop, the culprits drove away. The cop gave a chase but the miscreants escaped in the darkness. When the constable […] - [HSR cops nab mobile phone and jewel thieves!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-cops-nab-mobile-phone-and-jewel-thieves/):   The HSR Layout cops made a breakthrough in three cases of mobile phone and jewellery theft cases to not only catch three thieves but also recovered a two wheeler, a mobile phone and jewellery worth Rs 4.5 lakh. Phone thievesMobile phone thefts have become common in HSR Layout. Either thieves enter homes and scoot with phones and laptops or snatch mobiles from passersby on roads. Thankfully, the HSR Layout cops have caught two mobile thieves who allegedly stole people’s phones. One Oppo RealMe phone and a Honda Activa was also recovered during their arrest. The accused are Pawan Rao Pawar […] - [AVOID: Road blocked in Sector 3 for a week; stormwater drain work in progress](https://residentswatch.in/avoid-road-blocked-in-sector-3-for-a-week-stormwater-drain-work-in-progress/): Traffic on 22nd Cross (HSR Club Road) is being rerouted as one stretch of it is blocked for traffic from Kodak Express junction to Kadal Da Meen junction. You will have to take the cross roads to reach the other side of 22nd Cross. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has taken up the long-pending stormwater drain work at the 18th Main-22nd Cross junction near Kadal Da Meen restaurant. Pipeline laying work is in progress. Considering that it’s a major road, the BBMP officials told Residents Watch that they will do everything possible to finish the work within a week to […] - [Residents fill up potholes by themselves; shame on you, BBMP!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-fill-up-potholes-by-themselves-shame-on-you-bbmp/):   When the going is tough, the tough get going. And that’s what has precisely happened last weekend from Vibgyor school to Somasandrapalya Main Road. When the BBMP turned a blind eye to the gaping potholes on this stretch, the residents pooled in the money to fill them up with their own funds. Says Vilas Deshmukh of Harluru Somasandrapalya Residents Welfare Association: “This is a public-funded pothole filling project with major contributions coming from Navayuga, a small-scale construction firm whose proprietors – Nagarjuna and Narasimha – are residents of this area. The rest of the monies came from the volunteers of […] - [Bride-to-be suffers fractures 10 days before marriage due to water tanker accident on Sarjapur Road](https://residentswatch.in/bride-to-be-suffers-fractures-10-days-before-marriage-due-to-water-tanker-accident-on-sarjapur-road/): Last week, 28-year-old Sunanda Barki, a resident of RV Layout was hit by a water tanker on Sarjapur Road. The bride-to-be was injured grievously. The incident occurred on June 4 at around 8.40am. Sunanda was riding her TVS scooter towards Iblur when a water tanker (KA14B1924) allegedly driven rashly by a male driver hit her vehicle from behind at SLV Ceramics junction near Doddakannelli. The impact was such that her bike skidded about 10 feet on the stretch, breaking her left thigh and right shoulder bone. In addition, there were scratches on her legs. The driver drove away without attending to […] - [Ola cab driver damages car and injures onboard passengers by hitting flyover wall near HSR BDA complex!](https://residentswatch.in/ola-cab-driver-damages-car-and-injures-onboard-passengers-by-hitting-flyover-wall-near-hsr-bda-complex/): On May 26, at around 10.30am, 23-year-old Naveen Kumar, a resident of KR Puram was travelling in a cab along with his elder brother Kiran (25) and cousin Manikantha (25) after arriving in Bangalore from Chennai. After getting down from the bus at Silk Board junction, they had boarded an Ola cab (KA03AA5625) to go towards KR Puram. Anjappa M was the 37-year-old driver who allegedly drove rashly and overspeeding on Outer Ring Road. When he reached 14th Main Road near the BDA flyover in HSR Layout, he hit the flyover wall in front of JSS College. The result was that […] - [Cybercrime in city shoots up by 100% from last year; latest victims from Kasavanahalli & Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/cybercrime-in-city-shoots-up-by-100-from-last-year-latest-victims-from-kasavanahalli-koramangala/): Last year, there were 5036 cyber crime complaints received by the Bengaluru police. This year, and it’s just in its sixth month, and already 4350 complaints have been registered and counting. Some of the recent cases involved residents from Kasavanahalli and Koramangala. And both these cases were identity thefts. THE KORAMANGALA CASE OF ATM FRAUD Twenty-seven-year-old Raghavendra R needed Rs 400 urgently. However, the vendors were not accepting e-wallets. Therefore, he rushed to the nearest ATM in Ramamurthy Nagar and withdrew Rs 400. Three days later, while he was gymmin, he received two SMS-es that someone had withdrawn Rs 10000 and […] - [Wedding hall security guard assaulted to forcibly enter the premises](https://residentswatch.in/wedding-hall-security-guard-assaulted-to-forcibly-enter-the-premises/): On June 2, at around 11.30pm, 23-year-old Mallesh, the security guard at Siddhartha Convention Hall in Sector 2, HSR Layout, was allegedly assaulted by one Naveen who claimed to be a former manager at the wedding hall.   At 11pm, Naveen apparently asked the security guard to let him enter the premises as he was a former employee, but the guard stood his ground by saying that his higher-ups should say so first. Naveen broke the lock and entered the premises despite the warning by pushing aside the guard in addition to mouthing expletives and giving him a death threat.   […] - [Spate of robberies and vehicle thefts in the neighbourhood!](https://residentswatch.in/spate-of-robberies-and-vehicle-thefts-in-the-neighbourhood/):   It pays to install CCTVs in homes and always having someone at home to guard it if you go by the recent spate of robberies in HSR Layout. Between May 29 and June 3, there were police reports of two vehicle thefts and four robberies. That’s six incidents in six days. From robbing an Ayurvedic centre to three domestic homes, it is a spate of robberies. Could it be one gang operating in the area? Nothing conclusive on that yet. FIRST INCIDENT The first incident of robbery occurred between 3am on May 28 and 11.30pm on May 29 on 24th […] - [No more electrocution: High tension lines in HSR Layout to go underground in 18 months!](https://residentswatch.in/high-tension-wires-in-hsr-layout-to-go-underground-in-18-months/):   The Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) has now announced a Rs 5300 crore multi-phased project for different neighbourhoods of Bangalore, including HSR Layout. What this means is that all the high tension cables running above the ground will go below the surface to avoid electrocution, short-circuits and power tripping. Even more fascinating is that the roads will not be dug up incessantly; only holes will be made every few metres in what is called a ‘high definition digging mechanism’. The three-phased project has HSR in the first phase. If all goes well, the project slated to begin from July 2019 […] - ['Super Run' tomorrow to celebrate World Environment Day in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/super-run-tomorrow-to-celebrate-world-environment-day-in-hsr/):   Celebrate World Environment Day. Run for a Greener HSR and Bangalore. The organisers of Super Run tomorrow at BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout, Sector 2, are asking everyone to come forward and take part in this event to make it a thumping success. The registration fee of Rs 499 includes a T-shirt, breakfast, medal and  certificate. There are two categories: 3K Run & 5K Run. For each category, there are three winners in male, female and kids divisions. The winners get trophies too. Mark your calender June 2, 5.30am-9am BBMP Playground, HSR Layout Google Map (for directions) Timing: Report at […] - [Avoid 24th Main during peak hours: BWSSB's pipeline work in progress](https://residentswatch.in/avoid-24th-main-during-peak-hours-bwssbs-pipeline-work-in-progress/):   Congestion is going to continue on 24th Main Road for the next fortnight as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is laying a pipeline from Lotus Hospital to KPTCL junction.   While the pipeline is now laid from Lotus Hospital to KPTCL junction, the levelling of the road is only pending now. BWSSB officials informed us that the asphalting work of the dug up stretch will take up two weeks to complete.   What is throwing a spanner in the works are the rains. The work was supposed to have finished by now but for the rain gods. […] - [KCDC reduces tonnage; refuses garbage with too much leachette](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-reduces-tonnage-refuses-garbage-with-too-much-leachette/):   In the last few months, there is some tussle between the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) and the garbage contractors. KCDC is refusing to take leachette alongwith the garbage that is given to it. It’s contention is that it is commercial waste being given to them when the truth, according to BBMP officials, is that it is very much residential waste. KCDC still wants the contractors to reduce the leachette at source before handing over the wet waste to them. However, the garbage contractors feel that it’s practically impossible to do so, particularly when it rains.   “Since the rains […] - [Basement shop closures soon: BBMP Joint Commissioner](https://residentswatch.in/basement-shop-closures-soon-bbmp-joint-commissioner/):   Following the statement to us by BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad that the basement shops will be shutdown after May 23, it is now learnt that the BBMP is getting ready for this massive operation. As it requires a systematic way of conducting the operation without fear or favour, there needs to be some amount of planning. For this project, political will is not an issue as the action is ordered by the Karnataka High Court.   Enough time has already been given – more than three months – for all the shops to relocate from the basements. Ofcourse, there are […] - [Bike thieves strike during the weekend in HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/bike-thieves-strike-during-the-weekend-in-hsr/):   It sure seems like the thieves of two wheelers appear to be quite busy on weekends in HSR Layout. Take the last fortnight for example. In the space of three days, three different bike thefts occurred across HSR Layout. In an earlier incident that occurred in Sector 3, the thief (only his back is towards the CCTV) was seen pushing the bike away from the parked area in front of Subramanya temple on 18th Cross. The bike happened to be that of the priest. This could well be the modus operandi of all the thefts that happened last fortnight as […] - [Jewellery worth Rs 2 lakh burgled from Sector 1 house; thief caught on CCTV](https://residentswatch.in/jewellery-worth-rs-2-lakh-burgled-from-sector-1-house-thief-caught-on-cctv/):   On May 24, at around 12.15pm, a house was burgled in Sector 1, HSR Layout. Gold worth Rs 2 lakh was stolen. The thief was allegedly caught on CCTV, wearing a black tee and blue jeans while riding a blue bike.   According to the FIR lodged at the HSR Layout police station, resident Manjeet Kakoti (30) of 14th Cross, 21st A Main, found his first floor house burgled between 12.15pm and 12.45pm when nobody was at home. The items stolen included Rs 15,000 cash, three gold chains, two pairs of gold earrings, two gold finger rings, one gold locket […] - [Woman software engineer kidnapped near Silk Board](https://residentswatch.in/woman-software-engineer-kidnapped-near-silk-board/): A scary incident occurred recently to a woman software engineer who was kidnapped in the afternoon near Silk Board.   On Monday, April 1, 2019, around 1.45pm, 24-year-old Sushmita Dixit was kidnapped by five people travelling in a car near Vishal Mega Mart on Hosur Road near Central Silk Board.   Employed with Accenture, she had a job interview at Capgemini. Her father dropped her at Silk Board from where she took an Ola cab at 11am. When she reached Capgemini, she was told that the interview was postponed to the next day. She took an auto and got down at […] - [BEWARE: Accidents galore in HSR Layout police limits!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-accidents-galore-in-hsr-layout/):   With the ring road traffic using HSR Layout as a transit route, many accidents are taking place in HSR Layout. The area around Freedom International School, Greens Bar, Sweet Chariot, Mantri Apt and Coffee Day are the latest accident hotspots where severe injuries have taken place. Here is a rundown of each of the incidents where the damages were grievous.   LOCATION: In front of Cafe Coffee Day, near petrol bunk, 19th Main, HSR Layout On February 7, 2019, 18-year-old Evaditya Singh, a resident of AECS Layout, was hit by a 42-year-old lorry driver at around 8am. At the time, […] - [Cheated out of a 3.6 crore site; a person loses Rs 50 lakh advance!](https://residentswatch.in/cheated-out-of-a-3-6-crore-site-a-person-loses-rs-50-lakh-advance/): A resident has complained that he was defrauded of Rs 50 lakh advance on a fake site he finalised for Rs 3.6 crore.   The alleged fraud took place between February 2 and March 13, 2019. Politician R Chandrashekhar, a 46-year-old resident of Electronic City has alleged that he was cheated by Lakshmipathi T (30) and Sebastine (34).   Chandrashekhar, a member of the Konappana Agrahara village panchayat, was doing business in partnership with Suryanarayana. Chandrashekhar’s friend Sanjay Goyal introduced him to Sebastian who operated a real estate firm near Adigas restaurant on 5th Main in Sector 6, HSR Layout. Sebastian […] - [Civic activist's house broken into while he was abroad](https://residentswatch.in/civic-activists-house-broken-into-while-he-was-abroad/): Thieves don’t leave any house unburgled, particularly when the tenant is far away from home. On April 21, 2019, Brigadier (retired) RS Murthy left for Vietnam with his wife. On May 15, 2019, around 5.15pm, Murthy’s security guard Bharat noticed that the back door was broken into.   The guard reported the incident to Murthy’s nephew Sanjeev Balakrishnan who stays in HSR Layout. Upon inspection, Sanjeev found that the house was ransacked as the thieves failed to find what they were looking for: jewellery and cash. They avoided the electronic items and took away all the taps and kitchen fittings. There […] - [HSR restaurant fined Rs 50,000 for dumping waste in drain](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-restaurant-fined-rs-50000-for-dumping-waste-in-drain/):   In a damning case of abject negligence, a restaurant in HSR Layout was fined Rs 50,000 for dumping wet waste into the stormwater drain.   The promoters of the The Paratha Company were made to cough up the hefty fine as it was also a repeat offence, according to the civic officials. However, this time they had the proof to nail them. The restaurant was found guilty of dumping the waste in the stormwater drain behind the Indian Oil petrol bunk and near the Swachagraha Kalika Kendra.   The culprits were caught as they found the company’s address in the […] - [Basement shop shutdowns and demolitions to begin after May 23](https://residentswatch.in/basement-shop-shutdowns-and-demolitions-to-begin-after-may-23/): All the grace time to basement shop owners is about to get over. After the results of the general elections are out on May 23, the basement shop demolitions will resume.   Talking to Residents Watch, BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad said, “We have shutdown many basement shops in Bengaluru and will continue our drive after the elections results are out.”   HSR BBMP officials echoed the same facts and said that the elections had put a spanner in the works. In addition, the shopkeepers had asked for more time to look for alternative places. When the BBMP announced that grace time […] - [Illegal car shed in residential area demolished in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/illegal-car-shed-in-residential-area-demolished-in-sector-3/): Some months ago, we came across a shed that was coming up in Sector 3 on 17th Main-19th Cross. When we enquired, the workers said a call centre was coming up. We were aghast. How can an office exist on a narrow road in a residential area? Later, we were told that a car washing shed was coming up, and it did come up despite our complaints to everyone at BBMP.   However, when the time for permissions came, the BBMP officials rejected the commercial proposition of having a car washing shed. “We clearly said that no commercial activity was possible, […] - [HSR cops catch thieves and recover 20 gold chains](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-cops-catch-thieves-and-recover-20-gold-chains/): For five years, Aruna and Rajesh had a free run snatching necklaces of women across Bangalore. But last week, they were apprehended by the HSR cops who recovered 20 necklaces from them. What’s more, Dr Isha Pant, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East), gave away chains to six people who had lost them to these thieves.    “They had committed 20 chain snatching incidents, including four in HSR Layout police limits, one in Koramangala, 1 in Begur, 3 in Tilaknagar and 4 in Rammurthy Nagar, among others,” said one police official. The star of this investigation was head constable Manjunatha […] - [FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT: A salt cave to fix breathing and skin disorders in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/first-person-account-a-salt-cave-to-fix-breathing-and-skin-disorders/): By Gopika Suresh Recently, I came across something that I had never heard of before: a chance to lighten my day over a session of salt therapy at Salt World in HSR Layout. Upon entering, I sat on one of the chairs for a while, wondering what they would do. I saw a few packs of Himalayan salts on display and I thought: Will I get drenched while getting this done? If I did, how would I get back to the office? Are they going to scrub me with this salt? Will it hurt?   A pamphlet on the coffee table […] - [Sewage in stormwater drains of HSR Layout. Who is to blame?](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-in-stormwater-drains-of-hsr-layout/): There’s sewage in storm water drains of HSR Layout. Who is to blame? The BWSSB, the BBMP or the residents letting sewage into the drains that are supposed to only carry rainwater into the drains? The fact is that everyone is to be blamed for this. In addition, the desilting is done in a haphazard non-systematic manner. The debris cleared is left to dry. When there is another spell of rain, the debris is back into the drains, nullifying the previous effort to desilt the drains. When will the BBMP get its act together? Here is a video of one such […] - [HSR Layout is powerless after yesterday's rains due to tree and pole collapses](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-is-powerless-after-yesterdays-rains-due-to-tree-and-pole-collapses/): Yesterday’s continuous rains have wrecked havoc in HSR Layout, leading to several residents suffering power breakdowns. This has led to water shortage too as the sump and borewell motors need electricity to transport water to the overhead tank. With BWSSB’s schedule being erratic, the residents were far more inconvenienced as they were getting Cauvery water but there was no electricity to send that supply to the storage tank.   According to Bescom officials, over a hundred complaints were registered overnight. Strong winds led to many tree falls and pole collapses across HSR Layout. This has led to outages across the neighbourhood, […] - [Dry leaves and unswept roads and drains? Call these people](https://residentswatch.in/dry-leaves-and-unswept-roads-and-drains-call-these-people/): Dry leaves on roads and footpaths are being swept on different days for different areas in HSR layout. Here is how it works, according to garbage supervisor for BBMP, Anil Benni: “It’s once a week for every road in HSR Layout,” he says. “The entire sweepers team is divided into two groups. They work five days a week between 10 am and 2 pm.   The areas covered are as follows for different days of the week: Mondays = 6th sector & Freedom school area of 4th sector. Tuesdays: 7th Sector Adigas backside, Guntoop, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar & NH Narayana hospital […] - [Sector 3 restaurant found contaminating its surroundings](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-restaurant-found-contaminating-its-surroundings/) - [Cult Fit corporate office causes air and noise pollution in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/cult-fit-corporate-office-causes-air-and-noise-pollution-in-hsr-layout/) - [Sector 3 Swabhimaana Park hosts voter awareness video!](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-swabhimaana-park-hosts-voter-awareness-video/): Recently, a group of residents launched ‘Desh Ke Liye’, a voter awareness video at a function in Oxford College, Sector 4, HSR Layout. The beautiful Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3 played host to it. Watch the video and spread the good word as Bangalore goes to polls tomorrow. - [Brutal tree killing near Sector 5 in Teacher's Colony](https://residentswatch.in/brutal-tree-killing-near-sector-5-in-teachers-colony/) - [Rent your own private mini theatre in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/rent-your-own-private-mini-theatre-in-hsr-layout/):   Yes, you can stream it big, and you can make the theatre your home. Welcome to Binge Club where you can binge watch your favourite TV soaps, movies or sporting events in a group of 6. It’s your very own private mini theatre in HSR Layout, complete with Dolby Atmos sound and a 135-inch giant screen.   If movie-watching is not your thing, you can game on. There are movable, cozy seating arrangements for you like beanbags, sofas and couches, so you can be the boss of everything you survey. With an in-house canteen, you can eat whenever you want, […] - [Events in HSR: Open mic, standup, painting, sketching, personality development, digital marketing, cracking IAS exams & more](https://residentswatch.in/events-in-hsr-open-mic-standup-painting-sketching-personality-development-digital-marketing-cracking-ias-exams-more/): SATURDAY Words Weave Magic Sat, 13 Apr 6:00PM – 7:30PM Lokl – Simply hangout, Sector 1, HSR Layout 668, 13th Cross, 27th Main, Sector 1, HSR Layout (Near Brimstone Cafe) Free Thinking what to do on a Saturday? Show up on the stage to weave magic with your words. If you are a poetry enthusiast, this is the place you would definitely love! Lokl HSR is coming up with the first poetry open mic in this neighbourhood. Couple it with some amazing coffee and brew your way to a remarkable Saturday evening. Are you from NIFT? Because they have some amazing […] - [HSR residents protest today; BWSSB promises water every four days!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-residents-protest-today-bwssb-promises-water-every-four-days/): Despite repeated reminders and warnings, the BWSSB did not follow the schedule it had put out recently. The result was that several residents of HSR Layout protested today at the BWSSB office on 24th Main in Sector 2. They were answering to the protest call given by the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association. Shouting slogans of ‘Beke Beku, Neeru Beku’ (We want water), the residents registered their protest even while meeting the engineers in charge of this sub division. The BWSSB officials said that they cannot help the situation until June 2019 as there is a water shortage due […] - [Clinic found dumping medical waste on Iblur lakebed penalised by BBMP!](https://residentswatch.in/clinic-found-dumping-medical-waste-on-iblur-lakebed-penalised-by-bbmp/): In a rare case, thanks to resident activism, a clinic in Iblur, which comes under the HSR Layout ward, was penalised by the BBMP. When a group of residents found medical waste like used syringes and cotton used to cover wounds, they immediately looked for the identities of the perpetrators. Soon enough, they found prescription receipts of Ganesh Clinic in Iblur. When the news came to the notice of BBMP health inspector Vinodh GM, he immediately went to Ganesh Clinic and fined them for their offence with a warning that they should not be found repeating this crime ever again. “We […] - [Weekend Events: Open mic, Lucky Ali, standup comedy, sketching & doodling!](https://residentswatch.in/weekend-events-open-mic-lucky-ali-standup-comedy-sketching-doodling/): FRIDAY EVENTS Open Mic Night Fri, 5 Apr, 6pm-11pm Grapevine, 43, 22nd cross road, Sector 3, HSR Layout Rs 300 Drop by for an acoustic and intimate open mic night. Those who wish to participate/perform as part of the open mic night will have to come to the venue and register by 7pm. This event is limited to music and musical performances only. Open mic nights are events where in anyone from the audience may register on the spot at the venue, and join the line up to perform. The Comedy Fiesta Fri, 5 Apr, 8pm-9.30pm Sector 7 Café, Sector 7 […] - [Stung by criticism; BWSSB issues time table of Cauvery water release for all sectors](https://residentswatch.in/stung-by-criticism-bwssb-releases-time-table-of-cauvery-water-release-for-all-sectors/): Every Sector in HSR Layout is reeling under Cauvery water shortage. With the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) providing erratic water supply, every resident and association member is up in arms. Stung by the increasing unrest among people, the BWSSB has released a time table for the whole of April. The Background Sector 3 activist HM Javali spoke to the BWSSB engineers and requested them to ration water equitably to all sectors as there were allegations that certain areas were water-sufficient while the other stretches were crying for water. Even the borewells have gone dry in several areas, prompting […] - [Six-year-old HSR resident shares DIY composting tips on YouTube!](https://residentswatch.in/six-year-old-hsr-resident-shares-diy-composting-tips-on-youtube/): HSR Layout resident Prachi, a six-year-old, shares her tips on how to start composting at home through the aerobic method.   Not only has her mother Lalithamba BV recorded this but also uploaded it on YouTube for mass consumption. The video was uploaded on October 2, Swachchata Diwas, and has already recorded over 300 views and gotten six subscribers.   We would like you to watch this as well, because if there is zero wet waste coming out of your house, there will be fewer landfills. You can watch Prachi’s video here. Two days earlier, she had shared a short video […] - [A view of HSR Layout from the heavens!](https://residentswatch.in/a-view-of-hsr-layout-from-the-heavens/):     Aerial shots of HSR Layout’s Agara Lake, Agara village, and parts of Sector 4 and Sector 1 taken from Google Earth     Aerial view of BDA Complex and Sector 4     Central Silk Board junction. The traffic looks far less and is definitely taken in the early mornings!   - [Sai Baba temple in Sector 3 encroaches another section of median park; BBMP looks the other way!](https://residentswatch.in/sai-baba-temple-in-sector-3-encroaches-another-section-of-median-park-bbmp-looks-the-other-way/): In what is a blatant violation yet again by the Sai Baba temple authorities, they have brazenly encroached another large stretch of the median park on 19th Main Road in Sector 3, HSR Layout, to build a metal and concrete structure. This is in addition to the median park they had already encroached several years ago to build the temple. Despite protests and complaints from residents, no action is taken in the last one month.     “The temple itself is illegal and the MLA himself said many years ago that the BMTF has been given orders to demolish it, but […] - [Use steel cutlery for celebrations, say residents and offer a rental service](https://residentswatch.in/use-steel-cutlery-for-celebrations-say-residents-and-offer-a-rental-service/): Hasiru Mithra, a group of HSR Layout residents, that works towards bettering the neighbourhood selflessly also offer an affordable steel cutlery rental service. This is perfect for the upcoming festive occasions. In fact, these are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and just about any occasion that requires you to rent cutlery. Instead of going plastic, go steel. Not only is it environment-friendly, it also saves you from getting diseases like cancer due to plastic usage.                   BYOC is the new buzzword, and it means ‘bring your own cutlery’. Thanks to their venture, little ones […] - [Permanent places to drop off electronic waste in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/permanent-places-to-drop-off-electronic-waste-in-hsr/): There are temporary e-waste pickup points in HSR Layout at Ganesha temple park on 11th cross in Sector 1, at Nagarjuna Greenridge apartment complex in Sector 2 and Royal Habitat, again in Sector 2.   However, these are on specific days and have set timings. We will update you on this channel during those collection drives. But if you are looking at anytime pickup, there are two places where you can drop off your e-waste whenever you want to (see images below). In addition, if you are giving stuff in bulk, doorstep pickup can also be arranged.   - [70% callers in HSR seeking counselling are students](https://residentswatch.in/70-callers-in-hsr-seeking-counselling-are-students/): A women and child safety helpline in BTM Layout receives an average of 10 calls a day, 70% of whom are students. According to the helpline officials, the biggest problems they face is addiction to smartphones, losing interest in studies and getting involved in love affairs.         In rare cases involving warring adult couples who don’t listen to them, such people are referred to the helpline located inside the police commissioner’s office on Infantry Road. “So far, this has happened in about a dozen cases where either the people coming to us are highly educated and adamant or […] - [What is HSR's connection with the world at large?](https://residentswatch.in/what-is-hsrs-connection-with-the-world-at-large/): For those new to HSR, the acronym stands for Hosur Sarjapur Road. But type ‘HSR’ on social media or the search engines, and you will realise that the coinage is used just as widely for completely different entities in an entirely different corner of the world. We are talking about #hsr or even @hsr that will take you to Hamilton Street Railway, a public transport agency in Ontario, Canada. Incidentally, HSR also has bus services and for all its constant updates, it uses the Twitter handle: @hsrnow.               That’s not all. HSR is known in […] - [Haphazard parking on 14th Main & 17th Cross](https://residentswatch.in/haphazard-parking-on-14th-main-17th-cross/):   The resident and vehicle users are inconvenienced by the the indescriminate parking along 17th Cross Road and 14th Main Roads that lead to McDonald’s junction. Not only do they narrow down these major thoroughfares of HSR Layout, but also cause much inconvenience to both pedestrians and vehicle users.         Says resident AB Gowda who has tweeted to the traffic cops for action: “Vehicles parked haphazardly are blocking the main roads at this junction in HSR Layout, 17th Cross Road (McDonald’s signal). It’s the same haphazard mode in all four roads leading to this junction.”     The […] - [One-way violations by school buses continue on 27th Main Road](https://residentswatch.in/one-way-violations-by-school-buses-continue-on-27th-main-road/):         It’s one thing for two wheeler riders to violate one-ways and completely a different magnitude of violation when higher capacity school buses are involved in such violations. That is precisely what is happening on 27th Main Road despite being a one-way from 24th-27th Main junction to Somasundrapalya Main Road junction.   We have highlighted about this before but the traffic police is inept at making their voice loud and heard in schools around the neighbourhood. It’s a branding issue too as residents wonder what these institutions are teaching their kids when they themselves violate the most basic […] - [Paper straws, bamboo stems & papaya stalks to replace plastic?](https://residentswatch.in/paper-straws-bamboo-stems-papaya-stalks-to-replace-plastic/):         An HSR vendor has come up with paper straws to replace the banned plastic straws you use to drink fruit juice and tender coconut water.   “They can be an alternative for disposable plastic straws,” says resident Lalithamba BV who has suggested this to the BBMP top brass, including Randeep, the commissioner in charge of waste management in the city. “These need to be promoted, so that they become economical.”   In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, coconut vendors have come up with several other alternatives like bamboo stems and papaya stalks. Where there is a will, there is […] - [Trees on fire near Agara Lake](https://residentswatch.in/trees-on-fire-inside-agara-lake-park/): After the fire at KPTCL campus on 27th Main in Sector 2 last week, today was the turn of plants near Agara Lake park. The trees caught fire and the fire force officials immediately rushed to extinguish the fire. The lake caretakers suspect that a cigarette butt thrown inside the park fence by the passersby could have led to the accident. The location of the dry grass fire is next to the major stormwater drain (Rajakulave) on 14th Main opposite Greenview Hospital. Luckily, the Agara Lake staff swung into action before the fire force officials arrived.  “This afternoon, there was fire […] - [Another lake in the vicinity of HSR Layout is ready for the rains!](https://residentswatch.in/another-lake-in-the-vicinity-of-hsr-layout-is-ready-for-the-rains/): The residents of HSR Layout are blessed to have four lakes in their vicinity: Agara Lake, Somasundrapalya Lake, Iblur Lake and Kaikondrahalli Lake. And even more blessed are they as all the four lakes are either rejuvenated or in the process of it. Iblur Lake is ready for the rains.  The rejuvenation that began in December 2017 is close to completion. Spread over 18 acres and 6 guntas, it will have an urban forest, pathways, CCTVs and public toilets. Says Jagannath Rao, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP: “The lake work is almost complete. Only the pathway mud work is left. Iblur […] - ['Private bus stand at Silk Board to cause more pollution'](https://residentswatch.in/private-bus-stand-at-silk-board-to-cause-more-pollution/):       To weed out the issue of rampant parking by private bus operators and restrict them from entering the city, the transport department has decided to set up three private bus stands around the Outer Ring Road, including Silk Board. Senior bureaucrats have already asked the officials to figure out the government land around these parts to set up the stands. However, the residents are not happy with this development.   “It means pollution and traffic congestion at Silkboard will significantly increase,” says Mohan Govindiah of Namma Teacher’s Colony group. “The residents are requested to plant more trees to […] - [Somasundrapalya Lake revival in HSR Layout is nearing completion](https://residentswatch.in/somasundrapalya-lake-revival-in-hsr-layout-is-nearing-completion/): The Somasundrapalya Lake was first scheduled to be completed by November last year. And then, it was pushed to January as this video suggests. Now, the lake authorities say they will complete in a month from now. Says Jagannath Rao, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP: “In a month’s time, all our work will be done. The pipeline is laid, the desilting and drain work is done, the bund is done… only minor work is done. We want rain water and the lake will be ready to receive it.” - [Yoga for health, blogging, vlogging, cartooning, embroidery, cycling, summer camp & standup comedy](https://residentswatch.in/yoga-for-health-blogging-vlogging-cartooning-embroidery-cycling-summer-camp-standup-comedy/): SATURDAY WORKSHOPS “Balance for Better Life With Srijata Bhatnagar 9 Mar, 10:30AM – 12:30PM Salt World, 18th Main, Sector 3, HSR Layout Free     Free Entry and Free Salt Room Therapy. Limited seats, Registration is mandatory. Call / Visit Salt World, HSR Layout to get your entry pass. On International Women’s Day, an expert talk on Balance for Better Life by Srijata Bhatnagar. With nearly 20 years’ experience as a life coach and speaker, she will cover crucial pointers for women from all walks of life such as how to balance work and personal life, prioritize responsibilities, take charge of […] - [Conmen cheat financial firm of Rs 1.89 lakh by mortgaging fake jewellery](https://residentswatch.in/conmen-cheat-financial-firm-of-rs-1-89-lakh-by-mortgaging-fake-jewellery/): Mamatha N, a 28-year-old bank manager with IIFL, a financial services company on Mangammanapalya Main Road in Bommanahalli, has alleged that two individuals pledged fake gold jewellery to take a loan of Rs 1.89 lakh.     However, when they did not pay any interest on the loan they had taken, the bank’s auditors examined the jewellery and realised that only the surface was etched in gold and the rest was just cheap metal.   The two people alleged to have defrauded the financial firm are Irfan Ali (25), a resident of Koramangala and Mohammed Ghose (32), a resident of Austin […] - [Another biker dies in HSR Layout due to a water tanker!](https://residentswatch.in/another-biker-dies-in-hsr-layout-to-a-rash-water-tanker-driver/): On November 22, a 41-year-old software engineer died when a water tanker ran over him on 27th Main at 1.10pm. About 12 weeks later, another death due to a water tanker has happened, this time on 14th Main in Sector 6, HSR Layout.     Twenty-eight-year-old Jeevan Kumar, a resident of Shivamogga, was riding on his bike on February 13 at around 12.15pm on 14th main, 15th Cross, near Federal Bank, when he was hit by a water tanker coming from the same direction. he fell on the road and the tanker’s tyres went over his head and ears. There was […] - [RW Impact: Bus stand seat fixed; but work on speedbreakers yet to begin](https://residentswatch.in/rw-impact-bus-stand-seat-fixed-but-work-on-speedbreakers-yet-to-begin/):   3D speedbreakers are being experimented in India. Will HSR get one too?   In October, we had written about a broken seat under the bus shelter on 14th Main in front of BDA Complex. We are glad to inform you that finally, it has been fixed by the authorities.   All is well that ends well. However, BBMP’s traffic engineering cell is yet to take up work on the speedbreakers and signal improvements across HSR Layout, and fix the broken road divider on 27th Main. Earlier, the traffic police informed us that the BBMP has their wishlist for months now, […] - [When will the skywalk come up near BDA flyover?](https://residentswatch.in/when-will-the-skywalk-come-up-near-bda-flyover/):       MLA Ramalinga Reddy inaugurating the skywalk in October 2018   Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy inaugurated the construction of a skywalk near HSR bus stand on Outer Ring Road near 9th Main in August 2018. But the work never began.   Three months later, it was inaugurated again, this time on the Teacher’s Colony side, by MLA Ramalinga Reddy. Residents thought this might have cleared all the hurdles for this Rs 1 crore skywalk to ease the road crossing woes at this busy junction. But so far, the progress is abysmal.   The escalator construction is far from over, […] - [Man masquerades as building contractor and cheats HSR resident of Rs 55000](https://residentswatch.in/man-masquerades-as-building-contractor-and-cheats-hsr-resident-of-rs-55000/): Impersonations are common among thieves, and this one was another ingenious idea hit upon by a criminal mind. On January 20, a man appearing to be in his late 20s, presented himself at the doorstep of Prakash CV, a 65-year-old resident of 23rd Main, 24th Cross, Sector 2, HSR Layout. Calling himself Chandrashekar, he said that if Prakash had any building renovation work, he would do it at a cheaper price. Prakash gave his number and left. On January 23, Chandrashekar calls Prakash again at around 8.30pm, seeking for any job he might have for him. Prakash asks him to show […] - [Cybercrime cops warn about SIM swaps, online jobs & matrimonial/Facebook frauds...](https://residentswatch.in/cybercrime-cops-warn-about-sim-swaps-online-jobs-matrimonial-facebook-frauds/):   Bangalore’s cybercrime police station that has received an average of 13 cases every month in 2018, conducted an awareness campaign on Twitter recently. This is on the heels of several frauds being detected not just in tier 1 but also in tier 2 and tier 3 cities of Karnataka.   Their social media graphics say it all and we would like you to do everyone a favour and share this story with every group and person you know. You will do them a world of good. This is coming straight from the horse’s mouth and not some WhatsApp forward that […] - [Bikes, car, jewellery and laptops stolen in 7 separate incidents across HSR!](https://residentswatch.in/bikes-car-jewellery-and-laptop-stolen-in-7-separate-incidents-across-hsr/): In seven separate thefts across HSR Layout, several valuables, including bikes, cars, laptops and jewellery were stolen in a fortnight, between February 9 and February 23. Which means, there was a theft in HSR Layout every alternate day. Stay safe, stay aware. HOUSE BREAK; OWNER SUSPECTS MILKMAN & CAR WASH PERSON On February 23, retired professional PK Chandran (68) had locked his house on 14th Cross, 22nd Main Road in Sector 1, and gone out of town with his family at around 11.45am. When he retuned on February 27 at around 2.45pm, he found the front door broken. Upon further investigation, […] - [Drug peddlers arrested near NIFT college yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/drug-peddlers-arrested-again-near-nift-college/): Close on the heels of a drug ceisure near NIFT college in Sector 1 worth Rs 50,000 in December 2018, comes another, albeit small, seizure again near the same institution.     Around 2.30pm on February 14, sub inspector M Nilakantan (54 years) received a phone tip off that a few people were selling drugs in Sector 1 near NIFT on 27th Main in HSR Layout. After seeking the relevant permissions from the higher authorities, he rushed to the place and arrested the alleged drug peddlers in the presence of eye witnesses and a gazetted officer, the requirements under this tough […] - [Residents protest noise pollution & shoddy planning by the event organisers at BBMP Grounds](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protest-noise-pollution-shoddy-planning-by-the-organisers-of-an-event-at-bbmp-grounds/): The controversy over the 5-day event at BBMP Grounds refuses to die down. The latest is that despite setting down the rules, the noise levels were higher than permitted and the music went on way beyond the stipulated 9pm. And it happened on a day when it shouldn’t: yesterday. The event was supposed to begin from today, so was that a dress rehearsal yesterday, the residents want to know.     “The loud speaker volume was quite high and caused much inconvenience to students writing their board exams yesterday,” says Girish Shivalingaiah, one of the residents leading the campaign against the […] - [The Shell petrol bunk controversy in HSR Layout continues...](https://residentswatch.in/the-shell-petrol-bunk-controversy-in-hsr-layout-continues/): In December 2018, we reported that the construction of the Shell petrol bunk was stopped for violating the rules. So far, the status quo remains. “Until the Town Planning department of the BBMP does not give its approval, we will not let it reopen,” said one BBMP official at Bommanahalli. “However, they have taken all other permissions and might open anytime soon.”     The bunk was in the eye of a controversy when neighbours objected and got the Sector 3 Residents Welfare Association to complain against the bunk coming up in a residential area. However, the DC converted site was […] - [BBMP Grounds controversy: 11-day event cut to 5 days; 20 conditions set by BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-grounds-controversy-11-day-event-cut-to-5-days-20-conditions-set-by-bbmp/): The BBMP came under heavy fire by HSR Layout residents for letting the BBMP Grounds to Sri Seervi Samaj Trust for organising a 11-day event, that includes another 20-days of setting up and dismantling the gigantic metal frames. Taking note of the protests as the civic body had violated its own rules blatantly under the advise of Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, the BBMP has issued a fresh set of 20 conditions to the organiser to ensure that the mega event does not cause traffic jams, fire hazards, cleanliness and hygiene issues or any untoward incident. Importantly, the 11-day event is now […] - [Hangover pub opens again after a court stay!](https://residentswatch.in/hangover-pub-opens-again-after-taking-court-stay/): Hangover, the pub on 17th Cross in Sector 1 has reopened again after obtaining a stay order from the Karnataka High Court on February 13, 2019. The pub was shutdown on February 5, 2019.     Looking at the writ petition filed by Goldwing Ventures’s partner Tanuja, the court has granted a stay on the excise department’s shutdown order of February 5, 2019 “until next hearing”. Going by the infamous judicial delays, we are not sure when the actual verdict will take place. Which means, the pub will continue to function despite the BBMP cancelling Hangover’s trade licence in November 2018 […] - [What's hot and happening in HSR Layout this weekend?](https://residentswatch.in/whats-hot-and-happening-in-hsr-layout-this-weekend/): FRIDAY, MARCH 1 Night of the MAFIAs8PM – 11PMBrimstone Cafe 670, 13th Cross Rd, 1st Sector, HSR Layout,Rs 249   A super interactive game of Mafia in a unique setting where you can watch the drama unfold and find the mafias before it’s too late. This is a unique chance to meet and bond with strangers, whether you’re an innocent villager or the cunning mafia killing them off! Don’t worry if you have not played, rules will be explained to you. This game is suitable for all poker-faced adults and requires no prior experience. Spend your Friday night solving a unique […] - [Beware of phone and chain snatching on the streets!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-phone-and-chain-snatching-on-the-streets/): With smartphones getting more affordable and in everyone’s hands, every individual walking on the road is a potential prey. Says Deba Saha who was witness to one incident recently: “I saw a phone snatcher near the KPTCL power station on 27th main. Two people on a bike tried to snatch the cellphone of a girl who was walking on the road. Unfortunately, I was in the opposite direction, and therefore couldn’t chase them.”   The safer way of not getting your phone stolen is to always hold your smartphone on the drain side of the road. Remember to be vigilant around […] - [Will BDA complex shut down to make way for a mall in HSR Layout?](https://residentswatch.in/when-will-bda-complex-shut-down-to-make-way-for-a-mall/):         A few shopkeepers in BDA Complex have come together and knocked on the doors of the court against the agency’s plan to turn the HSR landmark into a mall. Citing loss of business, they have filed a Public Interest Litigation. However, there is no confirmation on when the case will come up for hearing. But the Bangalore Development Authority officials say that the complex will be shutdown for sure.   The shopkeepers have confirmed receiving 2-3 closure notices from the BDA so far, but nobody is clear on when the complex will eventually shutdown for construction. Until […] - [BREAKING NEWS: BBMP demolishing unauthorized shed in Sector 5](https://residentswatch.in/breaking-news-bbmp-demolishing-unauthorized-shed-in-sector-5/): In what should come as welcome news to many civic activists, an unauthorised shed is being demolished today by the BBMP (Jakkasandra ward) with the help of the cops on 14th Main near Greenview Hospital in Sector 5, HSR Layout. “The people should shiver before they think of building anything without BBMP’s plan sanction,” said one BBMP official. In addition, the building was being built in the Agara Lake buffer zone specified by the National Green Tribunal.       According to the National Green Tribunal, no structures can come up between 30 and 75 metres of Rajakaluves (major stormwater drains). […] - [Residents oppose a 11-day non-sports event being held in violation of the rules at BBMP Grounds from tomorrow!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-protest-a-11-day-non-sports-event-being-held-in-violation-of-the-rules-at-bbmp-grounds-from-tomorrow/): The BBMP Grounds recovered after a five-year fight by the Resident Welfare Associations of HSR Layout is being misused by the local politicians and BBMP officials despite resident protests. But this time, the residents decided that enough was enough when they realised that the BBMP, on the advice of Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, had given the permission for a 11-day non-sports event from March 1. Though the permission was given in November last year, it has come to bite BBMP now as the event is slated to begin from tomorrow.     When the residents saw that the erection of the […] - [The 6-month-old bottleneck on 9th Main is finally cleared for vehicular movement!](https://residentswatch.in/the-6-month-old-bottleneck-on-9th-main-is-finally-open-for-vehicular-movement/): Since September 2018, the 9th Main-14th Cross was inaccessible to commuters. Thanks to rains and stormwater drains getting blocked and flooding homes in low-lying areas, this was BBMP’s way of desilting the drains. However, the works hit a road hump when the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) took its own time to do its bit after the BBMP had done its desilting.   In fact, the box drain could not be closed until the KPTCL shifted their cables going underneath the 9th Main Road. “We cannot touch the cables; they have to switch off the power going through these lines […] - [Peak hour traffic in HSR looks like this!](https://residentswatch.in/peak-hour-traffic-in-hsr-looks-like-this/): This is the traffic you can encounter at the 5th Main-Mangammanapalya Main Road junction at 7pm. Strangely, this junction is manned by the cops from Electronic City. “We have to come 10 kilometres away from our station to manage the traffic here,” complained one cop.   When we checked with HSR traffic police on that day, we were informed that they were sent 10 kilometres away to Freedom Park for some traffic bandobast. Clearly, the jurisdiction of cops can be anywhere but where they should be. No wonder, you hardly find a few cops in HSR Layout. Will the higher ups […] - [Power sub station in HSR Layout was on fire again!](https://residentswatch.in/power-sub-station-in-hsr-layout-was-on-fire/): The sub station of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) was on fire between 6.30pm and 8pm yesterday. Coincidentally, when we uploaded a story yesterday about how the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (Bescom) is coming under fire from the residents for outages and fluctuations that have damaged electronic equipment, one resident pointed out that the actual power sub station on 27th Main could actually be on fire. At 12.30pm, Krishna Kumar Puravoor reacted to our story in a WhatsApp group saying, “I am seeing a considerable amount of dry grass in the KPTCL compound which is highly inflammable in the light […] - [Bescom under fire: Frequent outages and fluctuations damage equipment and cause unrest!](https://residentswatch.in/bescom-under-fire-frequent-outages-and-fluctuations-damage-equipment-and-cause-unrest/): The sparking and buzzing/hissing sounds in the new transformers of the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (Bescom) across HSR Layout has become an everday affair. When you ask the officials, they use all the technical words to confuse you no end. All the residents want to know is when will this nightmare end.   Complaints against Bescom’s frequent power shutdowns, fluctuations and damage of equipment is becoming all too common in HSR Layout. Despite raising this issue many times with the authorities, the resident welfare associations have nowhere else to turn for a proper remedy to this problem.   Watch the video […] - [SHOCKING! BBMP contractor breaks tiles and refuses to re-lay new ones! Shopkeeper does it on his own](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-bbmp-contractor-breaks-tiles-and-refuses-to-re-lay-new-ones-shopkeeper-does-it-on-his-own/): https://youtu.be/c9xwVQx55TA The BBMP contractor assigned to redo all the footpaths and drains in HSR Layout made a careless mistake a few months ago that will cost him lakhs of rupees.  This video recording of the scene captures the story for you. Check it out.   Now, here is the back story. The contractor broke all the tiles laid over the stormwater drain by three shopkeepers on 27th Main Road in Sector 1. Before he realised that he was to only relay the tiles on the footpath and not on the stormwater drain, the damage was done. The tiles in front of […] - [BDA flyover service road is in a shambles but...](https://residentswatch.in/bda-flyover-service-road-is-in-a-shambles-but/): Resident S Srinivasan, who shot this footage next to the BDA flyover on the side of Sector 5 near Devi Eye Hospital, says that the entire stretch from the BDA junction on 14th Main to the point where the flyover lands on Outer Ring Road near Swathi restaurant, needs to be relaid. It’s not a pothole but a pot road.   “When it rains, the water collects over here, causing the road damage,” he reasons. “There is no more proper drainage system in the adjacent buildings and on the road. And at night, it’s also a vulnerable spot for mobile phone […] - [Community organic gardening is a hit in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/community-organic-gardening-on-sundays/): https://youtu.be/HP2It9d33co The HSR Citizens Forum, a group of HSR residents, has turned a dilapidated median park into a community garden a while ago. Today, it’s not only a green lung space but also the educational ground for students. If you want to take part, you can drop anchor on any Sunday at the median park on 18th Cross in Sector 3, diagonally opposite McDonald’s. And if you want to understand organic gardening thoroughly, then every last Sunday of the month, there is a free workshop at Swachagraha Kalika Kendra in Sector 4 behind HP petrol bunk opposite BDA Complex, from 8am […] - [Sunday events: Aero show, standups, cycle rides, runs & calligraphy!](https://residentswatch.in/sunday-events-aero-show-standups-cycle-rides-runs-calligraphy/): SKY THEATRE Aero India Show 2019 Till Feb 24 Air Force Station Yelahanka, Technical Area, BSF Campus, Yelahanka ₹600-1800 General Visitor, Entry Gate – Gate # 5. Access Zones – Exhibition area only: 9.30am to 5.30pm. Access rights is only upon security clearance and validation of Govt ID proof. Air Display Visitor (ADVA): Entry Gate – Gate # 8 – 9. Access Zones – ADVA Area ( Flying Display Area) – 10 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm. Tickets: BookMyShow.com. STANDUP COMEDY Lokl Comedy Gigs Sun, 24 Feb 4:00PM – 7:00PM Rs 1000 Lokl – Simply Hangout, 668, […] - [Residents want the RTO fitness check vehicles to be moved out of Agara Lake Service Road](https://residentswatch.in/residents-want-the-rto-fitness-check-vehicles-to-be-moved-out-of-agara-lake-service-road/):   The Agara Lake Protection and Management Society (ALPMS) has written to the authorities to shift the Road Transport Office (RTO) checks that happen on Agara Lake Service Road during the early mornings. Citing traffic jams and inconvenience to lake visitors, they want this removed from this vicinity also because of the alleged antisocial activity of the drivers who assemble out there the previous night itself. “The citizens are facing serious issues due to the RTO fitness checks (FC) at the Agara Lake Service Road,” says Kavitha Reddy, the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Agara Lake Protection and Management Society, […] - [Captured on CCTV: Kid knocked down by two wheeler in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/captured-on-cctv-kid-knocked-down-by-two-wheeler-in-sector-1/): Kids getting hit by vehicles is becoming common in HSR Layout. However, a classic case of this act being caught on CCTV is rare. Here is one such incident of a playful kid in Sector 1 hit by a two-wheeler in October last year. You can clearly see that the rider was not at fault. When the playful kids just cross the roads without looking either way, they are bound to be knocked down. However, the riders and drivers have to go slow on residential roads to avoid major mishaps. They cannot treat such internal thoroughfares like the highway because then, […] - [The mess created by BDA contractors of Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3](https://residentswatch.in/the-mess-created-by-bda-contractors-of-swabhimaana-tree-park-in-sector-3/): It is always a work in progress at the Swabhimaana Tree Park on 15th B Main, 19th Cross, Sector 3. With the contractors dumping debris all around the park, particularly on 15th B Main, there is little space to park vehicles for both the residents and visitors to the lung space. In addition, there is air pollution all around. Enough sand needs to be laid in the kids play area to bury the red mud underneath that is causing more pollution. The entrance to the park resembles a swimming pool when it rains. That needs to be plugged with a proper […] - [These guys make playground equipment with scrap tyres in HSR and beyond!](https://residentswatch.in/these-guys-make-playground-equipment-with-scrap-tyres-in-hsr-and-beyond/): They have done it in Haralakunte Government School in Sector 3 and intend to do it in other institutions across HSR Layout and beyond. To date, they have built over 50 playgrounds across India. Watch this video to know more about how they are changing the landscape of education across the country, literally! Welcome to the young and energetic team of Bangalore-based Anthill Creations.   <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MVnPb88Ba0″ frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe> - [Why do QuestMath students achieve better academic results and move ahead in studies? Read on…](https://residentswatch.in/why-do-questmath-students-achieve-better-academic-results-and-move-ahead-in-studies-read-on/): At QuestMath International, ‘Every child is different’. Their approach recognises that each student is different and therefore, the content and instructor interaction has to be completely personalised and dynamic so that the student progresses at a rate that best suits them. It focuses on mastering how to think, how to reason, and how to go about solving problems. QuestMath International is a Singapore-based K-8 education company that offers after-school learning programs. Their team comprises math experts based in the US, India and Singapore. Their flagship academy in Bangalore is in HSR Layout on 19th Main in Sector -2. It is a fully personalized math mastery […] - [9th Main mess in Sector 6 continues due to delay by KPTCL](https://residentswatch.in/9th-main-mess-continues-due-to-delay-by-kptcl/) - [BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout: Crumbling under too many non-sports events!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-grounds-in-hsr-layout-crumbling-under-too-many-non-sports-events/): Residents are angry that the BBMP Grounds in Sector 2 are being used more for religious and political functions than sporting activities. Not only are they at the receiving end of noise and air pollution due to the many functions that happen here but also upset that there is no upkeep or maintenance being done to restore it to its original state after the activities are over. The government officials are just as fed up with this but express their helplessness as most of these events have the backing of local politicians. Despite the Sector 2 Residents Welfare Association expressing their […] - [HSR Layout's most beautiful park is looking for CSR funds!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layouts-most-beautiful-park-is-looking-for-csr-funds/): The Swabhimaana Tree Park off 18th Cross, 15th B Main, in Sector 3 is a joy to behold. The biggest problem with any new public space is that money is granted to build a park or lake, but there is hardly any money given for their maintenance. That’s precisely the problem facing many public amenities in HSR Layout. Thankfully, last week’s BBMP budget is now allocating money towards the maintenance of parks, and this should help other parks in HSR Layout. However, this park comes under the BDA for now. The largest assets that HSR has are two: Agara Lake and […] - [(Sponsored) The Herbal Strategi range of cleaners, repellants and pet products](https://residentswatch.in/sponsored-or-a-chemical-free-life/): With its herbal cleaners, insect repellants, pet products, and more, Bengaluru-based Herbal Strategi advocates a clean and natural life without the use of chemicals. The journey began when serial entrepreneur John Thomas was in search of a new adventure. That’s when he developed a serious respiratory infection, which the doctors suspected was caused by the carcinogens in chemical-based mosquito repellants. John saw this as an opportunity and found that there were no healthier alternatives to chemical repellants. In 2011, he launched Herbal Strategi and has never looked back. Offering natural, herbal products in the segments of repellants, cleaners, petcare, and others, […] - [Are paan shops peddling drugs?](https://residentswatch.in/are-paan-shops-peddling-drugs/) - [One of HSR Layout's biggest scams!](https://residentswatch.in/one-of-hsr-layouts-biggest-scams/) - [The Herbal Park in Sector 3 is in a mess](https://residentswatch.in/the-herbal-park-in-sector-3-is-in-a-mess/): Some time ago, the Herbal Park in Sector 3, behind the Sai Baba temple, was inaugurated with much fanfare by MLA Satish Reddy himself. However, the initial enthusiasm waned over time, and the tussle between who will take control of it led to its current dismal state where weeds have grown and it’s unwalkable at the moment. People are cautioned from stepping inside due to the presence of snakes by Madhu Krishna, one of the residents managing the park. So what happened, really? Explains Madhu whose house is right opposite the park. He is not able to look after the garden […] - [Must-visit Sunday event: The Kaikondrahalli Lake festival is here!](https://residentswatch.in/must-visit-sunday-event-the-kaikondrahalli-lake-festival-is-here/): It’s that time of the year when Kaikondrahalli Lake on Sarjapur Road comes alive. Mark your calendar. Tomorrow, the 17th of February, will witness Kere Habba 2019 between 6am and 6pm. The lake that is home to a kalyani tank, kalyani gazebo and bridge gazebo will play host to a food court, retail stalls (santhe), citizens corner, kids corner (pottery, handicrafts) and play area. The lake festival begins at 6am with a bird walk at the bridge right at the entrance of the lake. This will be followed by a 5k run in the school ground which is close to the […] - [Go for a standup comedy night in HSR this weekend!](https://residentswatch.in/go-for-a-standup-comedy-night-in-hsr-this-weekend/): FRIDAY EVENT The Comedy Fiesta Friday, 8pm English, Hindi 1hr 20mins Sector 7 Cafe, 1136, 17th Cross Road, Muneswara Nagar, Sector 7, HSR Layout ₹150 An open mic show where comedians will try some of their new material for the very first time so come and be part of their journey and witness their material being Developed. Come and watch a lot of new comedians before they become famous. The lineup is subject to change every week. Watch some of the top comedians from Bangalore try out new material and expect some surprise acts from traveling comedians from other cities. SATURDAY […] - [What happens to abandoned vehicles on the roads and footpaths?](https://residentswatch.in/what-happens-to-abandoned-vehicles-on-the-roads-and-footpaths/): Recently, the state government announced that they are setting up a scrapyard in Yelahanka to dismantle old and abandoned vehicles. While we are not sure when that proposal will reach the execution stage, here is what happens to seized and abandoned vehicles that you see around police stations in the neighbourhood. The Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) has urged the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to set up dump yards for unclaimed vehicles. This can also generate revenues for the BBMP. - [Budget 2019 demands: Pet park in HSR, lake maintenance fund, waste processing and incineration units, metered parking & more](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-demand-pet-park-in-hsr-lake-maintenance-fund-sanitary-napkin-incineration-waste-processing-and-leaf-shredding-units-silt-traps-for-drains-metered-parking/): We are mighty impressed with some of the demands made by HSR resident activist Kavitha Reddy to the BBMP Commissioner for the forthcoming budget. If these suggestions are implemented, much of the garbage situation can be bettered. After much consultation with experts and regular citizens, Kavitha has formulated a list of demands for the BBMP to move forward in making Bangalore, a better place. From demanding a pet park in HSR to lake maintenance funds, sanitary napkin incineration centres to waste processing and leaf shredding units in every ward to silt traps in major stormwater drains (rajakaluves) and metered parking to […] - [Driver on hire assaults passenger in Sector 6 for coming late](https://residentswatch.in/driver-on-hire-assaults-passenger-in-sector-6-for-coming-late/): In a curious case, here is a story of a cab driver allegedly hitting a 36-year-old passenger for not letting him do his job at the appointed time. According to the police complaint, Sharad Agarwal called for a rental cab service to pick him up from a restaurant at 9th Main, 13th Cross, Sector 6. The date was February 8, at around 11pm. He had finished partying with his friends and didn’t want to drive home drunk. However, this turned out to be a mistake. Sharad had booked for a driver from DriveU, a company that provides drivers to people on […] - [Another death at the dangerous Iblur junction](https://residentswatch.in/another-death-at-the-dangerous-iblur-junction/): Despite some efforts made by the traffic police, Iblur junction continues to be dangerous to riders and pedestrians alike. In January, a pedestrian died when a water tanker ran over him while he was crossing the road. While a skywalk is yet to be budgeted and sanctioned, there is another death at this junction of HSR Outer Ring Road and Sarjapur Road. On February 9, at around 3.45am, 45-year-old Veerabhadrappa came under the wheels of a water tanker (KA01 AF2847). He was riding his two wheeler at around 3.45am in front of Columbia Asia hospital at Iblur junction. At around the […] - [BBMP & HSR residents beautify Outer Ring Road](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-hsr-residents-beautify-outer-ring-road/): On February 9, volunteers gathered to remove a blackspot on Outer Ring Road. It was earlier a place for the secondary collection point that is since moved to under the BDA flyover. It was also a place where lorries parked and the drivers dirtied the place. And it is still a place where sewage flows into the stormwater drains, causing more mess, thanks to BWSSB’s inability to prevent the houses nearby from letting sewage into the stormwater drains. The Ugly Indians got to work with several other residents from 8.30am to 12.30pm alongwith BBMP’s sweepers (pourakarmikas). We are talking about 30 […] - [Two pubs shutdown by residents in Sector 1 and Sector 4 are planning to reopen again](https://residentswatch.in/two-pubs-shutdown-by-residents-in-sector-1-and-sector-4-are-planning-to-reopen-again/): Hangover and Botellon, the two pubs that were shutdown are showing all signs of re-opening, much against the wishes of the residents. Will the authorities act again remains to be seen? - [Is HSR Layout turning into a den of diverse crime?](https://residentswatch.in/is-hsr-layout-turning-into-a-den-of-diverse-crime/): Several diverse incidents occurred in the first week of February 2019. Read on... - [HSR basement shopkeepers defy closure orders and open for business](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-basement-shopkeepers-defy-closure-orders-and-open-for-business/): Some basement shops on 27th main road that were recently shutdown by BBMP have opened for business again. While a few of them are observing the law, several others are openly defying the law. After shutting down nearly 70 shops on this road after serving closure notices, the BBMP forcibly shut a few while the other shops voluntarily closed for business. However, with pressure mounting on the BBMP top brass, the High Court order implementation was halted for a while, so that the other shopkeepers get some time to relocate their business. The BBMP officials told Residents Watch that they have […] - [What to do this weekend? Here's a definitive list for this Saturday & Sunday!](https://residentswatch.in/what-to-do-this-weekend-heres-a-definitive-list-for-this-saturday-sunday/): HSR Layout is full of events that are a welcome mix of the old and new, the inspirational and aspirational, informative and entertaining. Take your pick. The events suit everyone, and there is something for everybody… almost. FEB 9, SATURDAY EVENTS FITNESS Meditation Session for Deep Relaxation 6-7pm Vivekananda Health Global, 61, 11th Main Rd, Sector 6, HSR Layout Rs 350 This meditation is a simple and effective technique to relieve stress and induce deep sleep and relaxation. It is based on the principle of stimulation and relaxation. There are proven results that, this meditation can reduce the number of hours […] - [CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Cow eating plastic!](https://residentswatch.in/caught-on-camera-cow-eating-plastic/): We spotted this cow, among many, eating plastic from a roadside garbage mound in Jakkasandra, near HSR Layout. It's about time, we said 'no' to plastic and blackspots. - [Final clean up of HSR Outer Ring Road tomorrow! You can be part of it too!](https://residentswatch.in/final-clean-up-of-hsr-outer-ring-road-tomorrow-you-can-be-part-of-it-too/): We had written about how the secondary collection point on HSR service road near BDA flyover was the source of anger from residents for many years now. Well, the good news is that the point has shifted to below the BDA flyover, much to everyone’s relief. However, the service roads are left in a bad shape due to many agencies playing their part: the BWSSB, a nearby apartment that is letting its sewage into the drains, and ofcourse the lorries that are parked perennially along this stretch. For the last two weeks, much work is already completed by the BBMP in […] - [BREAKING NEWS: Anti Corruption Bureau raids BBMP office in Bommanahalli](https://residentswatch.in/breaking-news-anti-corruption-bureau-raids-bbmp-office-in-bommanahalli/): The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the state government has raided the BBMP office in Bommanahalli on Begur Road. The raids are going on as we write this. The Joint Commissioner of Bommanahalli and other senior officials of Bommanahalli are being questioned in a closed door meeting, according to our sources. HSR Layout comes under Bommanahalli office’s jurisdiction. The raid has unearthed over Rs 900 crore worth scam related to fake bills, and the provident fund and medical benefits of pourakarmikas (sweepers). We have heard of rampant corruption in the Bommanahalli office relating to granting of trade licence, khatas, and even […] - [TODAY & TOMORROW: Standup Comedies rule HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/today-tomorrow-standup-comedies-rule-hsr-layout/): Standup comedies rule HSR Layout this weekend. Here are the ones lined up this evening and tomorrow evening. Relax and unwind this weekend with any or all these events being organised by different outlets in HSR Layout. Old Wine and New Jokes Feb 7, Thursday, 8pm Hindi, English 1hr 30mins Grapevine, 22nd Cross, 14th Main, Sector 3 ₹100 It is that time of the week where you get to witness some of the best comedians in town harvest their newest jokes. It’s a 5 comedian line up in which, on your lucky day, might see some famous comedians try out their […] - [Sector 1 housewife alleges dowry harassment](https://residentswatch.in/sector-1-housewife-alleges-dowry-harassment/): A 30-year-old housewife in Sector 1 has filed a dowry harassment case against her husband and in-laws at the HSR Layout police station. According to the complaint given on January 31, 2019, the resident of 24th main has alleged that her 30-year-old husband Dinesh Chandra and his family members Sitadevi (50), Hanuman (54), Tara and Dilip, have been harassing her for more dowry even though she claims that her parents paid Rs 3 lakh, her husband demanded more money and also inflicted mental and physical torture over her. Married on December 12, 2016, she has now gone to the cops for […] - [Coronavirus: What You Should Do Now!](https://residentswatch.in/coronavirus-what-you-should-do-now/): Take it seriously. Don’t bother with people who say that you are simply panicking as there are no deaths in India so far, and only about 74 people are infected. The reasons the counts are less could be because it takes 14 days for the virus to show up through symptoms, and by then imagine the number of people the patient could have come in touch with. The other problem is the issue of under-reporting. If you have mild symptoms, you might think it’s the common flu and self medicate. This is the case not just in India but across the […] - [Restaurant booked for defacing public space, and other crime stories](https://residentswatch.in/restaurant-fined-for-defacing-public-space-and-other-crime-stories/): A restaurant in Indiranagar gets fined for using flex; food delivery boy loses scooter; laptop/smartphone lost due to negligence and a drug user is arrested for violating the narcotics act. - [Whitefield resident falls for QR code scam; loses Rs 43,500](https://residentswatch.in/whitefieldqrcodescam/): QR code scams have risen in Bangalore and this case in Whitefield is the latest. - [Coronavirus: Everything you need to know](https://residentswatch.in/coronavirus-everything-you-need-to-know/): With information overload, fear mongering, and much misinformation spreading across the social media channels, it is important to know about the most reliable sources of information. For example, there was news that China had approved a vaccine for coronavirus, when the truth is that there was no such news by any official source of the Chinese government. Similarly, there was widespread news about Israel discovering a vaccine that was working for birds. However, it needs to still be tested on humans, and then independent health authorities have to whet them, and later, the vaccine will be ready for commercial manufacture. This […] - [Lights out on Airport Road!](https://residentswatch.in/lights-out-on-airport-road/): This is a recurring problem on Airport Road. It is about time there is an agency dedicated to the upkeep of the lights on this important thoroughfare. Similarly, many stretches of Outer Ring Road are just as bad. One concerned citizen shot a video of this on Airport Road to highlight the gloomy scene when they were travelling from the airport and proceeding towards the city. The BBMP has promised speedy action on this. However, citizens are demanding the authorities to set a system in place where such maintenance happens without their involvement. They have also asked the officials to punish […] - [101 pillars of elevated road to airport being beautified by citizens!](https://residentswatch.in/101-pillars-of-elevated-road-to-airport-being-beautified-by-citizens/): The BBMP has teamed up with the ever-famous The Ugly Indian, an anonymous group of citizens hellbent on cleaning up the city, and Embassy Builders to beautify the 101 pillars of the elevated road between Hebbal flyover and the Bangalore Airport. It’s truly a joy to see colours on a drab, cemented structure. Here are two videos (see above) that convey the excitement of the makeover by the common citizens. Announcing the drive, BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar said in a press statement that the Embassy Group and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have come together for the exercise with […] - [Watch the demolition of a Rs 21 crore flyover in Bangalore!](https://residentswatch.in/the-demolition-of-a-rs-21-crore-flyover-in-bangalore/): The demolition of the Rs 21-crore Jayadeva flyover that began on January 20 is slowly being erased from Bangalore’s landscape. One resident documents it before it goes away completely. For more on traffic diversions due to this activity, you can click here. MA Ravinder says that the dismantling of the flyover appeared to be “too labour-intensive”. “But then… perhaps, it works out cheaper that way!” he tweeted. “A few weeks back saw 3-4 workers manually transporting steel beams and rods one at a time some distance away, stacking them, and then walking back to pick up more.” Sivaraj felt that the […] - [Cops unearth flesh racket inside a spa in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/cops-unearth-flesh-racket-inside-a-spa-in-hsr-layout/): Six women aged between 26 and 40 years were rescued after a raid at an illegal spa in HSR Layout. Announcing the news, Sandeep Patil, joint commissioner of police (crime) tweeted: “Illegal Thai spa & massage centre raided at HSR layout.. 2 accused arrested.” On a tip off, the City Crime Branch (CCB) cops raided Mik Thai Spa on 9th Main in Sector 7 headed by inspector Anjumala T Nayaka of the Women’s Protection Force. After ascertaining that they were running a prostitution racket with an official masquerading as a customer, the cops arrested the two accused, Peter Sunavar and Rajkumar. […] - [Fraudsters steal Rs 1.5 lakh from Whitefield resident's credit card; RBL Bank refunds money](https://residentswatch.in/fraudsters-steal-rs-1-5-lakh-from-whitefield-residents-credit-card-bank-refunds-money/): It’s best to transact through credit cards rather than debit cards as such instruments are insured by the bank against any kind of fraud. Thirty-year-old K Sekhar Babu of Whitefield realised this when he noticed that fraudsters had used his credit card to withdraw Rs 1.5 lakh in three equal installments, even though he hadn’t shared any OTP or CVV to anyone. When he filed an FIR and gave the police complaint copy to his bank, the financial institution conducted an internal enquiry and refunded Babu’s money. The incident occurred at around 8.30pm on November 21, 2019. He received three text […] - [Hold elevated corridor; prioritise Suburban rail, metro, UMTA: Residents](https://residentswatch.in/forget-elevated-corridor-give-suburban-rail-metro-umta-residents/): The residents are crying hoarse over the state government’s misplaced priorities. While the cash crunch is prompting the chief minister to ask every government department to cut down on expenses, the government is also mulling over introducing the Rs 27000 crore elevated corridor. The residents are against it, because they believe that during a cash crunch, the priorities should be towards a suburban rail, an extended metro, and a Unified Metropolitan Transportation Authority (UMTA) that will oversee all the navigational utilities, avoid much red tape and make public transport, much more user-friendly and impactful. The UMTA, though announced early last year […] - [Stunt rider caught on camera; residents want cops to jail such people for risking lives!](https://residentswatch.in/stunt-driver-caught-on-camera-residents-want-cops-to-jail-such-people-for-risking-lives/): When this video of a person doing wheeling on Outer Ring Road near HRBR Layout was tweeted to the city cops on February 28, 2020, the RT Nagar traffic police booked against the rider for wheeling the very next day. However, the residents want such people to be jailed and his licence cancelled. The BTM Layout residents association even wondered if Bangalore has become the “stunt capital of India?” Ganesh says, “Cancel the licence” while the others praised the cops for prompt action. One look at the traffic fines imposed by the cops on February 19, 2020 will give us an […] - [Royale Concorde school double parks on service road despite police notice; repeat offender for years!](https://residentswatch.in/royale-concorde-school-double-parks-on-service-road-despite-police-notice/): For years, the residents were complaning about the double-side parking of over 50 buses belonging to Royale Concorde International School in Kalyan Nagar. Recently, the Banaswadi police actually took action under order from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic. A notice was issued and the vehicles were removed from the road. The cops clicked pictures of the work well done on February 13, 2020. However, two days later, the school buses were back on the road, in clear violation of the law. The residents are livid and want a permanent solution to this recurring problem. They want the school to rent […] - [Fraudulent ads in media; cops take action on advertisers!](https://residentswatch.in/fraudulent-advertisements-in-media-cops-take-action/): The Central Crime Branch (CCB) is hard at work. From raiding hookah bars and prostitution joints to drug traffickers, the latest news is that it has booked one person for releasing fraudulent advertisements in the print media, and cheating them of their monies.  According to Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), people should not respond to ads like the picture above. “CCB arrested one accused from Bengal who cheated candidates by promising medical, engineering and other seats,” he says. Importantly, the cops tell us that such bogus ads were released by the accused in all the daily newspapers across India. […] - [Plans to decongest Bangalore halted since 2017; residents slam politicians](https://residentswatch.in/plans-to-decongest-bangalore-halted-since-2017-residents-slam-politicians/): A query using the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that the government of HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah, the Congress-JD(S) combine sat on a Rs 56 crore B.TRAC proposal to decongest Bangalore since 2017. While there is no word on what the BJP government is planning to decongest the city, there are sporadic announcements by the BBMP about cleanliness campaigns, beautification drives, and concretisation of roads. However, none of these plans can decongest the city’s roads. While random footpath encroachments are removed in certain pockets of the city, most are not for the long-term, and many vendors and signboards are […] - ['QR code' scam on the rise; city cops nab five people in Rajasthan!](https://residentswatch.in/qr-code-cyber-crime-on-the-rise-city-cops-nab-five-people-in-rajasthan/): The city cops have confirmed that cyber crimes, particularly QR code frauds have gone up of late. Says Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Patil: “Cheating on OLX/Quikr and other online shopping portals have increased in recent times. A special team of City Crime Branch of 12 officers camped in Rajasthan for 20 days and arrested five accused.” According to him, so far, the cops have traced 200 such cyber frauds. So what’s a QR code, you ask? Simply put, the criminals are misusing the feature of UPI financial transactions. When you try to pay by any e-wallet like Google Pay […] - [Special drive by cops to remove abandoned vehicles; residents can report now!](https://residentswatch.in/special-drive-by-cops-to-remove-abandoned-vehicles-residents-can-report-now/): The West division of traffic police has begun to remove abandoned vehicles from roads and footpaths in Bangalore. Residents can tweet with pictures to Bangalore Traffic Police about such vehicles for prompt action. Announcing the special drive, Dr Soumyalatha SK has said that if residents notice any vehicles, either junk or abandoned, they can take the pictures of such automobiles and hand it to the nearest traffic police station with their exact location. “We are on the job to locate such vehicles in all the roads and give it to BBMP,” she tweeted. “BBMP will remove these vehicles.” In Malleswaram, the […] - [Plant 1 crore trees in Bangalore; BBMP will help you!](https://residentswatch.in/plant-1-crore-trees-in-bangalore-bbmp-will-help-you/): Three organisations have come together and teamed up with BBMP to green all the areas under the municipal limits that can be used for planting trees. It’s called the ‘Green Ward Challenge’ to plant 1 crore trees in Bangalore. According to Tara Krishnaswamy, the way to greening your ward is as easy as following the five steps. “Spot any public land – even 2ft by 2ft is fine,” she says. “Make a picture and fill the form with details.” The Koti Vruksha Sainya as the group calls itself, will get the permission from the authorities and inform you. “Join the Whatsapp […] - [Silk Board Junction is jammed; residents blame wrong parking by private buses & cabs!](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-junction-is-jammed-residents-blame-wrong-parking-by-private-buses-cabs/): Watch this video to realise the extent to which private buses and cabs avoid the service road and park on the main roads right after the Silk Board Junction. VK Srivatsa is right in saying that the cops should take action on such culprits. We would suggest the regular presence of cops at this place to avoid congestion at this most critical juncture of the city’s IT corridor. One small step like this can make a big difference in lowering the traffic density in this region. As one resident put it: “It is hightime the Madiwala traffic police act on this […] - [Bad roads, footpaths? WhatsApp BBMP; High Court wants to know!](https://residentswatch.in/bad-roads-footpaths-whatsapp-bbmp-high-court-wants-to-know/): For fixing the bad roads in the city, the residents filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Karnataka High Court. In the proceedings, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has told the court that the roads can WhatsApp the agency on 94806-85700 for any problem related to bad roads, potholes, footpath encroachments, and so on. A background check revealed that this number is the general WhatsApp number of the BBMP and not a specific number created to tackle only road-related complaints. Vijayan Menon, the principal petitioner of the PIL had this to say to that: “We will let the court know. […] - [Rs 22 lakh fines imposed by garbage marshalls in Jan; will collect spot penalties with new machines from today!](https://residentswatch.in/rs-22-lakh-fines-imposed-by-garbage-marshalls-in-jan-will-collect-spot-penalties-with-new-machines-from-today/): While there was much criticism heaped on the idea of garbage marshalls not being able to do their job due to the lack of help from the cops, residents and BBMP officials, the news is that they were still able to collect Rs 22 lakh as fines in January 2020. There are 198 marshalls, one in every BBMP ward today. Buoyed by their pro-activism, the chief minister has today given them mobile point-of-sale machines to collect spot fines themselves. This would speed up revenue collections and it is expected to bring more money into the coffers, and also make the marshalls […] - [Tilted building being demolished by BBMP; residents demand action on all illegal structures in city](https://residentswatch.in/tilted-building-being-demolished-by-bbmp-residents-demand-action-on-all-illegal-structures-in-city/): UPDATE: The entire building was demolished on Feb 12, 2020. The building that is tilting dangerously to one side in Hebbal-Kempapura’s G Ramaiah Layout is being demolished to nullify any collateral damage on the residents within and outside the structure. In addition, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has opened a relief centre for 150 residents who are affected by the mishap. “BBMP has started demolishing the dangerously leaning structure for safety reasons,” stated BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar, adding that action will be taken against the building owner. However, the residents want him to also prosecute his officials for allowing such […] - [Hebbal and Electronic City's elevated road pillars beautified by citizens!](https://residentswatch.in/hebbal-and-electronic-citys-elevated-road-pillars-beautified-by-citizens/): Recently, citizens joined hands with the civic authorities to beautify the ugly pillars of the Hebbal flyover, and are hard at work to paint the elevated road connecting Electronic City. Looking at the way The Ugly Indian, an anonymous group of volunteers in Bangalore, are joining hands with BBMP and the other citizens to transform the city, this model is being studied by the Masters’ students of UW (University of Washington) in Seattle. The report will be shared by The Ugly Indian once it is ready. That’s not all. The students of Washington University joined the citizens of Bangalore to beautify […] - [Hi-tech traffic police kiosks across 19 locations in Bangalore!](https://residentswatch.in/hi-tech-traffic-police-kiosks-across-19-locations-in-bangalore/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is setting up snazzy traffic management booths across 19 locations in Bangalore. This is to ensure that the cops are able to rest and insulate themselves from the vagaries of the weather in addition to heavy pollution during peak hours. According to BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar, the kiosks are being built under the public-private partnership model. “The kiosk boasts of AC, first-aid box, fire extinguisher, a seating arrangement, potable water, mic, CCTV camera & a biometric door!” says Kumar. While it’s a laudable move and many residents wanted this to be implemented across the city, […] - [Big Bazaar fined for violating waste management rules; two bars penalised for using banned plastic!](https://residentswatch.in/big-bazaar-fined-for-violating-waste-management-rules-two-bars-penalised-for-using-banned-plastic/): Thanks to a few proactive officers, the BBMP has penalised the Big Bazaar outlet at Meenakshi mall on Bannerghatta Road for violating the rules of solid waste management. Similarly, two bars in HSR Layout were fined for using banned plastics. Both Shylaja Wines and Rockview Bar were found using plastic cups, and had violated the plastic ban on many occasions in the past too. Expressing his dismay, BBMP commissioner BH Anil Kumar says, “Despite BBMP creating widespread awareness among commercial establishments, some of them are yet to comply with the SWM rules.” While lauding the move, resident Manjesh K asked the […] - [More footpath encroachments erased in HSR Layout as part of Phase 2!](https://residentswatch.in/more-footpath-encroachments-erased-in-hsr-layout-as-part-of-phase-2/): In phase two of the footpath encroachment removal drive, BBMP officials joined hands with the police and residents today to demolish many more structures that have encroached the footpaths on 24th Main, 27th Main and Iblur main Road. This was a follow-up to the phase one operations that occurred last Saturday. Many more signages, canopies, staircases and other encroachments were brought down by cranes and demolition workers today.  The pictures convey the whole story while our previous story on encroachments disseminates the concept behind it. The idea is to implement the law, based on a Karnataka High Court order, and also […] - [BMTC driver hits biker; authorities promise action](https://residentswatch.in/bmtc-driver-hits-biker-for-wrong-side-riding-authorities-promise-action/): This video was captured by BMTC commuter Hamid. When he confronted the driver for assaulting the biker, the driver first asked him to speak in Kannada. When Hamid spoke to him in broken Kannada, the driver asked him: “Who are you to ask?” The BMTC authorities have seen the video and promised action by tweeting, “Regrets the inconvenience caused. Taking note of this; serious action will be initiated against the erring crew.” However, several other residents of Bangalore have said that they have faced rude BMTC drivers too. Hamid says, “What I need as a bystander sitting in the bus is […] - [Crammed school vans, autos and encroached footpaths; residents want authorities to act on all](https://residentswatch.in/crammed-school-vans-autos-and-encroached-footpaths-residents-want-authorities-to-act-on-all/): It all began with a concerned tweet by city police commissioner Bhaskar Rao about how school vans are crammed to the roof with children even sitting above the gas cylinders. What followed was a chain reaction where over 3000 people began talking about this. The outburst led the residents to suggest that the cops punish the drivers without any fear or favour and veered the conversation to crammed autos, and businesses encroaching the footpaths. The netizens replied that while the top cop must apply the rules consistently as it is dangerous and must be stopped, they also asked him to stop […] - [Rejuvenated Agara Lake in a sorry state due to lack of maintenance!](https://residentswatch.in/rejuvenated-agara-lake-in-a-sorry-state-due-to-lack-of-maintenance/): Agara lake is dying after being rejuvenated more than two years ago for Rs 16 crore. Lake activists are blaming the present state to the state government’s decision to hand over all the lakes to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Ask them the reason behind the neglect and the civic officials say ‘no money’. A few months ago, chief minister Yeddyurappa announced Rs 5 crore for Agara Lake. When activists asked the BBMP to use this money to maintain the lake, they were told that the grant is meant for infrastructural developments at the lake and not for its maintenance. […] - [BMTC volvo buses clogging roads due to long wait times; are bus hubs a solution for that?](https://residentswatch.in/bmtc-volvo-buses-clogging-roads-due-to-long-wait-times-are-bus-hubs-a-solution-for-that/): This scene is at Ecospace in Bellandur. Residents complain that volvo buses don’t stop at the bus shelter, and instead wait here for a long time, and causing traffic jams by narrowing the road width. Tweeting Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the civic authorities and the Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT), the residents want them to seriously consider setting up a mini bus hub at Ecospace as the buses are lining up and waiting for more passengers to make their service more economical! One resident agreed by saying that large tech parks like Ecospace should have had proper bus bays. […] - [School bus caught on camera violating road rules; residents want cops to punish errant drivers](https://residentswatch.in/school-bus-caught-on-camera-violating-road-rules-residents-want-cops-to-punish-errant-drivers/): A school bus going the wrong way was caught on camera in Bellandur today, inviting wrath from netizens all over. Not only do they want this the driver punished to set an example, but they also want the traffic cops to take effective measures on errant vehicle users to ensure that this does not happen anywhere in the city. While Anjali Saini caught the offender of St. Peters School on camera using the wrong lane, and tweeting to the city traffic police, other residents like Vivek Todur are saying that “most school bus drivers do this routinely” and have asked the […] - [Footpath encroachment removal drive in HSR Layout; buildings targetted too!](https://residentswatch.in/footpath-encroachment-removal-drive-in-hsr-layout-buildings-targetted-too/): Today, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) began a footpath encroachment removal drive in HSR Layout. Many concrete and temporary structures put up on the pavements were removed, including structures put up by Purva Vantage apartment, and eateries like Egg Factor and Madhura Cafe, among others. The drive that began at 6am today will go on till 2pm. The roads under the scanner include 5th Main, 9th Main, 19th Main, 17th Cross and 18th Cross. Next Saturday, the demolition drive will take place on 24th Main, 27th Main and Iblur Main Road. “That’s when the traffic is less,” said one BBMP […] - [Andhra politician cheated by Bangalore developer who sells Kasavanahalli land worth crores without his knowledge!](https://residentswatch.in/andhra-politician-cheated-by-bangalore-developer-who-sells-kasavanahalli-land-worth-crores-without-his-knowledge/):   DC Govinda Reddy, a 65-year-old MLC (member of legislative council) of Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, has complained that HS Shantha Kumar, a resident of Langford Town in Bangalore, has defrauded him worth crores. Instead of registering and selling land through his firm, Reddy alleges that Kumar fraudulently misused the general power of attorney and registered land in his name and sold it off without his knowledge. In 2006, Kumar approached Reddy as a land developer and claimed to know several landlords. Kumar asked him to invest in land to gain more returns. In addition, he said he would develop Reddy’s […] - [Landlord assaulted by tenant and his friends for asking rent!](https://residentswatch.in/landlord-assaulted-by-tenant-and-his-friends-for-asking-rent/):   A curious case of a landlord being beaten up by a tenant and his two friends for asking seven months of outstanding rent has come to light in Indiranagar. Udayashankar Setty owns a house in Indiranagar 1st stage. When the 57-year-old asked his tenant Sharad Jayaprakash to clear the seven-month outstanding rent for staying in his first floor house, Setty alleges that Sharad and his wife got into a heated argument. This happened every month when he would approach them for rent. Finally, the tenant asked the landlord to take the outstanding from the house deposit given to him. On […] - [Wife files complaint of cheating as husband secretly marries another person](https://residentswatch.in/wife-files-complaint-of-cheating-as-husband-secretly-marries-another-person/):   A woman has filed a complaint with the Whitefield police station that her husband has cheated on her by secretly marrying another person. Thirty-five-year-old Parvati (name changed) says that Lakshmi Narayan (45 years) married her in 2003 and has a child through him. She alleges that since her marriage, her husband is abusing her physically and mentally between January 24, 2003 and December 30, 2019. To top it all, she has just found out that he married another woman five years ago. Therefore, she has filed a case of cheating on December 30, 2019, and wants the law to take […] - [Newly-married woman alleges dowry harassment; husband fails to consummate marriage](https://residentswatch.in/newly-married-woman-alleges-dowry-harassment-husband-fails-to-consummate-marriage/): A case of dowry harassment is lodged by a 25-year-old Rajeshwari (name changed), a resident of Electronic City. While her bodily injuries are minor, her allegations are major as the cops have booked three people for violating the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 in addition to four provisions of the Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and cruelty. According to Rajeshwari, she got married to Kollegal resident Manjunath on April 21, 2019. According to mutually-agreed conditions, her family also gave 175 grams worth gold jewellery to her during the wedding that was conducted in a grand manner as mandated by […] - [Traffic restrictions near Jayadeva flyover; demolition to begin from today](https://residentswatch.in/traffic-restrictions-near-jayadeva-flyover-demolition-to-begin-from-today/):   The Rs 21 crore Jayadeva flyover is being demolished from today to make way for the Metro line. Parking and traffic restrictions have already begun. Sources say that the demolition would take a month and will largely be done at night without the use of explosives. Trucks will be stationed to remove the debris overnight to avoid traffic snarls and pollution. Barring BMTC buses, ambulances and two-wheelers, traffic will be prohibited to every other personal or commercial vehicle between 18th main of Marenahalli Road and 29th Main of BTM Second Stage. Cars, private buses, trucks, autorickshaws, tractors and so on […] - [Hookah bar on Bannerghatta Road raided and fined Rs 2 lakh for operating illegally!](https://residentswatch.in/hookah-bar-on-bannerghatta-road-raided-and-fined-rs-2-lakh-for-operating-illegally/): Brews N Bites, a hookah bar on Bannerghatta Road opposite Meenakshi mall, was raided by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Thursday. BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar tweeted that the hookah bar was raided for serving hookahs to underage patrons. “Materials and other hookah accessories were seized and a penalty of Rs 2 lakh was imposed,” he posted. Previously, the city police were shutting down several hookah bars in the city for operating illegally. However, in December last year, the Karnataka High Court asked the cops not to harass hookah bars in the guise of inspections if the hookahs are being […] - [How BBMP removes a black spot in double quick time!](https://residentswatch.in/video-how-bbmp-removes-a-black-spot-in-double-quick-time/): BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar has uploaded a video about how quickly his staff can turn around a garbage black spot. It’s worth a watch. Soon after posting this on Facebook, the civic agency chief received scores of responses from residents who wanted him to make over their streets as well. Posted Sushil Singh with a photo: “This is the state of Hosa Rd junction (near Nagnathpura), full of garbage, plastic for almost 300m. Need your attention, and strict penalty for those who are dumping the garbage.” Another resident wanted the BBMP to have a Plan B for garbage disposal. Said Venugopala […] - [Puma store manager cheats firm by illegally selling goods worth Rs 36 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/puma-store-manager-cheats-firm-by-illegally-selling-goods-worth-rs-36-lakh/):   M Singh (30) who runs the Puma factory outlet in Doddakannelli on Sarjapur Road has complained that his store manager allegedly cheated him to the tune of Rs 36 lakh. The alleged fraud happened between November 21 and December 12, 2019, according to Singh, a resident of Indiranagar. The accused is Mansoor, a resident of Begur Road in Bommanahalli. According to the complaint, the accused misused the company’s stock worth Rs 36,00,845 and profited from it without the company’s knowledge. When this fraud was brought to the notice of the accused, he is supposed to have quit the firm. To […] - [Rs 1 lakh cheating case against travel firm for duping city resident](https://residentswatch.in/rs-1-lakh-cheating-case-against-travel-firm-for-duping-city-resident/):   Ragini, a 36-year-old resident of Haralur near HSR Layout, has filed a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the proprietors of Tripwisers, a partner of Yatra travel portal. To book a holiday package to Thailand, Ragini apparently paid Rs 98839 through Google Pay to Tripwisers on October 19, 2019 as directed by Yatra online. This was for a holiday from December 23, 2019 to December 28, 2019. While they promised to send her the tickets within 2-3 days, the tickets never came. Ragini says that the accused, Neeraj Verma and Bhawana Kanwal, both residents of Delhi, allegedly […] - [Gail gas marker controversy: Officials say 'human error, no scam'](https://residentswatch.in/gail-gas-marker-controversy-officials-say-human-error-no-scam/): Days after we unearthed what appeared to be a scam of claiming to lay a pipeline when only the marker was placed, the Gail gas officials in HSR Layout say that it was a ‘human error’ due to a miscommunication between the engineers and the contractors when the markers were being erected many months ago. Nonetheless, this was a grave error as gas connections could not be provided because the pipeline was not laid on the right side of the road. Defending that it was no scam, P Guruchandran, DGM (CGD-O&M), HSR Layout & Jigani, said: “We have one dedicated person […] - [New electronic beat system in Bangalore to make night police patrolling more efficient!](https://residentswatch.in/new-electronic-beat-system-in-bangalore-to-make-night-police-patrolling-more-efficient/): Deputy Commissioner of Police Isha Pant took to Twitter today to announce  the launch of a new e-beat system in South East division of the city. Created by a city firm, it is an Android app loaded on smartphones and tablets of constables and senior officials who can monitor their routes to ensure proper attendance, transparency and accountability. There are QR cards pasted at every point of the neighbourhood. Whenever a constable passes by, he has to scan it to record his attendance. Click on the video above to get a feel of the new system. This is to avoid the […] - [Indiranagar residents want all illegal pubs to shut down or behave!](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-residents-want-all-illegal-pubs-to-shut-down-or-behave/): Recently, Indiranagar’s 54th pub, Buffalo Wild Wings, came up in violation of the laws, and against the wishes of the residents. The inhabitants say that they are not resting until all the illegal pubs either vanish from their neighbourhood or comply with all the building bylaws, noise and excise norms, among others. More than a week ago, I Change Indiranagar, a federation of all the resident welfare associations in the region tweeted to the authorities that a new bar is close to two temples. “Pubs are being set up in Indiranagar left, right and centre,” says Sneha Nandihal of I Change […] - [Indiranagar pub caught indulging in noise pollution](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-pub-caught-indulging-in-noise-pollution/): Last fortnight, the authorities found 657 Wall Street Bar & Kitchen on 100 Ft. Road violating the noise norms. Based on the Karnataka High Court order, when a team visited the 657 Wall Street Bar & Kitchen on 100 Ft Road, Indiranagar, they found the noise levels to be much higher than the permissible limits. The police team made a surprise visit to the pub on December 21 at around 11.15pm and measured the noise levels for five minutes to find that it was 76.4 LAeq decibels. The pub manager was asked if they had taken requisite permission to play at […] - [Manipal Hospitals fined Rs 1 lakh for improper disposal of medical waste!](https://residentswatch.in/manipal-hospitals-fined-rs-1-lakh-for-improper-disposal-of-medical-waste/): Manipal Hospitals in Jayanagar 9th Block was fined by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for mixing medical waste with general garbage and handing it over to an open BBMP lorry. They were fined Rs 1 lakh for the offence by a vigilant BBMP marshall as it was against the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules (BMWMR), 2016. Segregating the medical waste and treating them with the right methods is a must to avoid the spread of infections and prevent the reuse of disposables and drugs as it may result in resistant viruses and bacteria. It is almost four years since the law […] - [Gail Gas scam: Contractor erects signboards and falsely claims to have laid the pipeline!](https://residentswatch.in/gail-gas-scam-contractor-erects-signboards-and-falsely-claims-to-have-laid-the-pipeline/):   A major scam is unearthed in HSR Layout where a contractor only erected boards on one side of the road claiming to have laid the underground pipeline which they hadn’t. The scam was unearthed when Gail Gas officials were trying to give a connection to one house on 15th B Main in Sector 3. Despite digging the road and footpath for half a day, they could not find the pipe that was only mentioned on paper. A senior Gail official monitoring this connection said that the contractor had duped the firm and taken money for a job not done. Interestingly, […] - [Bangalore's first zero-waste juice bar at IIMB run for underprivileged children!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalores-first-zero-waste-juice-bar-at-iimb-run-for-underprivileged-children/): The Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) hosted a run for the cause of underprivileged children. It was a zero-waste event that hosted a stall by Eat Raja, one of ‘India’s first zero-waste juice bars’. Suffice it to say that Eat Raja is definitely one of Bangalore’s first zero-waste juice bars, and a laudable enterprise by former radio jockey Anand Raj that should be adopted all over the nation for a clean and green environment. If you were not at the event, you could still visit Eat Raja’s stall in Malleswaram on 14th Cross, Sampige Road. The pictures say it all. […] - [Quick voter registrations across Bangalore from Jan 6-8. Enrol now!](https://residentswatch.in/quick-voter-registrations-at-bbmp-offices-across-bangalore-from-jan-6-8-enrol-now/): If you are aged between 18 and 20 years and don’t possess a voter ID, here is the time to register yourself quickly at the nearest BBMP office or polling booth. To enrol online or know about your polling booth, you can visit here. Remember to be at the BBMP offices or polling booths between 9.30am and 6pm. This is a special drive from January 6-8, 2020 to enrol young voters who turned 18 years on or before January 1, 2020. Make the most of this facility by landing up at your polling booth with two passport-size photos and address proof. […] - [Crime rate in IT corridor highest in Whitefield, followed by Koramangala & HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/crime-rate-in-it-corridor-highest-in-whitefield-followed-by-koramangala-hsr-layout/): With the dawn of 2020, it is time to look at the crime rate last year. We analysed five police stations in the IT corridor, and found the highest incidence of crime recorded in Whitefield followed distantly by Koramangala and HSR Layout. Bellandur and Electronic City made up the tail end. However, one has to note that the jurisdictions of the police stations, the proactiveness of the residents and the cops could also play a part in more number of First Information Reports being recorded by certain police stations. Still, these statistics are indicators of the crime scenes in different neighbourhoods. […] - [Cyber crimes doubled in Bangalore in 2019 compared to 2018!](https://residentswatch.in/cyber-crimes-doubled-in-bangalore-in-2019-compared-to-2018/): Cyber crimes rose by 100 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year. While there were 5036 incidents in 2018, there were 9999 incidents reported in 2019. There could have been more, but the cyber crime station shut because its software was not able to process complaints that were more than four digits. Finally, it was fixed late in December, however, we were still not able to access complaints beyond 9999 for 2019. Similarly, the Cyber Crime cell of CID’s website itself lacks a secure certificate. Most crimes happen to be OTP related cases. Click here to know more about OTP […] - [BEWARE: BWSSB contractors demanding money for pipeline works! Residents protest and get their money back!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-bwssb-contractors-demanding-money-for-pipeline-works-residents-protest-and-get-their-money-back/): Beware if any BWSSB contractors come to you asking for a lot of money towards relaying a pipeline or fixing the pipeline work in your lane. They are out to make extra money at your expense. One resident Geetha VM exposed this nexus in HSR Layout today when workers knocked on her door demanding money for laying the pipeline in front of her house on 15th Main Road in Sector 4. “At first they demanded Rs 11,000 and said if I don’t pay them, they will just close the pipeline and later I might have to pay Rs 22,000 to reconnect […] - [Electronic goods stolen due to negligence of residents in Indiranagar, Bellandur & HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/electronic-goods-stolen-due-to-negligence-of-residents-in-indiranagar-bellandur-hsr-layout/): Thieves of electronic goods like laptops and phones have struck no matter where you keep them, at home or inside your car. And jurisdiction is no bar. Recent thefts have occurred in Bellandur, HSR Layout and Indiranagar. However, these have happened not because the thieves broke into houses, but due to the negligence of the owners. And despite cautionary notes that nothing valuable should be kept inside cars when you park them in public places, even for a few seconds, no one seems to care, only to realise the mistake at a significant cost. HSR LAYOUTOn December 20, 41-year-old Vinay fell […] - [People selling parakeets arrested in Koramangala!](https://residentswatch.in/people-selling-parakeets-arrested-in-koramangala/): On December 21, 2019, at around 7.30pm, Koramangala inspector SD Shashidhar received a tip off that two people were illegally selling parakeets to people near Ambedkar park in Koramangala 8th Block. He was told that these birds were illegally caught in the forests and being sold in the city. After ascertaining the facts, the inspector immediately sent his police constables to have the two people apprehended for allegedly violating several rules under Sections 9, 39, 40, 44, 48A, 50, 51, and 55 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 that prohibits hunting, killing, owning and selling wild animals. The multiple offences carry […] - [Two persons dupe a Whitefield resident of Rs 88,000 on the pretext of selling a scooter on OLX!](https://residentswatch.in/two-persons-allegedly-dupe-a-whitefield-resident-of-rs-88000-on-the-pretext-of-selling-a-scooter-on-olx/):   Imran, a 23-year-old resident of Whitefield, has complained to the cops that he was duped by two persons posing as sellers of an Activa scooter on OLX. The incident occurred on November 30, 2019 when he found their advertisement on the online website. Claiming to be Sanjay Singh and KD, they allegedly asked Imran on phone to deposit Rs 34,000 immediately before the price of the brand-new scooter goes up. However, Imran ended up transferring Rs 88,000 as the fraudsters said that they hadn’t received the money. When Imran called them up, they promised to return the extra money. However, […] - [After Indiranagar, drug addicts arrested in Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/drug-addicts-arrested-in-koramangala-and-indiranagar/): In three separate incidents since December 13, three drug addicts were arrested in Koramangala. This follows a similar arrest in Indiranagar more than a month ago. KORAMANGALAOn December 20, the cops arrested Ravikumar. The 28-year-old accused was caught near Corporation bank on Audugodi Main Road in Koramangala 8th Block at 11pm. The cops were tipped off that two youngsters were taking drugs. When the cops reached the place, the youngsters ran away, but Ravikumar was rounded up. After getting certified by a nearby hospital that he was indeed on drugs, the cops have booked a case against him. On December 19, […] - [Say 'no' to superstition; you can drink and eat but not watch solar eclipse with naked eyes: Scientists](https://residentswatch.in/say-no-to-superstition-you-can-drink-and-eat-but-not-watch-with-naked-eyes-scientists/): The scientific community and rationalists came out with a silent awareness campaign at Town Hall today asking people to say ‘no’ to superstition. Today, being solar eclipse between 8.30am and 11.30am, they encouraged people to drink, eat and even watch the eclipse with special shades. However, they cautioned that people should avoid watching it with naked eyes. There are many solar eclipse viewers available online, which can be used. A similar myth-busting exercise is being demonstrated today by the Kerala State Science And Technology Museum where a sweet dish was prepared and given to the visitors to demystify that one can […] - [Byg Brewski shut down on Sarjapur Road for operating in a residential area](https://residentswatch.in/byg-brewski-shut-down-on-sarjapur-road-for-operating-in-a-residential-area/): Byg Brewski that opened its doors in May 2018 on Sarjapur Road, was shut down on December 24, 2019 by the authorities for violating various rules and also inconveniencing the public. Importantly, it was a commercial enterprise operating in a residential area with no valid permissions. After receiving scores of complaints, it had to be shut down, according to Mahadevapura MLA Aravind Limbavali. However, the residents caution that 13 such commercial establishments in residential areas were shut down recently, but reopened in a few days. They hope Byg Brewski is shut forever. In addition, the residents have provided a list of […] - [Dance floor breaks at Hoot pub on Sarjapur Road; person hospitalised for last 10 days](https://residentswatch.in/dance-floor-breaks-at-hoot-pub-on-sarjapur-road-person-hospitalised-for-last-10-days/): On the night of December 14 at around 8pm, 25-year-old BTM Layout resident Prashant Sachan injured his right hand and palm when he was allowed to dance on the glass floor at Hoot Cafe and Brewery on Sarjapur Road. An FIR (First Information Report) is filed against the owner and manager of Hoot and the cops are investigating. Ten days after the incident, Sachan is still at the Columbia Asia Hospital on Sarjapur Road. While the establishment has promised to take care of all the medical bills, they have asked the complainant to withdraw the police case. However, speaking to Residents […] - [BBMP beautifying 273 parks; 1135 completed; residents want them to do more!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-beautifying-273-parks-1135-completed-residents-want-them-to-do-more/): According to BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar, BBMP is trying to reclaim Bengaluru’s Garden City tag. According to him, there are 1408 parks and gardens being maintained by the civic body. “While 1135 of them have been fully developed, work is on to beautify 273 parks,” he tweeted to much plaudits. Some more suggestions from citizens have come to the BBMP as well. Many have asked the civic body to reclaim, maintain or turn garbage dumps into parks and gardens. Like one space in BTM Layout that the residents want the BBMP to take over and turn into a lung space. […] - [Adyar Ananda Bhavan fined Rs 1 lakh for using banned plastic and not segregating waste!](https://residentswatch.in/adyar-ananda-bhavan-fined-rs-1-lakh-for-using-banned-plastic-and-not-segregating-waste/): After Flipkart and Myntra, it was now the turn of Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B). Clearly, these big chains have no sense of responsibility towards the environment and thereby, humans. Adyar was fined Rs 1 lakh by the city corporation for using banned plastic and not segregating waste, thereby violating the rules of Solid Waste Management (SWM). It was a surprise inspection by the BBMP officials at Adyar’s HSR Layout outlet that led to the fine for not following the SWM protocols. However, one resident still claims that A2B still uses plastic boxes to pack their sweets. They have shifted to paper […] - [Unofficial emergency: CAA protestors bundled into autos, cars, buses!](https://residentswatch.in/unofficial-emergency-caa-protestors-bundled-into-autos-cars-buses/): Never has Section 144 been imposed for fear of peaceful protests. Because Karnataka is a BJP-ruled state, it is obvious that the law that prohibits “unlawful assembly” of four or more people is being misused here in the name of public safety. Today, several people who are against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) violated the prohibitory orders. The result? They were bundled into cars, buses and autos to prevent the protests from happening. The protestors were taken to marriage halls and kept under custody as jails could not accommodate so many of them. One legal website had this to say about […] - [VIDEO: How people are violating the Bus Priority Lane](https://residentswatch.in/how-people-are-violating-the-bus-priority-lane/): The Bus Priority Lane from Marathahalli to Silk Board junction is being appreciated by several commuters. However, there are naysayers and violators galore as well. Around 1200 people were fined recently for using the dedicated lane along this corridor. While the first fortnight was spent educating the vehicle users about not using the lane, the cops decided to impose fines last week to prevent repeat offenders. In addition, there are public-service marshalls deployed at critical junctions to ensure that the people follow the rules. However, they are not stationed along the entire stretch of the road, leading to many violations enroute. […] - [Smart parking to become operational across city from January 14; trial begins on Kasturba Road](https://residentswatch.in/smart-parking-to-become-operational-across-city-from-january-14-pilot-begins-on-kasturba-road/): If all goes with the pilot project on Kasturba Road that began on December 14, 2019, smart parking will become a reality across 85 roads in Bengaluru from January 14 onwards in a phased manner. Some of the other thoroughfares include MG Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, Cunningham Road, Commercial Street, Avenue Road, Nrupathunga Road, Dispensary Road, Ali Askar Road, Lavelle Road, BVK Iyenger Road, Haines Road, Sankey Road, Palace Road, and Mallya Hospital Road, among others. Right now, Kasturba Road can accommodate 100 four-wheelers and 300 two-wheelers. If this is fruitful, the city could have smart parking spaces for 3600 […] - [Do you know your corporator? B.PAC begins awareness campaign across Bengaluru!](https://residentswatch.in/do-you-know-your-corporator-b-pac-begins-awareness-campaign-across-bengaluru/): By Zahid H JavaliDuring the elections, the MLAs and MPs impact the state and country, but if you want to know who impacts your immediate neighbourhood the most, it is your corporator. So, do you know your corporator? Do you know whom to vote for the next corporation elections? Have you ever gone to a Ward Committee meeting to voice your grievances? Have you complained on any of the phone apps and websites about civic issues? The culmination of all these efforts is the vote you give during the municipal polls. Therefore, knowing your corporator is critical. No longer should one’s […] - [White topping in progress: Heavy vehicles cannot use CMH Road](https://residentswatch.in/white-topping-in-progress-avoid-cmh-road/): White-topping work is in progress on CMH Road. Therefore, the authorities have asked heavy vehicle users to avoid the stretch from Ulsoor to Double Road, Indiranagar. Instead, they will have to use the junctions at Adarsh, Anjaneya and Double Road to reach CMH Road. The residents believe that the BBMP would have done well to asphalt bad roads rather than good roads. According to resident Ganesh, “The current condition of the road is good by Bengaluru standards”, but also points out that the stretch was re-surfaced less than a year ago. Instead of CMH Road, the BBMP could have tarred the […] - [Are you an outstanding startup? Apply for national startup awards before Dec 31!](https://residentswatch.in/are-you-an-outstanding-startup-apply-for-national-startup-award-before-dec-31/): For the first time, the Government of India is calling for applications from outstanding startups, accelerators and incubators for the National Startup Awards 2020. The last date is December 31, 2019. You have about two weeks to apply, so hurry. The cash prizes range from Rs 5 lakh (startups) to Rs 15 lakh (accelerators and incubators). The winners and four runner-ups in 35 sub sectors will  get to present their solutions to interested corporates and government agencies for potential pilot projects or even obtain work orders. The underlying idea is to promote innovative solutions that are feasible and scalable to solve […] - [Citizens take bus today to popularise Priority Bus Lane system between Silk Board and Marathahalli!](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-take-bus-today-to-popularise-priority-bus-lane-system-from-silk-board-to-marathahalli/): Several citizens and resident welfare groups are participating in a ‘bus yatra’ today aptly called ‘Nimbus Express’ to promote the new Priority Bus Lane system of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The project began on November 15, where the left lanes are marked out only for buses and ambulances, and anyone else encroaching this lane will be penalised. The idea is to increase the average speed from 10-20 kilometres per hour, so that the six lakh population that works in around this part of Outer Ring Road uses buses and abandons their vehicles that are congesting this important thoroughfare, and […] - [Activists petition chief secretary to take action on BBMP for violating RTI Act](https://residentswatch.in/activists-petition-chief-secretary-to-take-action-on-bbmp-for-violating-rti-act/): In a letter dated December 9, 2019, the two-year-old Kudlu-based Karnataka RTI Workers Seva Samithi (KRTIWSS) has complained to the chief secretary of Karnataka to take action on BBMP offices in Begur Road and HSR Layout for not providing information about building violations in their jurisdiction as mandated by the Right to Information Act, 2005. The BBMP was to answer the queries within 30-45 days, but the civic agency failed to do it even after 79 days and counting. In the last two years, over 40 RTI queries were made to the Bommanahalli BBMP office, however, the replies were never satisfactory. […] - [HSR Layout police release video to promote women safety app for emergencies](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-police-promote-emergency-safety-app-for-women/): If you understand Kannada, go ahead and watch this video shot by the HSR Layout police. If not, just download the ‘Suraksha’ phone app from Google Play store or Apple’s App Store, register with your phone number and address, assign two emergency contacts and you are good to go. In an emergency, just open the app and press the red button for five times. If you don’t respond to the police call, the phone will automatically capture a ten-second video and send it to the cops. An alert with your geographical address will go out to the cops and your two […] - [Parents of Bangalore's first Bicycle Mayor injured in 'city of cars, not people'](https://residentswatch.in/parents-of-bangalores-first-bicycle-mayor-injured-in-city-of-cars-not-people/): By Qamar ZJ Despite cries for pedestrian-friendly roads and city infrastructure, Bengaluru continues to be mismanaged by an apathetic corporation and an even-more disoriented state government, irrespective of which party occupies the highest seat. The latest diatribe against such a bad road infrastructure came from the city’s first Bicycle Mayor Sathya Sankaran. Calling it the ‘city of cars, not people’, Sathya gave the examples of his parents who fell victims to Bengaluru’s appalling road infrastructure only recently.  Tweeting to the city police and BBMP Commissioner, Sathya wrote: “After the bad fall my father had on Sanjaynagar Main Road, it was my […] - [20 more pigs caught by BBMP in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/more-pigs-caught-by-bbmp-in-hsr-layout/): For years, the residents complained about pigs grunting around with gay abandon in Sector 1, 2 and 3. Finally, the BBMP officials are doing their work. While the army area abutting 27th Main Road in Sector 1 is still out of bounds where most pigs go to hide, those who stray into HSR Layout are being caught by the BBMP officials. The latest haul of 20 happened in Sector 3 near the twin park area. The video say it all. You, dear reader, can make a difference too. The next time, you spot pigs in HSR Layout, just alert the BBMP […] - [Myntra fined Rs 2 lakh for using plastic and not segregating garbage! Will Big Basket be next?](https://residentswatch.in/myntra-fined-rs-1-lakh-for-using-plastic/): Myntra Designs in Kudlu was fined Rs 2 lakh by HSR Layout ward BBMP officials for non-segregation of waste and using banned plastic on December 2, 2019. BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar says, “The HSR sub-division imposed and collected the penalty. BBMP is urging establishments to segregate waste and stop using plastics that pollute.” Amit Singh had his misgivings too: “When a company like Mantra doesn’t adhere to simple waste segregation requirements, then how can we trust them on adherence to complicated regulations around data privacy? I have serious doubts about their ethics.” Shashank felt that the BBMP was being biased: […] - [Pot 'hole' in Koramangala!](https://residentswatch.in/pot-hole-in-koramangala/): Kev_in_traffic, a “traffic management enthusiast”, tweeted this illuminating picture of a section of Koramangala. Aptly title “Definition of a “pot” hole! @blrcitytraffic has this to deal with in ST Bed, Koramangala”. It’s irreverent, and symbolic of the times we live in today. - [HSR resident wins 'Karnataka women achievers' award for environment activism!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-resident-wins-karnataka-women-achievers-award-for-environment-activism/): On Saturday, dentist-turned-civic activist Dr Shanthi Tummala, a resident of Sector 3, HSR Layout, was bestowed with the ‘Karnataka Women Achievers’ award for 2019 (KWAA), an initiative to recognise incredible women of the state by actor Spoorthi Vishwas that began last year. She was one among the 20 women who were honoured last week. “I feel honoured to receive the award under the category of ‘Outstanding environmental changemaker'”, says Dr Shanthi about how she was among the 20 women picked from 1023 nominations across Karnataka. “The organisers told me that 23 people nominated me. I was more happy to see that […] - [Agara Lake jogging track restored; finishing is yet to happen!](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-jogging-track-restored-finishing-is-yet-to-happen/): The sewege pipeline underneath a stretch of the Agara Lake jogging track is now restored by the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB). The track had collapsed recently due to incessant rains for the second time. The first occurrence was in September 2018. However, the finishing work is yet to be taken up. BWSSB officials told Residents Watch that the levelling of mud, curb stones and pavers is now the job of the Waste Water Management firm. “Our job got over a few days ago, however, the finishing work did not happen immediately as you need time for the mud […] - [Youngster tweets, resolves a problem and makes Rs 500!](https://residentswatch.in/youngster-tweets-resolves-a-problem-and-makes-rs-500/): 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, […] - [No footpaths for foot soldiers! Only CCTVs can check traffic violations!](https://residentswatch.in/no-footpaths-for-foot-soldiers-only-cctvs-can-check-traffic-violations/): 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. […] - [Shops begin removing 'fairy lights' in Indiranagar; residents triumph yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/shops-begin-removing-fairy-lights-in-indiranagar-residents-triumph-yet-again/): The spectre of commercialisation has gripped oversaturated neighbourhoods like Indiranagar, Whitefield, HSR Layout and Koramangala. The other day, a few youngsters supported by adults went from shop to shop on 100 Ft Road in Indiranagar, requesting them to remove ‘fairy lights’ on trees as they are damaging to the trunks as they are nailed into them. Not to mention, the birds who cannot bear a series of bright lights in their habitat. Organised by youngsters of The Interact Club, the initiative did have its fair share of naysayers who asked the residents to do better things than mess with the shop’s […] - [Workers protest against pub/restaurant shutdowns in Indiranagar; residents suspect arm-twisting by vested interests!](https://residentswatch.in/workers-protest-against-pub-restaurant-shutdowns-in-indiranagar-residents-suspect-arm-twisting-by-vested-interests/): Hundreds of people blocked the footpaths on 12th Main in Indiranagar today. Claiming to be victims of the residents’ crackdown on illegal pubs and restaurants, the protestors carried placards saying they should be given jobs as they are unemployed now. The residents counter it by saying that this is a ridiculous way to brush aside the illegalities and nuisances committed by pubs like Monkey Bar. It’s tantamount to saying that lawless businesses have no jobs for people because the law prohibits them. The silent standing protest lasted for about an hour after which the crowd dissipated. Holding placards saying, “I want […] - [BBMP launches 'Free The Tree' initiative; will remove hundreds of treeguards across the city](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-launches-free-the-tree-initiative-will-remove-hundreds-of-treeguards-across-the-city/): By Zahid H Javali 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 […] - [Eco-friendly fogging solutions to keep away mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and pests!](https://residentswatch.in/eco-friendly-fogging-solutions-to-keep-away-mosquitoes-flies-cockroaches-and-pests/): (PROMOTION) Scrubbing, cleaning, spraying and toiling away every shred of your life. You are still unable to keep away the annoying little pests. You have tried everything you could and are at your wit’s end to procure that one magical solution that will wipe away all your misery. Fear not! Make the most of Herbal Strategi’s exclusive range of fogging solutions that act as a magical elixir in keeping all those annoying pests away. Herbal Strategi Thermal Fogging Outdoor (Just Spray) Eco-Friendly Made of Neem oil, Lemongrass oil, Citronella oil and Cedarwood oil, Herbal Strategi’s Thermal Fogging Outdoor spray covers a […] - [City musician won over by auto driver's sincerity in Koramangala!](https://residentswatch.in/city-musician-won-over-by-auto-drivers-sincerity-in-koramangala/): Harish Iyengaar is many things rolled into one. The ‘scaryhairyman’ as he calls himself on Twitter is a writer, guitarist, gamer, and singer. What made him sing all the way on his social media platform the other day was the good samaritan act by an auto driver he met in Koramangala. The podcaster gave a shout-out with a selfie of him with the Bangalore auto driver. Apparently, Harish’s phone fell out of his trouser pocket in the auto recently. This happened in the evening, during peak hours. “This man promptly brought it to Ulsoor from Koramangala, a bare couple of hours […] - [Hurry! Take part in the B.PAC survey on first and last-mile connectivity in Bangalore!](https://residentswatch.in/hurry-take-part-in-the-b-pac-survey-on-last-mile-connectivity-in-bangalore/): 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. […] - [Indian Pitta rescued in HSR Layout; glass facades of buildings are this bird's major enemies](https://residentswatch.in/indian-pitta-rescued-in-hsr-layout-glass-facades-of-buildings-are-its-major-enemies/): 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 […] - [Tomorrow, Whitefield residents share the success story of a mini STP that can be adopted across Bangalore to recycle and save water!](https://residentswatch.in/tomorrow-whitefield-residents-share-the-success-story-of-a-mini-stp-that-can-be-adopted-across-bangalore-to-recycle-and-save-water/): Whitefield Rising, the citizen action group, has some good news to share about an economical way to save water: installing mini sewage treatment plants across the city. They have a success story to share with a full technical presentation tomorrow between 11am and 1130am at Bangalore One on Whitefield Main Road. The beauty of this presentation is that there is a successful, operational mini STP that will be shown to the public, with special focus on the technology and the process that goes into it. This STP takes the dirty water from the stormwater drains, purifies it and releases it into […] - [Koramangala-Ejipura flyover work resumes; BBMP clears bill of contractor](https://residentswatch.in/koramangala-ejipura-flyover-work-resumes-bbmp-clears-bill-of-contractor/): Much to everyone’s relief, work on the Koramangala-Ejipura flyover has resumed after BBMP cleared the contractor’s bills. The work on the flyover had stoped for a few months as the bill was not paid by the civic agency. However, with the new government and new BBMP commissioner BH Anil Kumar, all pending works are being expedited. One such project was this flyover. Announcing this move, BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar also tweeted that “a strict directive has been issued to complete work by engaging more workers. Hon’ble MLA @RLR_BTM has acknowledged for resolving the same”. We do hope that MLA Ramalinga […] - [Koramangala: Startup hub or a garbage dumpyard?](https://residentswatch.in/koramangala-startup-hub-or-a-garbage-dumpyard/): Yes, Monica, one Twitter user, has shamed the civic agencies by ironically captioning the headline to her video that shows the ugly side of Koramangala. Calling herself a bullshit slayer, Monica says she’s “working this social media thing, being social, not so much. Politically incorrect but Right, dog mum, BS slayer”. We agree with you, Monica. Will the BBMP alleviate the distress caused to Koramangala residents, please? - [Residents turn around a garbage dump into a tea corner in Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/residents-turn-around-a-garbage-dump-into-a-tea-corner-in-koramangala/): By Qamar HJ When the going gets tough, the tough get going. The best example of this was the remarkable transformation brought about by residents, an NGO, and the BBMP. On November 6, 2019, the three groups came together to convert a garbage dump site into a tea point. “The wall was beautified with whitewash, and hand-painted by the team,” said a member of Saahas. “Plants/pots are kept in order to discourage waste dumping.” We need more such stories to not only bring cheer to the residents and passersby in Bengaluru, but also wake up the BBMP to do its job, […] - [Indiranagar kids say 'no' to fairy lights! Request all stores on 100 Ft Rd to remove them!](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-kids-say-no-to-fairy-lights-request-all-stores-on-100-ft-r-to-remove-them/): By Qamar ZJ It began as a small idea of just a few kids from Defence Colony in Indiranagar going from one store to another and asking the shopkeepers to remove fairy lights as they are harmful to the trees on which they are hung. However, the idea gathered momentum and several other residents joined in on Twitter. With the Twitter handle of @ichangeindiranagar, this evening’s agenda was also posted online yesterday with this message: Children will be visiting shops on 100 ft rd tmrw at 6 pm, from Caratlane to appeal to remove fairy lights choking the trees, making them […] - [HSR extension residents to march against civic apathy on Nov 16; prepare a list of short-term demands!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-extension-to-march-against-civic-apathy-on-nov-16-prepare-a-list-of-short-term-demands/): 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 […] - [Jagriti Theatre is now open to corporate events on weekdays! Proceeds will go towards theatre education](https://residentswatch.in/jagriti-theatre-is-now-open-to-corporate-events-on-weekdays-proceeds-will-go-towards-theatre-education/): 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 […] - [Around 50 pigs caught by BBMP; some escaped into the military grounds](https://residentswatch.in/around-50-pigs-caught-by-bbmp-some-escaped-into-the-military-grounds/): 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. […] - [Residents divided over BBMP's masterplan proposal to allow provision stores, bakeries & milk parlours in residential areas](https://residentswatch.in/masterplan-proposal/): By Qamar ZJ 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 […] - [Bangalore Literature Festival 2019 rocked the city! Exclusive video tour!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-literature-festival-2019-rocked-the-city-exclusive-video-tour/) - [Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan visits HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/hrithik-roshan-visits-hsr-layout/): 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. - [Agara Lake jogging track collapses again. BWSSB to blame!](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-jogging-track-collapses-again-bwssb-to-blame/): 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's a swimming pool outside HSR Layout's biggest park!](https://residentswatch.in/its-a-swimming-pool-outside-hsr-layouts-biggest-park/): It appears like a giant swimming pool outside the 10-acre Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3, HSR Layout. Despite alerting the BDA and now the BBMP about the lack of a pipeline to carry the water on 15th B Main Road into the stormwater drain, the authorities are turning a blind eye. In addition, the parking space along the boundary of the park is uneven, slushy and a nuisance at best. In addition, the construction of an arch over the major storm water drain running along the boundary of the park has resulted in a bottleneck at 19th Cross-15th B Main. […] - [Shell petrol bunk stopped by residents may not come up in HSR after all!](https://residentswatch.in/shell-petrol-bunk-stopped-by-residents-may-not-come-up-in-hsr-after-all/): More than eight months ago, we wrote that the Shell petrol bunk in HSR Layout, Sector 3, was stopped by the BBMP due to complaints from the residents. However, the BBMP officials at the time said that the bunk owners had taken most permissions, barring one permission from the Town Planning department. However, sources in the BBMP tell us that the permission might never come as the BBMP officials have denied it due to the location of the petrol bunk as it is inside a residential area which also has a hospital behind it. More than a year ago, when the […] - [Speedbreakers are back-breakers; paint them or demolish them!](https://residentswatch.in/speedbreakers-are-back-breakers-paint-them-or-demolish-them/): The absense of illegal speedbreakers, and the absence of white stripes on both legal and illegal humps across Bengaluru is a nightmare to vehicle users, particularly at night. And this happens on ultra-busy thoroughfares like Outer Ring Road. While the Traffic Engineering (TEC) department of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanaragara Palike (BBMP) blamed the lack of funds earlier, now they are promising to paint the stripes after they are done with zebra crossings at major intersections across the city.  “We will finish the work within 15 days in all the arterial and sub arterial roads,” says Praveen Lingaiah, Executive Engineer (TEC), BBMP. “We […] - [Potholes, anyone? Nov 10 is the deadline for BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/potholes-anyone-nov-10-is-the-deadline-for-bbmp/): November 10 is the deadline for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to rid the city of potholes, and there are about 15,000 of them, according to the civic agency’s estimates. Thanks to a Karnataka High Court order a while ago, the BBMP had fixed many potholes in HSR Layout, Indiranagar, Koramangala, Whitefield and other neighbourhoods of Bangalore. However, those very roads and a few others have developed craters again. Either the rains are too harsh or the work was sub-standard. For reasons of transparency in public works, the BBMP also put up its report on potholes in the public domain. […] - [Want to be a corporator of your ward? Citizen groups want to help you!](https://residentswatch.in/want-to-be-a-corporator-of-your-ward-citizen-groups-want-to-help-you/): The residents are fed up of the immoral, greedy and illiterate politicians hogging the landscape and want to do something. They want to nominate people within their areas who are doing great work selflessly to become their next corporator and MLA. That is the only way things can get done in a systematic way, according to them. Towards this end, many such pan-Bangalore organisations are coming together in Bengaluru and HSR Layout, like the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF), Citizens Action Forum (CAF), Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB), Whitefield Rising, and Pothole Raja, among others. The underlying idea is that the city’s infrastructure […] - [Join citizens' yatra for the constitution from Bengaluru to Bidar from Nov 26-Dec 11](https://residentswatch.in/join-this-yatra-for-the-constitution-from-bengaluru-to-bidar-from-nov-26-dec-11/): Walk, run, and cycle for the constitution. Two city mountaineers and environmentalists, Kavitha Reddy and Jigna Modh, are calling everyone to join them in their ‘Yatra for Constitution’. The idea is to not only commemorate 70 years of the constitution’s existence but also to ensure that it’s sanctity is maintained. The Bengaluru to Bidar journey of 700 kilometres will cover 10 districts in 16 days. The flag off is on November 26 at 7am from HSR Layout. The funds raised during this initiative will go towards the conservation of lakes and the environment through the NGO, Kaagaz Foundation. Anyone from Karnataka […] - [HSR Layout's most accident-prone roads!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layouts-most-accident-prone-roads/): Most accident-prone roads of HSR Layout. Well, actually, most happen to be junctions as people from different ends are always in a hurry to get from Point A to Point B. The result is an unfortunate accident. Which is why, a former traffic inspector in HSR Layout prevented these frequent head-on and side collisions by creating deviations. We are talking about three killer junctions: The 17th Cross-24th main junction, 22nd Cross-19th Main junction and the 17th Cross-19th Main junction. Some residents loved the idea and the others didn’t. Some riders, allegedly under the influence of some stimulant broke the median several […] - [Woman loses Rs 2.6 lakh gold chain to bike-borne thieves in Sector 5](https://residentswatch.in/woman-loses-rs-2-6-lakh-gold-chain-to-bike-borne-thieves-in-sector-5/): Despite repeated police and media warnings, some people are still falling prey to thieves every other day. Either the women are completely unaware that there are chain snatchers around or they believe that such incidents happen only to others, not them. This chain snatching incident occurred on October 17 at around 8.15pm near Swathi restaurant, opposite Elm montessori school in Sector 5. Sixty-year-old Molly Mathew finished her work at a gift shop in Bellandur, hopped on to a bus and got down at HSR Layout BDA Complex flyover. While she was walking towards her home in Venkatapura, two bike-borne thieves on […] - [On Nov 1, a public meetup with BMTC officials in Sector 4; Bus Priority Lane project begins from Byappanahalli to Silk Board](https://residentswatch.in/on-nov-1-a-public-meetup-with-bmtc-officials-in-sector-4/): On November 1, Bellanduru Jothege, a citizen action group is organising a meet-up between the public and the officials of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). This is the most apt day because on this very day, the Bus Priority Lane (BPL) project will also begin from Byappanahalli and Central Silk Board. What this means is that the left side of Outer Ring Road will now only be meant for ambulances and BMTC buses. This is to almost halve the travel time between these destinations. They are introducing 45 buses specifically on this route towards this objective. At the citizen meet earlier, […] - [Water enters homes in HSR Layout due to last night's rains!](https://residentswatch.in/water-entered-homes-in-hsr-layout-due-to-last-nights-rains/): HSR Layout’s low-lying areas in Sector 2 and 3 were flooded due to last night’s heavy rains. All the food delivery services stopped accepting orders after 8pm due to the rains, affecting several residents who were dependent on outside food. Stepping out was particularly a problem for the residents in certain areas of Sector 2 and 3 as water was knee-deep. What’s worse was that the rainwater entered the homes of many in Sector 3 due to this unplanned development by the BBMP that has not desilted the drains for over a decade. The BBMP officials are only raising the heights […] - [Mother files police case against son for assaulting her and misusing husband's retirement money](https://residentswatch.in/mother-files-police-case-against-son-for-assaulting-her-and-misusing-husbands-retirement-money/): Fifty-nine-year-old Nirmala, a resident of Sector 2, has alleged that when her husband Satyameshan retired in 2015, her son Nitin and his wife Keerti took the lumpsum retirement money and promised to look after them. However, the couple allegedly spent all the money and didn’t keep up their promise. With a monthly pension of Rs 30,000, the couple is not able to pay for the house rent and the medical expenses. When Nirmala asked her son to give their money back or help them in their hour of need, he allegedly pushed her, mouthed expletives and threatened her with life. Taking […] - [Suffering from a rain issue? Call BBMP at these numbers...](https://residentswatch.in/suffering-from-a-rain-issue-call-bbmp-at-these-numbers/): BBMP is ready for the rains with Prahari, their mobile jeep equipped with everything they need to remove uprooted trees, and pump out water. Prahari is an emergency response vehicle of the BBMP, and there are six at different points in the city, like Bommanahalli and Mahadevapura that receive the most complaints due to rain. From tree-cutters and pickaxes to ladders, electric saws, ropes and pumps, the six Praharis are at your service. In addition, BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar is particularly cautioning riders. “I request all motorists, especially 2-wheeler riders, to ride carefully,” he has tweeted. “Road rage is no […] - [Accident prevention: To barricade or not to barricade?](https://residentswatch.in/accident-prevention-to-barricade-or-not-barricade/): The residents and the traffic police in Sector 4 are having a tough time with a perplexing issue: to barricade or not barricade. The issue is about avoiding accidents by placing a barricade on 19th Main to avoid vehicles rushing into 11th Cross. However, the cops argue that this would lead to more accidents, particularly at night. For now, the cops have erected a barricade on 11th Cross instead. But the residents are not happy. The Sector 4 residents feel that the absence of a speedbreaker on 19th Main near 11th Cross (Kubera TVS corner) in HSR Layout is causing accidents. […] - [Children's Book Festival at refurbished City Central Library](https://residentswatch.in/childrens-book-festival-at-refurbished-city-central-library/) - [Building owners in HSR put Swiggy and Zomato on notice!](https://residentswatch.in/building-owners-in-hsr-put-swiggy-and-zomato-on-notice/) - [BBMP demolishes restaurant wall to make way for drain](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-demolishes-restaurant-wall-to-make-way-for-drain/): Kadal Da Meen, a restaurant at the junction of 22nd Cross and 17th Main Road in Sector 3, HSR Layout, had built a compound wall on the footpath abutting a storm water drain on 22nd Cross. Recently, the BBMP broke the wall to make way for the storm water drain. However, this box drain work that began more than a year ago from 27th Cross in Sector 2 continues to get interrupted for one or the other reason. In addition, the entire route is unscientific as it goes through low-lying areas of Sector 3 that leads to flooding of homes when […] - [Commercial firms on narrow, residential roads in HSR; BBMP looks the other way!](https://residentswatch.in/commercial-firms-on-narrow-residential-roads-in-hsr-bbmp-looks-the-other-way/): The residents are fed up of commercial establishments coming up on residential roads. It is illegal to have any commercial outlet on roads that are 40 feet and less. On roads wider than 40 feet, BBMP decides on what can be completely commercial and what can be mixed use. However, the commercial business owners either don’t know the law or they are willingly violating the law. NAMING AND SHAMING We asked residents to name some such establishments in HSR that they feel are a nuisance in their neighbourhoods. We also noticed some commercial operators in HSR Layout. We urge the BBMP […] - [KCDC stink is unbearable in Somasundrapalya and just bearable in HSR! What can you do?](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-stink-is-unbearable-in-somasundrapalya-and-just-bearable-in-hsr-what-can-you-do/): If the smell in Somasundrapalya, Hosapalya and Kudlu is unbearable, thanks to the smell emanating from the composting plant, Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC), it’s just about bearable in HSR Layout. The stink affects different areas at different points in time, depending on the wind direction and also when the KCDC staff turn over the compost heap. That’s when the stink gets worse. And yes, the smell becomes all pervading and reaches up to Hosur Road and Nice Road, when it rains rhinos. This smell is usually in the evening and night, between 6pm and 12pm. That’s when either the heap […] - [Free carrybags have to be provided by shops: Bata India in the dock!](https://residentswatch.in/carrybags-have-to-be-provided-by-shops-bata-india-in-the-dock/):   Here is some money-saving tip for consumers. By law, no shop can charge you for carrybags. A recent ruling by a consumer court has much to say about this rule. The story goes that Dinesh Parshad Raturi was made to pay Rs 3 for a carrybag when he shopped at a Bata showroom. Upset with this deficiency of service, he reported the matter to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Chandigarh. After the arguments were heard, the court ruled that Bata was indeed guilty of unfair trade practice as they were not supposed to charge any money for the […] - [Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/gandhi-jayanthi-celebrations-in-hsr-layout/) - [Consumer Court orders Dreamz Infra to refund Rs 12.5 lakh to buyer for faking documents](https://residentswatch.in/consumer-court-orders-dreamz-infra-to-refund-12-5-lakh-to-buyer-for-not-building-a-flat/):   When Veenish Kumar realised that Dreamz Infra India Pvt. Ltd, a company whose founders were based out of HSR Layout failed to furnish proper land documents to him, he asked for a refund. When nothing happened, he approached the consumer court. Recently, the consumer court ruled that the builder pay up Rs 12.5 lakh deposit money to Veenish and Rs 10,000 as compensation for all the trouble. The story goes that Dreamz Infra had not given Veenish the proper papers on the land they had allotted to him. This was revealed by Veenish’s lawyers who found that the property documents […] - [EVENTS: Collection drive, tree plantation, cultural evening & more on Oct 2](https://residentswatch.in/events-collection-drive-tree-plantation-cultural-evening-more-on-oct-2/): Make the most of the Gandhi Jayanthi holiday tomorrow (Oct 2) by taking part in one or more events planned by the residents and organisations in HSR Layout. DAAN UTSAVIf you want to donate your belongings, be part of the ‘Daan Utsav’ (Joy of Giving) by Goonj. The collection drive is to help the millions of families affected by the recent floods. They include children’s clothes, school material, dry ration items, woollen clothes and utensils. Remember to contribute materials that are in good condition. Monetary contributions are also welcome. You can pay via PayTM to the following numbers: 94480-63776 or 99862-03156. […] - [HSR Layout to get a skywalk in Sector 4!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-to-get-a-skywalk-in-sector-4/): Days after the residents had petitioned the Deputy Chief Minister to sanction a skywalk in front of Mantri Sarovar apartments on Outer Ring Road, it is now known that the BBMP had already called for short-term tenders for 39 skywalks across the city. And it includes the one that the residents demanded in Sector 4. The proposed skywalks will be on a ‘design, build, finance, operate and transfer’ (DBFOT) basis for a concession period of 30 years. Interestingly, when the residents raised this issue in front of the Deputy CM, both the local corporator and MLA were unaware of the BBMP […] - [Aamir Khan's real-life Phunsukh Wangdu will be in the neighbourhood this weekend!](https://residentswatch.in/aamir-khans-real-life-phunsukh-wangdu-will-be-in-the-neighbourhood-this-weekend/): Innovator and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, the real life Phunsukh Wangdu of Aamir Khan-starrer ‘3 Idiots’ will be in town this weekend. Catch him at the Bhoomi International Conference whose theme is ‘In Search of Wellbeing’. Sonam is just one among 15 pioneers and practitioners (see the image above) who are coming to inspire and motivate you. Make the most of this two-day affair from Sept 28-29 at Koramangala’s Satya Sai Convention Centre. Some of the topics that educators and parents can listen in would include issues like climate change, safe food, economics, education and sustainability. Be part of this enriching and […] - [Pharmacy and home looted in Sector 2, gold stolen in Sector 5](https://residentswatch.in/pharmacy-and-home-looted-in-sector-2-gold-stolen-in-sector-5/):   Burglaries have reared their heads again in HSR Layout. On the night of September 2, a pharmacy in Sector 2 was burgled. According to Sourav Mewara (22) who works at a pharmacy on 27th Main in Sector 2, the theft occurred after he shuttered the shop at 10.40pm on September 1, 2019. When Sourav came back at 9am the next day, he noticed that someone had broken the shutter lock and stolen Rs 1.1 lakh cash kept inside the drawer of the pharmacy. Gold burglariesRupa, a resident of 24th Main, left home at 1030am on August 29. When she returned […] - [Builder flouts joint venture agreement and threatens victim](https://residentswatch.in/builder-flouts-joint-venture-agreement-and-threatens-victim/): Businessman AK Balaji (48) and Amrutakala G Pai (47), both residents of Hosapalya, have accused Ramesh Babu (68) and seven other unknown persons for cheating and threatening them. All the accused are residents of JP Nagar. Apparently, Balaji signed a joint development agreement with Lepakshi Construction Corporation over his 75×120 feet land in Ellukunte village in 2004. According to the agreement, the builder was supposed to build a gated community in two years and give away 30% of the area to the site owner. However, even after two years, the builder did not build any structure and neither did he give […] - [How crowdfunding a hyper local news channel can better your neighbourhood!](https://residentswatch.in/video-how-crowdfunding-this-news-channel-can-better-your-neighbourhood/) - [A Cycle Day in every sector. Interested?](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-day-rocked-in-hsr-layout-yesterday/): Cycle Day completed five years last Sunday. While the event stopped in April 2019 due to new legal requirements, the video above is a chronicle of the events in the past. However, Cycle Day can now happen in every Sector of HSR Layout. In the new format, the organisers require a partnership with an NGO or RWA to conduct future events. If anybody is interested, they can Whatsapp Shashidhar Kumaraswamy at 99720-20900. “If all RWAs come forward, we can have a Cycle Day every Sunday in their locality,” he says.  - [Global Climate Strike in HSR Layout this evening!](https://residentswatch.in/global-climate-strike-in-hsr-layout-this-evening/) - [Couple dupes HSR Layout jeweller by promising to buy gold worth Rs 18 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/couple-dupes-jeweller-by-promising-to-buy-gold-worth-rs-18-lakh/):   A customer of Mansi Jewellers on 24th Main in Sector 1 has allegedly cheated the shop owner worth Rs 18 lakh. The fraud occurred between July 20 and July 2, 2019. However, the police complaint was filed two months later on September 7. According to Munnaram who runs Mansi Jewellers, Nagireddy and his wife Reddamma were transacting with his store for five months. On more than six occasions, they took jewellery in advance and paid the entire amount a couple of days later. In the same vein, they allegedly bought jewellery worth Rs 4 lakh on August 20, 2019 and […] - [Now you can pay your traffic fines online!](https://residentswatch.in/now-you-can-pay-your-traffic-fines-online/): Now, not only can you check if your vehicle is penalised but also pay the challan in the same time. Here is just one website by the Ministry of Road Transport that will help you check if your car is guilty of violating any traffic laws. Every other state have their own websites for paying traffic challans. However, the process remains the same. And we believe in the ‘one nation one challan’ motto of the ministry and would like you to focus on just one website that processes traffic challans from across India. Just visit this website and access your e-challan […] - [CM visits Agara Lake today; grants Rs 5 crore](https://residentswatch.in/cm-visits-agara-lake-today-grants-rs-5-crore/): Chief minister BS Yediyuruppa visited Agara Lake this morning for a tree planting event titled ‘Vrukshotsava 2019’ by the Forest department. Heeding a request from MLA Sathish Reddy, he also granted Rs 5 crore. However, the residents are wondering what it’s really meant for? A new project at the lake? And why? When Rs 17 crore is already spent on its development, all the water body needs is an annual budgetary grant of Rs 15 lakh towards maintenance. Lake activists feel that the MLA would have been wiser if he had asked for monetary aid to the other neglected lakes in […] - [Hurry! Last date to verify your voter ID is Oct 15! Here is how to do it online](https://residentswatch.in/hurry-last-date-to-verify-your-voter-id-is-oct-15-here-is-how-to-do-it-online/): There is no time like now to ensure that your Voter ID is alive and working. The last date for online verification of voter ID across India is October 15. Sandhya Bhatt, one of the volunteers of citizen group Whitefield Rising has prepared a nifty presentation to make it easier for you to understand. Just visit the National Voters’ Services Portal and register as a new user by creating a user ID and password. Click on the elector verification program and follow the instructions. The video above is self explanatory. Please watch, share and show that you care. The last date […] - [Canara Bank in HSR Layout duped of Rs 4.8 lakh; accused tampered cheque meant for somebody else!](https://residentswatch.in/canara-bank-in-hsr-layout-duped-of-rs-4-8-lakh-accused-tampered-cheque-meant-for-somebody-else/): The Canara Bank branch located on 17th Cross, Sector 7, HSR Layout, recently became a victim of fraud. According to bank employee Vasanthi N (52), the accused happens to be Syed Fairoze Pasha, an autorickshaw driver who is absconding. Vasanthi is the chief manager at Canara Bank in HSR Layout’s Sector 7 branch. Syed Fairoze Pasha happens to hold an account with her branch. On August 27, 2019 at around 3.15pm, he allegedly deposits a cheque of Rs 4.8 lakh to be transferred into his account. The cheque happened to be from a company called Systems Control Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd. […] - [(Sponsored) Save yourself from malaria & dengue with these herbal repellants](https://residentswatch.in/sponsored-save-yourself-from-malaria-dengue-with-these-herbal-repellants/):   A tiring day spent rushing through the dull monotony of everyday life. You return home in anticipation of your comfy blankets and warm food. Within the safe comforts of a healing home, you prepare to doze off for a few blissful minutes. BUZZZ. And there goes your peace. One stray mosquito that keeps buzzing all over the place. One that prepares to zoom in and bite when you are right about to sleep off. You try swatting it but it is always cleverer and much faster than you. Soon, they multiply and continue their onslaught in huge swarming numbers. Frustrating […] - [Test drive BBMP's online apps to report potholes and inform the courts if they fail yet again](https://residentswatch.in/test-drive-bbmps-online-apps-to-report-potholes-and-report-to-the-courts-if-they-fail-yet-again/):   Now citizens have a way to put BBMP in the dock at the Karnataka High Court. Following its recent public notification about two apps (BBMP Sahaaya and Fix My Street) for reporting faults in the civic infrastructure, it is expected that they might work better than before. However, civic experts don’t want to take this for granted. Koramangala resident Vijayan Menon who had filed a writ petition about the state of roads in Bangalore is asking every Bangalorean to try out these apps and point out any faults they notice through screenshots and mail him. The reason why he’s doing […] - [Mobile apps to the rescue if traffic cops catch you!](https://residentswatch.in/mobile-apps-to-the-rescue-if-traffic-cops-catch-you/): It’s official now. The IT Act had already made the documents stored in DigiLocker and mParivahan app legitimate, but now is the time to make the most of these mobile apps. Pray why? Because the fines have doubled, tripled and quadrupled starting from September 1, 2019. If you are caught speeding or not wearing a seat belt, it’s Rs 1000. If you are a disqualified driver, the fine goes up to Rs 10,000. And if you are driving without a licence, it’s Rs 5000. If the traffic cops stop you and ask you for documents you don’t possess like the vehicle […] - [Drop off your e-waste at 3 points in HSR; Sunday is E-Waste Day!](https://residentswatch.in/drop-off-your-e-waste-at-3-points-in-hsr-sunday-is-e-waste-day/):   Tomorrow, September 8, happens to be E-Waste Day. To commemorate the occasion, Saahas, an NGO, is organising a doorstep collection of e-waste in Sector 5. If you have bulkier items, you can call their hotline number (73497-37586). The three collection spots are as follows. Please pay attention to the timings at each point: * 12th Main, 7th Cross (10-am-11am)* End of 6th Cross (11am-12pm)* 12th Main, 4th Cross (12pm-1pm) Be an e-responsible citizen. Discard, the eco-friendly way! - [Beware of chain snatchers at BBMP Grounds in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-chain-snatchers-at-bbmp-grounds-in-sector-2/):   Chain snatchers are striking it rich at the many exhibitions happening on BBMP Grounds in Sector 2 abutting 19th Main and 17th Cross. Two women learnt this the hard way when they found their gold necklaces missing the moment they had stepped out of the open space. Two similar incidents were registered on August 25 and 26. FIRST INCIDENTMJ Sharada, a 72-year-old women and a resident of Sector 2 was the first victim on August 25. She lost her plain gold chain and mangalsutra. On August 24 at 7pm, she had been to Srinivasa Kalyanotsava celebrations on BBMP Grounds. When […] - [Woman, child thrown out of home for Rs 5 lakh dowry](https://residentswatch.in/woman-child-thrown-out-of-home-for-rs-5-lakh-dowry/): A Sector 1 resident has alleged harassment for dowry between May 28, 2015 and February 15, 2019 at her inlaws place in Anekal. However, the complaint was lodged only on August 24, 2019. Housewife Silpi (name changed), a 24-year-old married to Shivakumar (32), has alleged harassment for dowry from her husband and his family. The accused are Nagaratnamma and Motappa (residents of Anekal), Shivashankar and Manjula (residents of Kudlu). According to Silpi’s complaint, she was married on August 28, 2015 where her parents spent Rs 12 lakh on the wedding and gave Rs 4 lakh as dowry. She lived happily only […] - [74-year-old goes missing in Sector 2; found the next day by auto driver](https://residentswatch.in/74-year-old-goes-missing-in-sector-2-found-the-next-day-by-auto-driver/):   Software engineer Ananth (42) is relieved to find that his father who went missing on the evening of August 27 was found the next night. He is indeed fortunate as several missing persons vanish for days before being found or never found at all. His father Selvadurai left his home in Sector 2 to go for a walk and never returned last Tuesday. A missing complaint was lodged the next day. The same day, an auto driver found him lying on the footpath near Forum mall in Koramangala. He later admitted him to St John’s hospital where he is being […] - [6 youngsters arrested for selling narcotics near NIFT College](https://residentswatch.in/6-youngsters-arrested-for-selling-narcotics-near-nift-college/):   Six persons in their 20s were allegedly caught redhanded by the cops for selling narcotics near NIFT College in Sector 1, off 27th Main. The cops unearthed the racket under the leadership of inspector Raghavendra SR. Three mobile phones, Rs 1000 cash, and ganja (cannabis) weighing 10 kilos worth Rs 45000 were seized during the raid. The accused include Lakshman Cherudu (22) and Sai Charan (24) both from Andhra Pradesh, and Sujeeth (26) and Dominic (22) both from Kerala.  The incident occurred at 12.30pm on August 23, 2019. The cops received a tip off that two persons were selling drugs […] - [Work-from-home firm in HSR Layout vanishes overnight; cheats over 60 remote employees](https://residentswatch.in/work-from-home-firm-in-hsr-layout-vanishes-overnight-cheats-over-60-remote-employees/):   A firm housed in NR Tower on 17th Cross, 19th Main in Sector 4 shut shop within months of its operations. The company has allegedly cheated over 60 people who were given work-from-home jobs but never got paid. Dipreeth was one such victim. This 23-year-old resident of BTM Layout posted his resume on online sites like Naukri, Indeed and LinkedIn. Later, one firm named Mac Infotech Company based in HSR Layout reached out to him. When he reported to work, the officials allegedly asked him to work from home and the work will be assigned to them online. Dipreeth worked […] - [Pubs and bars cannot play live or recorded music without police permission](https://residentswatch.in/pubs-and-bars-cannot-play-live-music-complain-if-they-do/): A recent Karnataka High Court on 107 pubs and bars in Indiranagar for violating various rules has given the much-needed respite to all other neighbourhoods reeling under commercialisation, including HSR Layout. With this order, no pub or bar can play live or recorded music without police permission. And the cops can only permit if the establishment has all the requisite approvals to run a pub or restaurant from various authorities. In January this year, the Supreme Court upheld a 13-year-old law that banned live music, which led to the crackdown on pubs and bars. This latest judgement will hopefully bring down […] - [Plastic carrybag users to be penalised from Sept 1; vendors/shopkeepers will lose licence for repeat offences](https://residentswatch.in/plastic-carrybag-users-to-be-penalised-from-sept-1-vendors-shopkeepers-will-lose-licence-for-repeat-offences/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is getting down to brass tacks. Special BBMP Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Randeep D has stated that the single-use plastic ban implementation is going to be even more stricly implemented from September 1. From October 1, the central government is banning plastic in the entire country. These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets. Officials insist that this ban is comprehensive and will cover the manufacturing, usage and import of such plastic items. Not only will repeat offences lead to cancellation of trade licences but also seizure of equipment. […] - [How to become a traffic warden in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-become-a-traffic-warden-in-hsr-layout/):   The police has begun recruiting traffic wardens across Bangalore. “You cannot be more than 60 years old. It’s a voluntary service; there is no salary,” says HSR’s traffic warden Sukesh Nayak. “You should be a graduate and put in 16 hours of duty every month on the minimum and should not have any police record.” All you need to do is fill this application form, attach two passport size photos in addition to the requisite degree certificate to substantiate your educational credentials and courier them to the address given below: SR NayakMahalsa, 693/C 21st main, 21st cross, Sector 2, HSR […] - [Bellandur resident falls victim to identity theft, loses Rs 20100! JP Nagar citizen loses Rs 4 lakh!](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-resident-falls-victim-to-identity-theft-loses-rs-20100-jp-nagar-resident-loses-rs-4-lakh/): Victims falling prey to the various identity thefts in Bangalore has doubled from last year. If there were 5036 cyber crime cases registered all of last year, it’s 7101 already this year; there are four more months to go by which time the number will cross 10,000 complaints in 2019. In February this year, Bangalore even got the notorious title of ‘cybercrime capital of India’. The latest such victim in this neighbourhood was a 37-year-old woman resident of an apartment complex in Bellandur. She lost Rs 20100 to Roshan Sharma, the accused in this case of identity theft on August 20 […] - [24-year-old rider dies on Harlur Road when car rams into him](https://residentswatch.in/24-year-old-rider-dies-on-harlur-road-when-car-rams-into-him/):   On August 20 at 8.45am, 24-year-old Chinta Ravindra, a resident of Singasandra, rented a bike and took the Harlur Road from the side of Sobha apartments and proceeded towards Sarjapur Road. He was a Denzo delivery boy on the job. However, another unknown vehicle driven allegedly by a rash driver rammed into the right side of Ravindra’s bike. The accident left the victim with blood injuries on his face, left shoulder and head. The mishap occurred in front of SM Group’s compound. Around the same time, Ganesh, the driver of a Sakra Hospital ambulance van spotted the victim and rushed […] - [18-year-old girl goes missing with her parent's car in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/18-year-old-girl-goes-missing-with-her-parents-car-in-sector-1/):   On August 20, between 1pm and 5pm, a curious incident occurred in Sector 1, HSR Layout. An 18-year-old daughter of a 45-year-old software engineer went missing. The missing person, a resident of 14th Cross, 25th B Main, took her mother’s Honda Jazz car (KA03HW9167) on the pretense of taking it for a spin. However, she never returned. To add to the worries of parents, her phone was switched off whenever they called. After enquiring with friends and relatives, the girl’s father decided to file an FIR. The cops have registered a missing person’s complaint and are investigating. In such cases, […] - [Jewel thieves strike in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/jewel-thieves-strike-in-sector-2/):   Recenty, a house was broken into in HSR Layout. Interestingly, not all the gold and silver jewellery was stolen. It appears that the thief was quite selective on what needed to be stolen. The police complaint is filed by Harisha HG, a 39-year-old resident of Sector 2. The theft occurred when Harisha left home on August 15 at 4.30pm to visit his uncle’s home in Koramangala. When he returned around 9.40pm, the front door knob was broken and the door was wide open. When Harisha inspected the interiors, he found all the belongings scattered all over the place. He found […] - [Employees cheat company worth lakhs by diverting clients to their new firm!](https://residentswatch.in/employees-cheat-company-worth-lakhs-by-diverting-clients-to-their-new-firm/):   When you pay well, your employees should be happy. However, if you set up a new firm and siphon off all the business from the company that employed you to the firm that you set up, it becomes a fraudulent activity. And that’s what has happened in HSR Layout recently. Real estate dealer Pruthvi Raj Batra (57), a resident of Sector 6, is the affected party due to the alleged fraud committed by his employees, Abhishek Gupta (29), a resident of Sector 7, and Himanshu Mitra Agarwal (38), a resident of Iblur. The complaint states that the two accused were […] - [Cult Fit cancels business deal; businessmen threaten firm](https://residentswatch.in/cult-fit-cancels-business-deal-businessmen-threaten-firm/):   Shivaram Narayanan, a 36-year-old employee with Cult Fit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and a resident of Sector 2, has accused Avijit Alakatti and Devi Prasad Biswal of mouthing expletives and threatening him with life for cancelling their business contract with Cult. The Cult Fit corporate office in Sector 3, HSR Layout, aligns with various software firms to support its suite of services. For Cult Fit Healthcare, the firm attaches different software firms to service its clientele. One such company was Book Your Gym Pvt Ltd. Cult Fit signed an agreement with this firm in May this year. However, when Shivaram sought […] - [Resident nominated for international honour for environmental-friendly activism](https://residentswatch.in/resident-nominated-for-international-honour-for-environmental-friendly-activism/):   Smita Kulkarni, a resident of HSR Layout until last year and now the inhabitant of Whitefield, is nominated for the coveted REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra award. The honour is given by iCONGO in association with the United Nations. Smita is not only part of Whitefield Rising, one of the most proactive residents welfare associations in Bangalore but also a member of Swachh Doddanekundi. According to the REX organisers, the recognition is for “champions of change who make a difference in our society with their ideas for action to be the change and REXchange mindsets by walking the […] - [SUV runs over pedestrians in HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/suv-runs-over-pedestrians-in-hsr-layout/): Around 2pm on Sunday, August 18, 2019, an SUV ran over seven pedestrians in HSR Layout. The vehicle was driven by a drunk driver. The drunk driver hurt six pedestrians, four of whom sustained broken bones. The accused driver is Rajendra K, who drove the Mahindra Xylo cab. The incident occurred in front of Reddy Restaurant, opposite Reliance Trends, on 17th Cross, Sector 7, HSR Layout. - [Rs 30 lakh dowry was not enough; housewife files harassment case against husband and in-laws](https://residentswatch.in/rs-30-lakh-dowry-was-not-enough-housewife-files-harassment-case-against-husband-and-in-laws/): Dowry harassment began from August 22, 2018 and ended on April 22, 2019. The police case was filed on August 1, 2019. This is the second such case from Sector 3 in the last one year. According to 30-year-old BR Geetha (name changed to protect identity), a resident of Vishweshwariah Layout, Shashi Kumar GN (34), a resident of Sector 3, married her on August 22, 2018 in front of family members at a temple in JP Nagar, Bangalore. Her family members apparently gifted him valuables worth Rs 30 lakh, including a jeep. According to Geetha, the harasment began the very first […] - [Silk Board traffic chaos will be greatly reduced soon](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-traffic-chaos-will-be-greatly-reduced-soon/): The Silk Board junction, one of the most busiest intersections in India, might soon lose the infamous tag. On June 21, the first step was taken to end the traffic nightmarish section of Outer Ring Road and Hosur Road. Today, vehicle users have to wait for up to 45 minutes sometimes just to cross the signal junction. Renaatus Projects is given the tender by The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to build 2.8 kilometre flyover over the existing flyover. The Rs 134-crore project will greatly help commuters from HSR Layout, BTM Layout and Electronic City. Estimated to be completed in […] - [Beware of rash motorcyclists: Pedestrians and pillion riders are most vulnerable](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-rash-motorcyclists-pedestrians-and-pillion-riders-are-most-vulnerable/): Bikers and pedestrians are being run over by water tankers. Similarly, bikers are running over pedestrians and injuring other pillion riders in HSR Layout police station limits. ACCIDENT ON OUTER RING ROAD On July 23 at 9pm, near the 9th main bus stop on Outer Ring Road (ORR), 54-year-old Renappa G Karadi was trying to cross ORR. He was moving from HSR towards teacher’s colony near Baby Shoppe when a motorcyclist, Vivek S (30), travelling from Agara towards the Silkboard on the HSR flyover, ran over the right leg of Renappa and broke his bone. Renappa also incurred minor bruises in […] - [Promising to set up a firm, conmen cheat businessmen of Rs 33 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/promising-to-set-up-a-cab-firm-conmen-cheat-businessmen-of-rs-33-lakh/): Businessman Somashekhara Raju (31), a resident of Laggere, has alleged that four persons conned him and his partners by promising to set up a company for them. However, even after 19 months, the firm was never opened although the expenses kept getting added up. Raju and his two partners Shivakumar and GMK Gowdar were allegedly cheated of over Rs 33 lakh. According to the police complaint at HSR Layout police station, the accused namely Zameer, Nadeem, Suhel Khan and Nazeer met Raju and his business partners and promised to set up an inexpensive firm near Jalahalli and promised to take care […] - [HSR inspector releases video: Asks people to banish PoP idols and adopt clay Ganeshas](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-inspector-releases-video-asks-people-to-banish-pop-idols-and-adopt-clay-ganeshas/): SR Raghavendra, the inspector of HSR Layout, has created a video message in Kannada to inform people about the environmental hazards of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Instead, he asks the residents to go in for clay Ganeshas for the upcoming Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.   - [Alert resident foils robbery attempt in Sector 6](https://residentswatch.in/alert-resident-foils-robbery-attempt-in-sector-6/): On July 16, a midnight robbery attempt was foiled by an alert neighbour. While constable Mylarappa was at his police outpost in Sector 6, one neighbour rushed to inform him at 1230am. The alert resident reported that a stranger was seen loitering on the terrace of a house on 1st A Main. When the citizen and the cop rushed to the scene of perceived criminal activity, the stranger jumped out of the house compound and vanished under the cover of darkness. The cop inspected the locked house for any forcible entry but was checked to be fine. The alert citizen had […] - [Cops attacked by two boisterous men after midnight](https://residentswatch.in/cops-attacked-by-two-boisterous-men-after-midnight/): The cops had a hard time the other day when they tried to quieten two men talking loudly on 14th Main Road in Sector 6. At 1230am on July 28, head constables B Kumaraswamy and constable Basavaraju encountered two men during their night beat. They found the youth parking their car at the junction of 14th Main and talking loudly. When the cope asked them to lower their voice and vacate the spot, the men mouthed expletives like ‘police dog’ and threatened to kill the khaki-clad men if they obstruct their activity. In the melee, one of the men caught the […] - [Take laptops with you; they are being stolen from homes and cars](https://residentswatch.in/take-laptops-with-you-they-are-being-stolen-from-homes-and-cars/): Don’t leave precious belongings in your car or home, not even laptops, particularly company property that contains confidential information. On July 18 between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, Jyothi Singh (29) learned this truth the hard way. A resident of Sector 6 and working for a private firm, she had left home at 6.30pm and returned an hour later to find that her front door was opened and valuables stolen. The items included a 13-inch Macbook Pro, and a 14-inch Dell Latitude. A week later, on July 25, 32-year-old engineer Piyush Makhija became a victim of theft. However, this time around, the place […] - [Thieves con bike rental service; 3 vehicles yet to be returned](https://residentswatch.in/thieves-con-bike-rental-service-3-vehicles-yet-to-be-returned/): Two wheelers being stolen every other day in HSR Layout is quite common. However, a rental service has also not been spared by the thieves now. On June 6, June 30 and July 8, Road Panda, an online bike rental service was used by alleged thieves to get three bikes which they never returned till date. The police complaint alleges that Theja, Arun Sai and Vamsi Krishna, all residents of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, rented three bikes online: Royal Enfield Classic 350 (KA51 AA0180) and two Honda Activas (KA51 AC5055 & KA51 AC7496) on three separate days. Complainant Vijay Meena alleges […] - [Watch out for tempo travellers near Bellandur flyover!](https://residentswatch.in/watch-out-for-tempo-travellers-near-bellandur-flyover/): Drivers of water tankers have killed and broken many bones of people in HSR Layout. Now, individuals driving tempo travellers have become dangerous too. In recent cases, one driver critically injured a pedestrian while another driver rammed into a car, and hurting its driver. Therefore, watch out for them. Take the case of July 25, 2019. Divya S (20 years), a resident of Bellandur, was grievously injured by Venkatesh (31), the driver of a tempo traveller near the upper ramp of the Bellandur flyover. The incident occurred at around 7.30am when Divya and her brother Ashok were walking from Shanti Sweets […] - [Be careful when you withdraw money from the bank; thieves are watching you!](https://residentswatch.in/be-careful-when-you-withdraw-money-from-the-bank-thieves-are-watching-you/): The next time you decide to withdraw a large amount of money from the bank, be more careful. Importantly, don’t stop anywhere on your way back home. Not even to attend to a small errand or meet someone along the way. Just go straight home without stopping anywhere. And when, someone tries to bang on your car door or divert attention while you are riding your bike, don’t pay any attention. Pray why? Because thieves are following your every move. The moment you leave your vehicle alone with your cash or valuables even for a few minutes, they could vanish, like […] - [Drug peddler caught near NIFT College yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/drug-peddler-caught-near-nift-college-yet-again/): Nift College area is a hotbed for drug peddlers as several cases in the past have testified. It happened again recently, and this time, the cops caught one such alleged criminal on July 21 in an operation that began at 2.30pm and ended at 5.50pm. HSR’s 27th Main, 18th Cross was the hub of all action in front of NIFT College. Under the guidance of HSR Layout inspector Raghavendra SR, labourer Rahul, a 22-year-old resident of Annasandrapalya, is the accused. The cops seized Rs 500 cash and 900 grams of cannabis (ganja) from him. As per the procedure of the Narcotic […] - [Thieves bang car, divert attention and steal iPhone near 5th Main signal](https://residentswatch.in/thieves-bang-the-car-divert-attention-and-steal-iphone-near-5th-main-signal/):   Thieves diverting attention and stealing phones, laptops and jewellery is well-known. However, the tactic is such that any person will succumb to it even now, like businessman Sajid Hussain realised it the other day. On July 29 at 7.20pm, when he was driving his Maruti Swift car and approaching the 5th Main signal on Outer Ring Road, the Sector 1 resident found an unknown biker repeatedly hitting his car from behind. When he looked back, another stranger banged on the car’s passenger window with his hand. When Sajid rolled down his window to check who the persons are, the stranger […] - [Young software engineer alleges sexual harassment against boss of firm in HSR](https://residentswatch.in/young-software-engineer-alleges-sexual-harassment-against-boss-of-firm-in-hsr/):   Twenty-four-year-old Mukta (name changed) has alleged that her boss made sexual advances to her while she was busy working in his office. According to the complaint, Amar Bhowmik, a director at Tresilient Business Solutions located in Sector 6, outraged her modesty by forcibly hugging her while she was working. The incident is said to have occurred on July 26 between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. The victim is a resident of Ellukunte and deeply embarassed about the incident. She wants the cops to take action on the alleged culprit, so he does not commit this devious act with any other female employee. […] - [Left for US, Sector 1 resident's house burgled](https://residentswatch.in/left-for-us-sector-1-residents-house-burgled/):   The next time you decide to go out of town for an extended period, it’s best to inform your local police station. They will send cops regularly on your street to keep a watch. Otherwise, you could become a victim like Kiran Kumar’s relatives in Sector 1, 24th Main, 9th Cross. On April 3, 2019, Kiran’s uncle locked the house and left for the US. On the morning of July 18, Kiran’s neighbour called to inform him that sarees were thrown outside the main door of his uncle’s house. When Kiran reached the spot, he found that someone had broken […] - [Diamond & gold jewellery stolen from parked car on Agara service road](https://residentswatch.in/diamond-gold-jewellery-stolen-from-parked-car-on-agara-service-road/): Next time you are parking your vehicle anywhere, make sure you take your valuables with you. And ensure that you have properly rolled up the windows and locked all the doors of your car. Victim Lakshmi discovered this truth last month.   On June 29 at 6.30pm, Lakshmi Kaushik parked her Honda CRV car on Agara service road and left to be part of her friend’s birthday celebrations of their daughter.   When she returned around 8pm, the dickey door was open and three bags were found to be missing. The items that were in them included kids toys and clothes, […] - [Phone snatched in front of police station](https://residentswatch.in/phone-snatched-in-front-of-police-station/):   Phone snatching has caught up with phone snatching incidents across the city, and HSR Layout is no exception. Sometimes, drunk youth snatch mobiles from those walking on the roads with their handsets stuck to their ears. But most times, there are two-wheeler borne thieves who are waiting for hapless victims to use their phones, so they can approach them on the pretence of asking for directions and snatching their phone in the interim. The only way to prevent phone snatching is to avoid talking on public roads and take the footpaths instead. However, if you have to use the phone, […] - [Laptop stolen in 5 minutes; 9 bikes stolen in 18 days!](https://residentswatch.in/laptop-stolen-in-5-minutes-9-bikes-stolen-in-18-days/): Never leave your belongings out in the open even for a few minutes. One person discovered this harsh lesson when he lost his laptop kept on his bike. Similarly, HSR Layout has become a hotbed of bike thefts. Whether you park them in front of your house or inside your compound, or anywhere you visit in HSR, your bike is ripe for the picking. In 18 days, 9 bike thefts were reported stolen at the HSR police station. The thefts occurred between June 28, 2019 and July 16, 2018. GONE IN 5 MINUTES Beware! There are thieves loitering about everywhere in […] - [Rs 12 lakh worth liquor goes missing in HSR Club; cashier suspected of wrongdoing!](https://residentswatch.in/rs-12-lakh-worth-liquor-goes-missing-in-hsr-club-cashier-suspected-of-wrongdoing/):   Between May 12, 2019 and May 27, 2019, HSR Club was witness to a scam running into Rs 12 lakh regarding the illegal sale of liquor by a staffer. The cops have filed a case of criminal breach of trust and cheating against him. The case relates to CA site 12 where the HSR Club is located in Sector 3 since 1996. According to Srinivasa Reddy, the secretary of HSR Club, when an auditing was done on the number of liquor bottles, it was found that alcohol was missing from the cans. The fingers are pointing to Sudhakar, a resident […] - [Investors file fraud charges against HSR-based TGS Construction](https://residentswatch.in/investors-file-fraud-charges-against-hsr-based-tgs-construction/):   Sector 6 based TGS Construction is in the eye of a storm. Several investors have complained to the HSR police against the firm. Most charges are to do with taking advances and not allotting the promised sites to them. The cops have charged the company directors for criminal conspiracy (120B), criminal breach of trust (406) and cheating (420). Take the case of Geetha H, a housewife and a resident of KR Puram. She has accused six real estate dealers working for TGS. Her case also dates back to July 2015 like so many others when she paid an advance of […] - [Herbal cleaners for your home!](https://residentswatch.in/herbal-cleaners-for-your-home/):   Herbal Cleaners It is a lazy Sunday. One day of late mornings, crazy brunches and bored nothings. For those of you that toil throughout the droning week, this is the one day you get to take care of yourself. Most of the time, you are left with a musty home for the weekend. Thus a major part of your special Sunday is devoted to making your home look spick and span for the coming week. You may be the one that is infused with an obsessive energy to wipe away every speck of dirt every moment. You might also be […] - [Sector 5 businessman goes missing in Coimbatore!](https://residentswatch.in/sector-5-businessman-goes-missing-in-coimbatore/):   Another curious ‘missing person’ case was reported in the neighbourhood recently. According to software engineer Shwetha M (name changed on request), the 39-year-old wife of Shashank K (name changed on request), he left their Sector 5 home on June 16, 2019 for business. Once he reached Coimbatore, he called her from there on June 18, 2019 to tell her that he’s coming back to HSR Layout on June 19, 2019. However, subsequent calls made to him by her did not yield any results as the phone was switched off. Sensing danger, the wife has filed a ‘missing person’ complaint with […] - [14-year-old goes missing; 42nd day of searching continues!](https://residentswatch.in/14-year-old-goes-missing-42nd-day-of-searching/):   Parents and guardians, be warned. Kids need to be handled with extreme care. Anything too stern and you could lose your sleep over them, and perhaps even lose them forever. This is precisely what has happened with 46-year-old Sundar, a resident of Sector 2.   Sundar, the father of Dhanush Deepak, a 14-year-old male, is searching for him ever since he went missing on the night of June 2, 2019. The kid is conversant in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and English and is 4.5 feet tall. He was last seen in a sky blue shirt and cream colour pant. Right now, […] - [One real estate firm cheats the other in Sector 1 by selling sites without approval](https://residentswatch.in/one-real-estate-firm-cheats-the-other-in-sector-1-by-selling-sites-without-approval/):   A real estate dealer has accused another merchant of fraud in Sector 2. According to the police complaint filed on June 26, 2019, T Narasimhulu (58 years) of M/s Kumari Infrahomes had inked a Joint Development Agreement with five accused belonging to Dhatri Developers over a parcel of land in Anekal taluq. All was well between September 5, 2017 and May 2019. The deal was towards the construction of a gated enclave on eight survey numbers. However, the Narasimhulu has alleged that the five accused sold off the sites belonging to him and cheated him out of his money. The […] - [HSR firm cheated of Rs 32 lakh by company director in collusion with bankers](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-firm-cheated-of-rs-32-lakh-by-company-director-in-collusion-with-bankers/):   A curious case has risen to the surface in Sector 2. A firm was allegedly defrauded of Rs 32 lakh by the company director in collusion with bank officials. According to the complaint lodged with HSR Layout police station on June 17, 2019, the alleged crime took place between June 13 and June 17, 2019 at V2 Care Facilities and Outsource Pvt Ltd based out of 19th Main, 25th Cross. According to the victim JP Veeresh, Vijay Kumar JM and he were directors of V2 that provided services in housekeeping, securities, facilities management and contract management. The firm had accounts […] - [Rajesh Jewellery Mart cheated of Rs 5.75 lakh by vendor](https://residentswatch.in/rajesh-jewellery-mart-cheated-of-rs-5-75-lakh-by-vendor/):   A big-time jeweller in HSR Layout was conned by a vendor the other day. He took gold but never made any jewellery from it and neither did he return the gold. Although, the incident happened in February this year, the complaint was lodged only on June 22, 2019. According to Rajesh KV, the proprietor of Rajesh Jewellery Mart on 5th Main in Sector 6, HSR Layout, 45-year-old Dhananjay, a resident of Nandini Layout, took 180.38 gram gold from Rajesh Jewellers on February 25, 2019. He was allegedly tasked to fashion jewellery out of it. The deadline came and went but […] - [Shop and house burgled in Sector 7; another home looted in Sector 2!](https://residentswatch.in/shop-and-house-burgled-in-sector-7-another-house-burgled-in-sector-2/):   Pots and crafts shop burgled in Sector 7 A shop was broken into on the night of May 24, 2019. Strangely, the police complaint was registered only on June 18, 2019. The story goes that the Pots & Crafts shop on the ground floor of 5th Main in Sector 7, HSR Layout, was burgled on the night of May 24 between 8pm and 10am on May 25. Shop owner Manoj Thalessery noticed the theft when he opened his shop at 10am and found that the front door was ajar. Inside, he found that his Samsung S10 tablet and JBL Extreme […] - [Cops arrest person selling stolen laptops on 24th Main](https://residentswatch.in/cops-arrest-person-selling-stolen-laptops-on-24th-main/):   Based on a tipoff, the HSR Layout police swung into action on June 24 at around 6pm. The place was near Anjaneya swamy temple on 24th Main in Sector Agara, Sector 1. Head constable Sardar Pasha took his men to arrest a person who was allegedly trying to sell stolen laptops in a cloth bag. When he saw the cops approaching him, he ran but was soon caught by the khaki-clad folks. Upon enquiry, the man revealed his name as Govindappa, aged 45 years, and a resident of a village in Kolar district. The police recovered two Dell laptops and […] - [Contractor & house owner charged for causing labourer's death due to negligence in Sector 2](https://residentswatch.in/contractor-house-owner-charged-for-causing-labourers-death-due-to-negligence-in-sector-2/):   On June 19, a labourer died a horrible death on 23rd Cross off 24th Main in Sector 2, HSR Layout. The incident occurred at an under construction building around 12.40pm and the police complaint was lodged the same day at 4.30pm. The building was coming up on plot number 275. On June 19, at around 9am, building contractor Gopi took 22-year-old labourer Maruthi to Venkatesh, the house owner. The proprietor apparently asked Maruthi to do the plastering work on the fourth floor along with Maruthi’s elder brother Gangareddy and younger brother Anjaneya. However, Anjaneya fell from the fourth floor while […] - [Liquor stores raided in Sectors 1 and 7 for allowing drinking within the premises](https://residentswatch.in/liquor-stores-raided-in-sectors-1-and-7-for-allowing-drinking-within-the-premises/):   Two liquor stores were raided by the cops for allowing drinking near the cash counter as they went against the excise rules of the state. The first raid was conducted on Manjunath Bar & Restaurant on 24th Main in Sector 1 between 6pm and 6.50pm. The alleged accused is Lokesh, a 39-year-old resident of a village in Mandya district. All the liquor at the cash counter was seized, including one Old Tavern (90ml), one Original Choice (180ml), and one Royal Stag (180ml). A case of violating the rules of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965 under section 36 (b) is registered […] - [Police raid HSR pub in Sector 3 for violating noise norms after residents complain](https://residentswatch.in/police-raid-hsr-pub-in-sector-3-for-violating-noise-norms-after-residents-complain/):   On June 17, the HSR Layout cops received complaints from citizens that a pub was playing loud music late at night. The calls began coming at around 11pm about the Shift Pub and Lounge bar on 14th Main in Sector 3. On June 18 at around 1am, the cops visited the pub and found the place was playing music with amplifiers without a valid licence. For violating the noise norms and not holding the necessary permissions, the cops have filed a public nuisance complaint against 32-year-old businessman Jugal Kishor Sharma, a resident of Jayanagar. Upon receiving the complaint, the court […] - [Flesh racket busted in Sector 2](https://residentswatch.in/flesh-racket-busted-in-sector-2/): A two-year-old beauty parlour-cum-massage centre was found to be the hub of prostitution. The parlour owners are facing the charge of violating the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956 under various sections in addition to being charged under the Indian Penal Code for trafficking persons (IPC 370). On June 20, 2019, based on a tip off, the HSR Layout police raided Clover Unisex Salon & Wellness Spa on 27th Main, 25th C Cross in Sector 2. The operation was conducted between 5pm and 7.30pm under the guidance of inspector Raghavendra SR, and the complaint was lodged at 7.45pm. Businessman Seiminthang Haokip, a […] - [Woman files rape charge after a man sleeps with her and later refuses to stay with her](https://residentswatch.in/woman-files-rape-charge-after-a-man-sleeps-with-her-and-later-refuses-to-stay-with-her/):   This is one internet romance gone wrong. A girl meets a stranger online and gets so comfortable with him that she even has sex with him when he repeatedly promises to live-in with her. However, when the deed is done, the man breaks off all ties with her. The incident occurred between June 3 and June 5, 2019 and the police complaint was lodged much later on June 25, 2019. The place where the relationship was allegedly consummated was Harihara apartment in Sector 6, HSR Layout. On May 16, 2019, 30-year-old software engineer Dhruthi VS (name changed to protect identity) […] - [Cycle lane project in HSR Layout halted indefinitely!](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-lane-project-in-hsr-layout-halted-indefinitely/): Almost ten months ago, we wrote that the much-touted cycle lane project for HSR Layout was delayed due to non-payment of bills. While only one bill is cleared, the rest of the bills are pending clearance. The reason is that the Department of Urban Transport (DULT) only cleared the bill for the work that was originally given to the contractor. However, the project work later involved doing up the pavements and drains, which escalated the original project cost and required a revised plan. It was merely a practical decision. When the project was mooted in 2011, the drains and pavements were […] - [Two young women go missing in a week in Sector 7](https://residentswatch.in/two-young-women-go-missing-in-a-week-in-sector-7/):   On June 11, a 25-year-old woman goes missing. Within a week, another young woman goes missing from the same area in Sector 7, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar. The cops are investigating to see if there is a link to this or are these isolated incidents. More details follow… FIRST INCIDENTSangeetha, a 25-year-old housewife and a native of Bellary and a resident of 3rd Cross, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar near Sector 7 went missing, according to her uncle Kantaswamy. On June 7, she came back to Bangalore from Bellary. On June 9, 2019, Kantaswamy and his wife step out to work and leave […] - [Sewage Treatment Plant for HSR: BWSSB's lies turn this into another stinker like KCDC!](https://residentswatch.in/sewage-treatment-plant-for-hsr-bwssbs-lies-turn-this-into-another-stinker-like-kcdc/):   On a recent visit to Agara Lake by Santosh Hegde, the former Karnataka Lokayukta and head of the Lake Development Plan set up by the National Green Tribunal, he was exposed to the BWSSB’s lies. When he spotted sewage flowing in the stormwater drain abutting the lake, BWSSB officials admitted that the sewage treatment plant (STP) did not have a provision to let only treated water into the drain and lake. If this continues, the stink will be similar to the one that the residents are suffering from in the neighbouring Kudlu area due to the unscientific management of the […] - [Chevrolet car burns up under HSR flyover; car wasn't maintained well!](https://residentswatch.in/chevrolet-car-burns-up-under-hsr-flyover-car-wasnt-maintained-well/):   On Monday, Chevrolet Enjoy, a multi purpose vehicle launched in 2010, caught fire under the Agara flyover on Outer Ring Road. The HSR cops say that the air conditioned duct started to smell, alerting the six passengers who immediately got out of the vehicle and escaped an excruciating death.  Driven by Shivanna, a businessman from Dommasandra, the incident occurred around 5pm on June 24, 2019. The fire force officials extinguished the fire within 20 minutes after receiving the complaint. Traffic was naturally disrupted as a large crowd gathered to witness the rare incident. “The vehicle was old and wasn’t maintained […] - [IMA scam fallout: HSR skywalk delayed yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/ima-scam-fallout-hsr-skywalk-delayed-yet-again/):   Last year, a skywalk on Outer Ring Road in HSR Layout was inaugurated with much fanfare twice – read all about it here and here. It was supposed to have become operational by the end of last year. However, the skywalk is jinxed again. The principal sponsor for the flyover was IMA, the ponzi scheme company that is alleged to have defrauded people of Rs 2000 crore. Adonai Shelters was given the tender to build this skywalk by the BBMP. However, Adonai, allegedly run by a relative of former mayor Sampath Raj, was in a joint venture with IMA for […] - [Two house thefts in Sector 1 while victims were sleeping](https://residentswatch.in/two-house-thefts-in-sector-1-while-victims-were-sleeping/):   In the space of a week, two thefts have occurred in Sector 1 while the victims were at home and sleeping. Both the thefts happened in the morning. Read on to know how you can avoid a similar incident as the victims were at fault here. FIRST THEFTOn the morning of June 3, 2019, between 7.15am and 8am, there was a theft in a third floor house on 25th C Cross, 27th Main in Sector 1. The victim was Kalpit Pandey, a 26-year-old employed with a private firm. The theft occurred while he was asleep. The thieves had allegedly opened […] - [Sector 3 park being handed over from BDA to BBMP; much more needs to be done](https://residentswatch.in/sector-3-park-being-handed-over-from-bda-to-bbmp-much-more-needs-to-be-done/): The Swabhimaana Tree Park on 15th B Main, 19th Cross, Sector 3, is being handed over from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The park that saw an investment of Rs 5 crore is still a work in progress. The water outlets coming on to the roads are improperly designed. They let water out on to the road instead of the drains, which could flood the homes in low-lying areas. The main entrance  of the park resembles a swimming pool when it rains heavily as there is no proper elevation and shoulder drain that can take […] - [CAUGHT: Thief who stole Rs 2 lakh jewellery from HSR house](https://residentswatch.in/caught-thief-who-stole-rs-2-lakh-jewellery-from-hsr-house/): On May 24, a thief broke into a house in Sector 1 when nobody was home to steal Rs 2 lakh worth jewellery. Yesterday, he was caught while trying to break into another house in Bellandur. Incidentally, the accused named Pasha is behind 80 house break-ins, one of the house being that of Manjeet Kakoti whom we wrote about last month. Unfortunately, the stolen items couldn’t be recovered from him yet. “The police say that jewellery is with his friend in Mangalore who is still absconding,” says Manjeet. “He showed the police my house and that’s how the Bellandur police informed […] - [Man forges property papers and steals Rs 32 lakh from HSR resident](https://residentswatch.in/man-forges-property-papers-and-steals-rs-32-lakh-from-hsr-resident/):   Last week, the 6th additional magistrate court ordered the HSR Layout police to file a complaint of fraud where a person allegedly forged and HSR Layout resident’s identity to steal Rs 32 lakh from the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KAIDB). According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident happened between July 6, 2011 and May 31, 2019 when the court finally ruled. The HSR cops filed the complaint of fraud on June 10, 2019 after the court order. The story goes back to July 2011 when Ramaiah Krishnamurthy (58), a resident of Sector 2, HSR Layout, and the […] - [Conmen promise bank loan and take away Rs 30 lakh in Sector 1](https://residentswatch.in/conmen-promise-bank-loan-and-take-away-rs-30-lakh-in-sector-1/):   Businessman NR Shridhar Reddy (42) met three people at Krishnasagar restaurant on 27th Main in Sector 1. They promised to get him a loan on his building from Kotak Mahindra Bank. However, they asked for Rs 30 lakh as a security deposit. It was in this connection that he met Shilpa Shetty, Manohar Lal, and his father at Krishnasagar. A resident of Doddanekkundi, Shridhar was in need of the loan and readily gave away six cheques totalling Rs 30.88 lakh on November 3, 2018 at around 2pm, according to the police complaint. Once the bank loan came through, the alleged […] - [HSR firm promises visa and cheats customer of Rs 1.65 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-firm-promises-visa-and-cheats-customer-of-rs-1-65-lakh/): Twenty-two-year-old engineer Thirumale Gowda, a resident of Hassan, had applied for a visa through a consultancy firm in Sector 1, HSR Layout. However, the visa never came but the firm refused to refund the money. According to the police complaint filed on June 5, 2019, the alleged scam occurred between December 28, 2018 and June 5, 2019. Gowda has accused Kali Prasad Rath of fraud. Rath working for KT Consultancy operating out of 27th Main in Sector 1, allegedly took Rs 1.65 lakh from Gowda to get him a visa to go abroad. When Rath failed to get Gowda the promised […] - [Chain snatching averted by an alert police constable](https://residentswatch.in/chain-snatching-averted-by-cops/):   In a rare case, a chain snatching incident was averted by an alert cop last week in HSR Layout. On June 14, at around 7.50pm, HSR Layout police constable Ningappa Kembavi (26 years) heard screams coming from 1st D Main Road in Sector 6, IAS officers colony, HSR Layout. At the corner of the road, two vehicle-born thieves were trying to snatch the chain from one pedestrian. When the victim screamed, the constable rushed to the spot. Looking at the cop, the culprits drove away. The cop gave a chase but the miscreants escaped in the darkness. When the constable […] - [HSR cops nab mobile phone and jewel thieves!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-cops-nab-mobile-phone-and-jewel-thieves/):   The HSR Layout cops made a breakthrough in three cases of mobile phone and jewellery theft cases to not only catch three thieves but also recovered a two wheeler, a mobile phone and jewellery worth Rs 4.5 lakh. Phone thievesMobile phone thefts have become common in HSR Layout. Either thieves enter homes and scoot with phones and laptops or snatch mobiles from passersby on roads. Thankfully, the HSR Layout cops have caught two mobile thieves who allegedly stole people’s phones. One Oppo RealMe phone and a Honda Activa was also recovered during their arrest. The accused are Pawan Rao Pawar […] - [AVOID: Road blocked in Sector 3 for a week; stormwater drain work in progress](https://residentswatch.in/avoid-road-blocked-in-sector-3-for-a-week-stormwater-drain-work-in-progress/): Traffic on 22nd Cross (HSR Club Road) is being rerouted as one stretch of it is blocked for traffic from Kodak Express junction to Kadal Da Meen junction. You will have to take the cross roads to reach the other side of 22nd Cross. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has taken up the long-pending stormwater drain work at the 18th Main-22nd Cross junction near Kadal Da Meen restaurant. Pipeline laying work is in progress. Considering that it’s a major road, the BBMP officials told Residents Watch that they will do everything possible to finish the work within a week to […] - [Residents fill up potholes by themselves; shame on you, BBMP!](https://residentswatch.in/residents-fill-up-potholes-by-themselves-shame-on-you-bbmp/):   When the going is tough, the tough get going. And that’s what has precisely happened last weekend from Vibgyor school to Somasandrapalya Main Road. When the BBMP turned a blind eye to the gaping potholes on this stretch, the residents pooled in the money to fill them up with their own funds. Says Vilas Deshmukh of Harluru Somasandrapalya Residents Welfare Association: “This is a public-funded pothole filling project with major contributions coming from Navayuga, a small-scale construction firm whose proprietors – Nagarjuna and Narasimha – are residents of this area. The rest of the monies came from the volunteers of […] - [Bride-to-be suffers fractures 10 days before marriage due to water tanker accident on Sarjapur Road](https://residentswatch.in/bride-to-be-suffers-fractures-10-days-before-marriage-due-to-water-tanker-accident-on-sarjapur-road/): Last week, 28-year-old Sunanda Barki, a resident of RV Layout was hit by a water tanker on Sarjapur Road. The bride-to-be was injured grievously. The incident occurred on June 4 at around 8.40am. Sunanda was riding her TVS scooter towards Iblur when a water tanker (KA14B1924) allegedly driven rashly by a male driver hit her vehicle from behind at SLV Ceramics junction near Doddakannelli. The impact was such that her bike skidded about 10 feet on the stretch, breaking her left thigh and right shoulder bone. In addition, there were scratches on her legs. The driver drove away without attending to […] - [Ola cab driver damages car and injures onboard passengers by hitting flyover wall near HSR BDA complex!](https://residentswatch.in/ola-cab-driver-damages-car-and-injures-onboard-passengers-by-hitting-flyover-wall-near-hsr-bda-complex/): On May 26, at around 10.30am, 23-year-old Naveen Kumar, a resident of KR Puram was travelling in a cab along with his elder brother Kiran (25) and cousin Manikantha (25) after arriving in Bangalore from Chennai. After getting down from the bus at Silk Board junction, they had boarded an Ola cab (KA03AA5625) to go towards KR Puram. Anjappa M was the 37-year-old driver who allegedly drove rashly and overspeeding on Outer Ring Road. When he reached 14th Main Road near the BDA flyover in HSR Layout, he hit the flyover wall in front of JSS College. The result was that […] - [Cough, talk, breathe: Help IISc’s diagnostic tool to identify COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/cough-talk-breathe-help-iiscs-diagnostic-tool-to-identify-covid-19/): By Aratrika Dey A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is working on a tool to diagnose people. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has allowed them to collect data  for possible deployment in the future. The eight-member team headed by Dr Sriram Ganapathy have named this sound-based initiative Project Coswara. Whether you are healthy or a victim of COVID-19, you can upload your voice recording here and be part of their research. The big idea is to understand if you are infected by the coronavirus by just hearing the way you cough, talk and breathe. […] - [COVID-19: A city yoga instructor on how to build immunity with breathing](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-a-city-yoga-instructor-on-how-to-build-immunity-with-simple-stretches/): By Anshu Vyas Seetharaman COVID-19 has brought spirituality back into our lives, and yoga is one such form. Pranayama is made of two words: ‘Prana’ and ‘ayama’. Prana is the life force; it is more than just the breath. Ayama is to regulate. Pranayama means to regulate breathing, which is the life force. It is even said that the life force travels to us on the breath. In a normal breath, we take in about 500 ml of air. When we learn to breathe deep, we can inhale 5000-8000 ml in a couple of breathing cycles. More air means more availability […] - [Cycle lane on Outer Ring Road encroached by motorcyclists](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-lane-encroached-by-motorcyclists/): Originally tweeted by Rahul Kumar (@rahulcomp24) on November 10, 2020 By Aratrika Dey The city’s cyclists breathed a sigh of relief as a dedicated pop-up lane on Outer Ring Road was designed for them, without the fear of being hit by passing vehicles. But their happiness is shortlived as motorcyclists are invading their safe spaces. The efforts of the government and the organizations that made the cycle lane possible are being nullified by motorcyclists in the city. Netizens have taken to social media to talk about their personal experiences, and share their grievances. Cyclist Murugan Brompton, shared a video where the […] - [Where is the road? HSR Layout residents cry for a motorable stretch](https://residentswatch.in/where-is-the-road-hsr-layout-residents-cry-for-a-motorable-stretch/): By Aratrika Dey Some of the main roads of HSR Layout are a dream to drive and walk on these days. However, a 200-meter stretch of the road in Sector 4 is crying for attention for months, and the authorities are not paying any attention. Adjacent to the Freedom International School, this thoroughfare connects 17th A, 17th B and 17th C and 18th main houses in the neighborhood. What’s more, the road was made worse after the stretch was dug up to lay an underground sewage drain. The entire stretch is unusable. No man’s land “You can’t even walk, forget going […] - [Crowds throng Chickpet, violating social distancing norm](https://residentswatch.in/social-distancing-fails-in-chickpet-thanks-to-the-festive-season/): Originally tweeted by womanjari (@ManjariR) on November 10, 2020. By Chandrima Mazumdar Amid the ongoing pandemic, a video showing the crowded Chickpet area in Majestic has gone viral. The 26-second clip shows the crowded street with people violating the social distancing rules. While most were seen wearing masks, some people did not wear their masks properly, which could threaten people in close proximity to them.  Why are people flocking to Chickpet? One of the oldest shopping districts in the city, Chickpet is known for its wide variety of goods available at budget prices. With Diwali around the corner, the place has […] - [APPALLING: HSR Layout in the dark for months due to dysfunctional streetlights](https://residentswatch.in/appalling-hsr-layout-in-the-dark-for-months-due-to-dysfunctional-streetlights/): By Aratrika Dey The ‘posh’ neighbourhood of HSR Layout is in dire need of well-lit roads. Forget the residential areas, even the main thoroughfares (27th Main, 24th Main, 19th Main, 17th Main, 14th Main, 5th Main, 9th Main, 22nd Cross, 17th Cross) are without functional streetlights. Only the lights from houses and the passing vehicles serve as the sources of illumination today. Not only does this inefficiency from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) encourages thefts and harassment, but also leads to road accidents. They also pose a threat to the safety of women, especially those who forego any means of […] - [Know your neighbour: This beauty queen healed herself through yoga, and now runs a yoga school](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-this-beauty-queen-healed-herself-through-yoga-and-now-runs-a-yoga-school/): By Chandrima Mazumdar From fat to fit, from winning a national beauty pageant to quitting her corporate job and becoming a yoga trainer, Prathima David’s work-life balance instantly inspires you. She faced two major accidents, and only yoga came to her rescue. She struggled with weight issues and lost 37 kilos, thanks to yoga again. That’s not all. The 38-year-old Hatha yoga exponent beat 4,500 people to take the second place at a national beauty pageant last year. Today, she is a member of WICCI Karnataka Sector Yoga Council, and runs a successful yoga studio in Koramangala. Work-life balance Prathima was […] - [Dengue & COVID-19 can be a deadly cocktail: The near-death experience of a young survivor in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/dengue-covid-19-can-be-a-deadly-cocktail-a-near-death-experience-of-a-young-survivor/): By Nagashree N About two months ago, I was admitted to the hospital because I had tested positive for both dengue and COVID-19. Thankfully, I am more or less fine now but it will still take me a month to recover completely. How it started For more than six months since the pandemic, I had not left my house even once. But there’s only so much a person can humanly take. So two months ago, I left my house for a cup of coffee. The severe lockdown was fine, and people were back on the streets with masks and physical distancing. […] - [COVID-19: How scuba diving lessons are helping me during the pandemic](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-how-scuba-diving-lessons-are-helping-me-during-the-pandemic/): By Neha Contractor In May 2020, I returned to Bangalore from the Andamans as the island was shutting down due to COVID-19. Before this, I had quit my corporate job and spent all of 2019 learning more about the ocean and teaching scuba. I was able to dive whenever I could. On my days off, I would still get up early and get to my workplace to join the morning dive and experience that amazing feeling and buzz from this aquatic sport. The last seven months have been tough. I’ve seen my loved ones and colleagues struggle. But I’m going to […] - [SHOCKING! Despite opposition, BBMP floats tender for HSR Layout sports stadium!](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-despite-opposition-bbmp-floats-tender-for-hsr-layout-sports-stadium/): By Zahid H Javali While the residents protested against a full-fledged ticketed sports stadium for 5000 people in HSR Layout, the BBMP has floated a tender in October. This is in stark contrast to what the HSR Federation was told by the BBMP earlier that only the playground will be improved, and there will be no stadium. HSR residents are opposed to the stadium for several reasons, and you can read them here.  The news has come as a surprise for the residents as well. Says HE Chandrashekar, chairman, Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Associations: “We were not aware of […] - [Yesterday, Whitefield recorded its poorest air quality since lockdown](https://residentswatch.in/yesterday-whitefield-recorded-its-poorest-air-quality-since-lockdown/): By Chandrima Mazumdar On November 2, Whitefield had the poorest air quality since lockdown, according to Rahul Bedi’s Whitefield Air Quality report from his weather monitoring station in Whitefield. Bedi, a weather and air quality enthusiast, is running the station since 2013. Whitefield Air Quality which auto-tweets on Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded the worst short-term air quality at 5:20 pm with the AQI at 313 (AQI at and above 301 is considered hazardous).  Whitefield Air Quality tweeted about the poorest air quality day since lockdown Overall during the day Whitefield registered more than 200 AQI for the maximum part of […] - [COVID-19: A 22-year-old’s painful ordeal after testing positive](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-a-22-year-olds-painful-ordeal-after-testing-positive/): By Shristi Deb  I am in Bangalore for my Masters. I live in a rented flat with two other friends. I recently tested positive for COVID-19. Though my second set of tests were negative, I am still recovering, and the last few days were painful. How it all started I remember every day of my ordeal. I had gone shopping for some groceries at the nearby supermarket on October 10, and started to feel sick soon after. It was nothing major… just slight fever. However, as the days progressed, my health became worse. By October 14, I started to lose all […] - [Electronic City residents are organising a 'tweetstorm' on Nov 1 to protest against waste treatment plant](https://residentswatch.in/electronic-city-residents-organise-a-tweetstorm-on-nov-1-to-protest-against-waste-plant/): By Chandrima Mazumdar Pictures of ‘black water’ coming out of the SWM plant near Electronic City (E-city) surfaced on Twitter in the midst of the recent online campaign against the setting up of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) plant in Chikkanagamangala. Shaista claimed that the occurrence is “polluting the nearby areas and groundwater”. Called ‘tweetstorm’, the campaign will begin from 2pm-7pm on November 1 (Sunday). Two-year struggle The protests against the setting up of the SWM plant have been going on for more than two years now. However, the opposition went viral with the online campaign started recently by the residents […] - [MOST WANTED: He violated traffic rules on 77 occasions; paid Rs 42,500 as fine!](https://residentswatch.in/most-wanted-he-violated-77-traffic-rules-and-paid-rs-42500-as-fine/): By Qamar ZJ In a special drive, the city traffic police have nabbed several people in the last one week who were repeatedly violating the road rules. One such person who violated the rule was found guilty on 77 counts. The proprietor of the two-wheeler was caught and fined Rs 42,500 today by Madiwala sub inspector Shivaraj Kumar. Another rider of a two-wheeler was caught red-handed today by Adugodi sub inspector Annappa. The rider was found to have violated traffic rules on 16 occasions and was fined Rs 8,500.  A few days ago, Whitefield sub inspector Arun found Kailash M another two-wheeler […] - [Bellandur roads crying for attention, but authorities look the other way](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-roads-crying-for-attention-but-authorities-look-the-other-way/): By Qamar ZJ Bellandur’s crumbling civic infrastructure has left the residents disenchanted with every political party. For years, the lack of proper roads and drains has led to commuting and flooding issues, but the authorities are looking the other way. Prompted by this apathy, some residents of Shubh Enclave recently pooled in the money themselves and laid the road. Enthused by this, the residents of the neighbouring Owners Court followed suit. However, the other residents are crying foul. According to the ‘Save Bellandur’ residents group, this DIY mode is setting a bad example for both the administrators and citizens. “BBMP must […] - [Meet India's first woman tunnel engineer](https://residentswatch.in/indias-only-woman-tunnel-engineer/): Annie Sinha Roy is a resident of HSR extension and India's first tunnel engineer who now works at Bangalore metro. - [Mobile phone theft caught on camera!](https://residentswatch.in/mobile-phone-theft-caught-on-camera/): By Qamar ZJ Mobile phone snatching is more common than two wheeler thefts today. They are relatively effortless to do than vehicles. One such mobile phone snatching was caught by CCTV cameras in Sector 2, HSR Layout. The video has gone viral… click the image above. Stolen phone traced to SP Road Victims of smartphone thefts are crying hoarse, but phone recoveries in such cases are quite rare. When the cops catch inter-state thieves and recover a haul of vehicles and phones, that’s when you might get your devices back. But that’s almost like hoping against hope. One such victim is […] - [Only 5% of BBMP projects took off in Indiranagar last year](https://residentswatch.in/only-5-of-bbmp-projects-took-off-in-indiranagar-last-year/): By Zahid H Javali In the last financial year, only two projects were successfully “executed” by the BBMP in the Hoysalanagar ward, which includes major parts of Indiranagar. Out of the Rs 21 crore allocated for 175 projects, only Rs 1.1 crore was spent on two of them. And even these were for areas outside Indiranagar, such as the electrification of playgrounds in Murphy Town and Vijaynagar, among others. Much of the works in Indiranagar that never got executed included the construction of individual houses to several people residing on CMH Road, Binnamangala, and surrounding areas. Besides, much of the money […] - [90% of BBMP projects failed to begin in Whitefield last year](https://residentswatch.in/90-of-bbmp-projects-failed-to-take-off-in-whitefield-last-year/): By Zahid H Javali In the last one year, a mere 10% of money was spent on BBMP works in Whitefield. Out of the Rs 25 crore allocated for 41 approved projects, only 3 were executed for Rs 2.47 crore. The “completed” projects pertained to drain and footpath work on Vijaynagar Road, Channasandra Road and Borewell Road. The biggest approved project but never executed was for Rs 5 crore towards the construction of RCC drains at Nagondanahalli, Ramagondanahalli, Vinayakanagara (Danamande), Siddapura and Hagaduru. The other projects that failed to take off were worth above Rs 75 lakh and less than Rs […] - [SHOCKING: 98% of BBMP projects never took off in Koramangala in last one year](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-98-of-bbmp-projects-never-took-off-in-koramangala-in-last-one-year/): By Zahid H Javali In the last one year, a mere 2% of money was spent on BBMP works in Koramangala. Out of the Rs 85 crore allocated for 102 approved projects, only 3 were executed for Rs 0.24 crore. Almost Rs 20 lakh was apparently spent on setting up a temporary control room during the monsoon relief measures in 2019. Besides, Rs 4 lakh went into maintaining the BBMP building and another Rs 3 lakh for the upkeep of the burial ground in the neighbourhood. The big ticket projects that never got off the ground including a Rs 27 crore […] - [Revise KMC Act and avoid limiting number of wards, says CIVIC Bangalore ](https://residentswatch.in/revise-kmc-act-and-avoid-limiting-number-of-wards-says-civic-bangalore/): By Zahid H Javali In a 6000-word revised letter to chief minister BS Yediyurappa, CIVIC Bangalore, the 25-year-old non-profit trust aimed at bettering the city, has asked for modifications to the KMC Act rather than pass a new (download BBMP’s new bill here) to take care of all the future needs of the city. Besides, they have made several suggestions to improve governance in the city. CIVIC’s executive trustee Kathyayini Chamaraj says, “We suggest that amendments be brought to the KMC Act itself, rather than a separate Bill only for BBMP as the good points will then be applicable to all […] - [BBMP in the dock: 40% of money went unspent in HSR Layout in last 5 years](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-in-the-dock-40-of-money-went-unspent-in-hsr-layout-in-last-5-years/): By Zahid H Javali In the last five years, only 40% of the money was spent on BBMP works in HSR Layout. Out of the Rs 200 crore allocated for 368 approved projects, only 152 were executed for Rs 115 crore. Much of the work that went unspent was in the financial year of 2019-20; only 30 works were completed for Rs 39 crore against the allocated amount of Rs 102 crore for 115 projects. Nearly 60% of the works were not completed in the last financial year alone. The record was even more dismal in 2018-2019 when nearly 80% of […] - [Bellandur: Only 10% of the BBMP works were completed in last one year](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-only-10-of-the-bbmp-works-were-completed-in-last-one-year/): By Qamar ZJ For years, Bellandur has been crying for more funds to better its weak infrastructure. However, BBMP has executed only 10% of the works approved for 2019-20. This was not the case in the previous years where the majority of the funds were utilised as the chart indicates below. What is damning is that when the residents approach the authorities, they cite lack of funds. Or execute works that are so sub-standard that the re-tarred road is back to square one within months.  15/117 projects were executed in 2019-20 Out of the 117 projects in 2019-2020, only 15 are […] - [Fraudsters promise job at IndiGo; take Rs 1.16 lakh as refundable company expenses in eight instalments](https://residentswatch.in/indigo-fraudsters-promise-job-take-rs-1-16-lakh-as-company-expenses-in-eight-instalments/):  By Zahid H Javali Scamsters are getting brainier by the day and using names of well-established firms like IndiGo to defraud citizens. You can’t argue with the cheats as they have answers to every question you throw at them. The only way to smell a rat is when someone asks you for money before delivering the product or service. Stay away from such people and don’t even engage with them on WhatsApp or on phone. They know every trick in the book to convince you that they are genuine and you have everything to gain.  Chethan BS, a 21-year-old resident of […] - [Crime in the IT corridor: Whitefield tops, followed by Bellandur and Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/crime-in-the-it-corridor-whitefield-tops-followed-by-bellandur-and-koramangala/): By Zahid H Javali Whitefield tops the number of crimes recorded this year in the IT corridor. This neighbourhood is followed by Bellandur, Koramangala, HSR Layout, and Electronic City in that order. Compared to the crime trend in all of 2019, the biggest difference is that Bellandur has climbed up in the rankings. Last year, it was at No 4 with 376 incidents while Whitefield topped with 538 crimes. This year, as of October 10, the difference between the top three is not much: Whitefield (245), Bellandur (220), Koramangala (210). Making up the tail are Electronic City with the least number […] - [A COVID-19 victim’s first-person account of surviving the virus](https://residentswatch.in/a-covid-19-victims-first-person-account-of-surviving-the-virus/): By Maneesh Ojha There is much unnecessary fear around the Coronavirus. Almost 99% of people in India have recovered from it. I was one of them. The only problem is that if you have some other serious disease, your health condition can worsen.  Shared snacks with office colleague I had one advantage. I had already experienced home quarantine a month ago because of an earlier exposure (though I was not infected). Last month, I tested positive due to one of my office colleagues.  I used to take all the precautions. My only slip was I was sharing my evening snacks with […] - [Watch a film for Rs 99 at the city's multiplexes](https://residentswatch.in/safety-measures-and-welcome-offers-at-bangalores-multiplexes/): By Qamar ZJ Shut for seven months, multiplexes across the city will open this week in Bangalore with all the safety precautions mandated by the central government. There are offers to win back the theatre-going audience as well. All tickets will now be priced at Rs 99 at most single screens and multiplexes on week days. On weekends, it will be Rs 150 on weekends and Rs 99 for the morning shows at Gopalan Cinemas. Cinepolis is charging Rs 110 while Fun Cinemas is offering them for Rs 90. Some single screens like Veerabhadreshwara theatre are selling regional movie tickets for […] - [COVID-19: IISc’s free ‘workplace readiness indicator’ attracts overseas attention](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-iiscs-free-workplace-readiness-indicator-attracts-global-attention/): By Qamar ZJ Last month, we wrote about the free ‘workplace readiness’ tool released by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The latest is that this nifty resource to measure a firm’s COVID-19 preparedness has attracted attention from overseas. “We were contacted by a company in South Africa that wanted to make use of our open-source code for customising the tool for their context, and their provincial government was considering to deploy it,” says Dr Preetam Patil, Centre for Networked Intelligence, Indian Institute of Science. “Another developer from Nagaland informed us that he had drawn ideas from our tool to develop […] - [The ORR-Metro becoming a reality despite Centre's delay](https://residentswatch.in/the-orr-metro-becoming-a-reality-despite-centres-delay/): By Nirmala G Despite the Centre’s inordinate delay over the ORR-Metro line, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa permitted the opening of the bids for the ORR Metro line yesterday (Oct 13). This is a crucial development as cries are getting more hoarse about Bangalore lacking a proper public transportation system. Their concerns are understandable as this Metro project by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) was announced in 2016. However, Metro sources contend that the project will be cleared soon as every eventuality is being looked into for a speedy resolution. Afcons & Shankaranarayana beat the likes of L&T and […] - [Safety survey: What’s your view on bus priority and cycle lanes?](https://residentswatch.in/safety-survey-whats-your-view-on-bus-priority-and-cycle-lane/): By Qamar ZJ The bus priority and cycle lanes coming on the Outer Ring Road linking KR Puram and Silk Board are inviting mixed reactions from citizens. Now, the transport agencies are conducting a safety survey to understand your pain points as a resident, bus user, or cyclist. If you use this stretch and have many things to share, you can take the survey right here. Besides, the agencies are looking for volunteers who can do in-person surveys of the underprivileged (livelihood cyclists) in their neighbourhoods who use cycles as their primary means of transport. The idea is to understand their […] - ['The Ugly Indian' transforms Bangalore again!](https://residentswatch.in/the-ugly-indian-transforms-bangalore-again/): By Qamar ZJ The Ugly Indian (TUI), an anonymous group of citizens are transforming Bangalore’s open spaces for many years now with ‘spot fixing’. The last one month was no exception. And everytime, the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures bring a smile to our faces and imbue a feeling of hope. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) deserves all the credit for using the low-cost services of this group to beautify the city’s dirtiest spots with volunteers and its pourakarmikas. The latest cleanup and beautification happened in Koramangala opposite the main Passport office. According to TUI, “This has been one of the […] - [World Mental Health Day: How can you tackle depression?](https://residentswatch.in/what-is-driving-hsr-residents-into-depression/): By Qamar ZJ Interpersonal relationships, bad childhood and stress at work are driving some Bangalore residents into ‘clinical depression’. Today (Oct 10) is World Mental Health Day. When we spoke to counsellor Sindhushri of Aware Mental Health in HSR Layout, she said that ‘psycho therapy’ can help extremely-stressed individuals as the sessions process the hurts and regrets that come about while exploring these conditions indepth. “This technique will help them learn how to handle difficult thoughts and feelings,” she says. But when do you know that you need help? “When your depressed thoughts persist for more than 2-3 weeks and affect […] - [One of Bangalore's finer eco-friendly homes is in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/bhoomi/): Mr & Mrs Krishnamurthy's eco-friendly house in Sector 6 deserves to be emulated across HSR Layout. - [HSR Layout, Chikpete and Sarvajna Nagar top ‘waste segregation’ ranking in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-chikpete-and-sarvajna-nagar-top-waste-segregation-ranking-in-bangalore/): By Qamar ZJ The residents of HSR Layout, Chikpete, Sarvajna Nagar, and Hongasandra do the most waste segregation, according to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). These neighbourhoods were followed by Malleswaram and Gandhinagar. All these wards are the cleanest compared to the rest of them in the city. What has helped in all these regions, particularly HSR Layout, are the proactive residents themselves, their garbage supervisors, and BBMP health inspector. When the contractors, BBMP officials and the resident groups work together, much change can happen, and HSR Layout has shown the way.  At the zonal level, the residents of Bommanahalli, […] - [Suburban rail first, ORR-Airport Metro next, say citizens](https://residentswatch.in/suburban-rail-first-orr-airport-metro-next-say-citizens/): By Qamar ZJ As the Centre is citing reasons of feasibility about the Rs 14,844 crore ORR-Airport Metro project, some residents are asking the government to give more priority to improving public bus transport and introduce suburban rail. Bangalore Environment Trust, Praja-RAAG and Citizens for Citizens wrote a joint letter to the Centre justifying their demand by saying that the IT firms along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) are going to have fewer people coming to offices even after COVID-19. You can read their detailed justification here. One such sentence reads: “We strongly feel that more than Metro, what Bengaluru needs […] - [Apartments, businesses & individuals using oximeters to prevent COVID-19 spread](https://residentswatch.in/apartments-businesses-individuals-using-oximeters-to-prevent-covid-19-spread/): By Zahid H Javali With COVID-19 crippling businesses and compelling people to stay indoors, some individuals and businesses are using oximeters as an additional safeguard against COVID-19. They are using the handy device that costs under Rs 1000 to screen their guests, employees, and patrons. While this gadget does not promise guaranteed prevention, as not all COVID-19 patients experience a drop in their oxygen levels, this is still a handy tool to contain the spread from asymptomatic patients. However, many apartment complexes are not using oximeters because it does not offer ‘contactless’ screening, the way thermal checks happen.  Oximeter’s predominance Besides […] - [Do you know how much money was "spent" in your ward? This website has the details](https://residentswatch.in/do-you-know-how-much-was-spent-in-your-ward-this-website-has-all-the-details/): By Qamar ZJ The Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party (BNP) has taken pains to dig out all the data relevant to all the wards in Bengaluru. Did you know that 47% of the money has gone to one vendor without the necessary tendering in the city? Did you know the percentage of such funds in your ward? Their website can help you find details specific to your ward.     We looked at some of the areas in Bengaluru that Residents Watch primarily covers to give you an idea. Did you know that the Hoysalanagar ward which includes major parts of Indiranagar has the highest […] - [Cycle Lane coming up on ORR Service Road, but doubts remain..](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-lane-coming-up-on-orr-service-road-but-doubts-remain/): By Qamar ZJ The work on the pop-up bicycle lane project that began last month with road-milling work is now seeing some visible improvements, such as a actual lane coming up on the service road adjacent to the Outer Ring Road in KR Puram. While the cyclists are thrilled by this development, they have some concerns that the authorities need to address for the long-term sustainability of the project. A cycle lane has come up near Lowry Memorial College in KR Puram. With bollards all the way, cyclists are wondering how the green band and cycle drawing for the lane will […] - [The HSR Cyclists Group completes six glorious years!](https://residentswatch.in/the-hsr-cyclists-group/): HSR is the only locality to have three major commercial cycle rental service providers operating at the same time, and they have recorded over 2000 trips on weekends. - [8 anti-litter night squads to penalise garbage dumpers and enforce masking and social distancing](https://residentswatch.in/8-anti-litter-night-squads-to-penalise-garbage-dumpers-and-enforce-masking-and-social-distancing/): By Qamar ZJ The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched eight night patrol vehicles, each equipped with five marshals to patrol the nights across Bengaluru. Their job is to impose spot fines on people found dumping garbage in public spaces, and storm water drains. Besides, they will also make sure people are wearing masks and maintaining a social distance in open spaces. Importantly, they are also empowered to seize the unauthorised carrying and disposal of garbage, particularly biomedical waste and meat and poultry debris. “Each vehicle is fitted with mikes and will also carry tools for emergency response,” says N […] - [Bus Priority Lane on Outer Ring Road: Citizens raise several concerns](https://residentswatch.in/bus-priority-lane-on-outer-ring-road-citizens-raise-several-concerns/): By Qamar ZJ The Bus Priority Lane (BPL) that was put on trial in November last year is being formally launched later this month from Lowry Memorial College to Central Silk Board. However, users on social media have pointed out several flaws in the scheme’s planning and implementation. Some residents call it an ill-thought, stop-gap PR stunt until the 56-km ORR-Airport line of the Metro comes up to ferry people between the airport and Silk Board. We highlight some of the most valid arguments against this lane to give you a ringside view of people’s complaints, suggestions, and pain points. NOT […] - [India's first driverless concept car debut pushed to March 2021 due to COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/indias-first-driverless-car-could-come-from-bengaluru/): By Qamar ZJ If all had gone well, India’s first driverless concept car would have been ready by May this year. However, COVID-19 happened, and the debut is now postponed to March 2021. It is an ambitious project by Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science and Wipro as the Indian conditions are quite different from European countries. Besides stray animals getting in the way, the pedestrians and vehicle users themselves don’t follow lane discipline. The volume of traffic and the rash driving is another aspect that needs to be explored for a driverless vehicle as it needs to have eyes all around […] - [IISc scientists develop nano fiber based masks & portable electrosprays as more effective and environment-friendly alternatives](https://residentswatch.in/iisc-scientists-develop-nano-fiber-based-masks-portable-electrosprays-as-more-effective-and-environment-friendly-alternatives/): By Zahid H Javali Prof. Sai Siva Gorthi, Dr Vikram S and Kumari Sonu have developed PPE masks coated with low-cost, biodegradable, nano compounds to repel microbes that can act as potential preventive material during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the readily-available nano technology, the three-member team at the Indian Institute of Science has achieved a antimicrobial efficiency of upto 99.9% with their nano-fiber mats, according to the lab at Central University of Tamil Nadu. This IISc invention is going to be mass-produced by ShanMukha Innovations, an IISc-incubated startup. Nano masks of varying sizes, including children, will soon be out in two […] - [Want to set up a rooftop farm or buy veggies within minutes of harvest? This IISc startup shows the way...](https://residentswatch.in/rent-your-rooftops-for-farming-and-make-money/): By Zahid H Javali By 2023, Bangalore could well become a city of 1000 farms. The brainchild of Woolly Farms, a social enterprise incubated at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, it is headquartered in HSR Layout. The initiative that began as a Business to Business venture, moved to serving consumers from June 2020 due to the pandemic. Woolly’s green strides received fresh impetus in July 2020 when Spar supermarket aligned with them to set up a 5000 sq. ft. rooftop farm on the 6th floor of their headquarters in Bangalore. Earlier, the startup was paying rent to those who allowed […] - [How a content marketing agency can turbo charge your business](https://residentswatch.in/how-a-content-marketing-agency-can-turbo-charge-your-business/): What is content marketing? What does a content agency do? Know all about Write Wing Media, the firm that publishes Residents Watch. Just watch this short video presentation to understand everything there is to know about turbo charging your businesses, both online and offline. - [COVID-19 affected veteran activist wants RTI cells to reopen at BDA & BBMP!](https://residentswatch.in/veteran-activist-wants-the-rti-cells-to-be-reopened-at-bda-bbmp/): By Zahid H Javali Ever since the Right to Information (RTI) cell shut down at the BBMP and BDA headquarters in 2017, RTI activists are rooting for its return. One such prominent person is COVID-19 affected Ravindra Nath Guru, a 76-year-old who is filing RTIs for the last 15 years. “COVID-19 has put a halt to my efforts,” he says. “Many activists are disillusioned by the state of affairs today, but we will not stop demanding what is right. We are petitioning all the authorities concerned to revive the RTI cells in BBMP and BDA. The BBMP legal cell is an […] - [Beware of 'mobile tower' scams](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-mobile-tower-scams/): By Qamar ZJ Despite a public notice three years ago by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the mobile tower scams are still quite common across India. Therefore, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has again begun an SMS campaign to educate people that either the DoT or the TRAI does not give a ‘no objection certificate’ (NOC) for the leasing of premises to install mobile towers. The CyberCrime cell of Bangalore has also issued an advisory on social media this month to highlight the fraud. But what is the scam, really? Well, some companies, agencies or individuals, send WhatsApp messages, text […] - [Is your workplace ready for COVID-19? This IISc tool will help you!](https://residentswatch.in/is-your-workplace-ready-for-covid-19-this-iisc-tool-will-help-you/): By Qamar ZJ While a number of white collar jobs are working with skeletal staff due to COVID-19, the manufacturing sector is using fewer employees to drive its business. It is here that this sector needs the ‘workplace readiness tool’ developed by the Centre for Networked Intelligence, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority. Although this handy online website was launched in June this year, everybody we spoke to were unaware of its existence. As COVID-19 is still a looming threat to many businesses, the organisations would do well to use this free utility and ensure […] - [SHOCKING: No takers for India’s first mobile testing lab for COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-no-takers-for-indias-first-mobile-testing-lab-for-covid-19/): By Zahid H Javali While a three-van setup was given by IISc-incubated firm ShanMukha Innovations to the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) in August, there is no demand for more units. While various state governments are giving a letter of intent to take care of the operational costs that are about Rs 5 lakh a month and Rs 2000 per test, there are no takers for the capital cost of Rs 2 crore. Similarly, while some corporates have shown interest under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, they are pushing back due to the cash-flow issues. Even the automobile […] - [How to segregate your domestic waste and avoid being fined](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-segregate-your-domestic-waste-and-avoid-being-fined/): By Qamar ZJ The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) made garbage segregation mandatory in 2017. However, visitors to the city are unaware of the rules, leading to largescale violations. This has prompted the BBMP garbage contractors to publicise the three types of waste segregation required by law. If you don’t follow the guidelines, you could be fined by up to Rs 25000. There are also plans to increase the fine amount to deter repeat offenders. As the waste segregation in the city stands at 40%, last week, the BBMP began a pilot project in Govindrajnagar where waste will be segregated at […] - [BMTC buses on ORR carry your bikes too; cyclists thrilled](https://residentswatch.in/bmtc-buses-now-carry-your-bikes-as-well-cyclists-thrilled/): By Qamar ZJ BMTC is one government organization in Bengaluru that is always trying out new things. While some measures might appear way ahead of their time, the effort is laudable. Take the idea of carrying cycles on buses on an external rig under the windshield. Nine years ago, some Volvo buses had this facility, but the idea did not work for lack of takers. Today, the number of cyclists has gone up, and BMTC re-introduced this concept in August 2020 on 100 non-air conditioned buses along the Outer Ring Road. If successful, it will be applied elsewhere too, and perhaps […] - [COVID-19: How garbage is collected from quarantined homes in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-how-garbage-is-picked-from-quarantined-homes-in-bengaluru/): By Qamar ZJ When COVID-19 began, all the houses within 100 metres of the quarantined home were being disinfected. Besides, barricades were placed on both sides of the road to indicate the containment zone. However, 45 days ago, this procedure was modified. There are no more barricades. Only the house that is under home quarantine is disinfected by specially deputed people wearing Personal Protective Equipment. How garbage is picked up from quarantined homes The garbage supervisor gets a daily list of people under home quarantine. Those homes are given two biobags by the waste collectors, and such garbage is collected once […] - [Bengaluru malls continue to record low footfall despite precautions & concessions](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-malls-continue-to-record-low-footfall-despite-precautions-concessions/): By Ritika Srivatsan Although it is over three months since the government allowed the malls to reopen, they still lie deserted and silent, despite taking adequate precautions and offering concessions, such as a lower parking fee. Disinfection tunnels, clockwise walking paths and cheaper parking Malls and specifically, stores and restaurants inside them, are great places for COVID-19 transmission. As they’re indoors and air-conditioned, such crowded spaces can quickly contaminate one with the virus. Therefore, not many are willing to take the risk. However, malls in Bengaluru have upped their game to combat coronavirus and are taking extra precautions to ramp up […] - [COVID-19 and beyond: One frontline warrior reveals all about medicare](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-and-beyond-one-frontline-warrior-reveals-all-for-a-healthy-life/): By Zahid H Javali Dr Oliver E Rodrigues is a frontline warrior for the underprivileged in Bangalore. After graduating in medicine (MBBS) from St John’s Medical College, Bangalore, he completed his post graduation in family medicine from CMC, Vellore. He has been in rural private practice since 2006. Besides, he takes care of patients in orphanages and homes for the elderly. When he’s not prescribing medicines both online and at his Bellandur facility (Scorpion Clinic), he is seen dancing, listening to music, reading books, and gaming on his playstation. Being a general practitioner, he gets more patients than the specialists. To […] - [E-learning: How Some Bengaluru Teachers Are Grinning and Bearing it!](https://residentswatch.in/e-learning-how-bengaluru-teachers-are-grinning-and-bearing-it/): By Ritika Srivatsan E-learning has impacted not only students as we have reported earlier but also teachers who are adapting to the learning curve. In March, many thought of online learning as temporary. However, after nearly seven months of remote lessons, e-learning is here to stay, and so are its implications. Teachers feel this year would create an attainment gap unlike no other as each student’s ability to learn depends on various uncontrollable factors. A Rocky Road A normal academic year for teachers would consist of them interacting with students in person, disciplining them in hallways and using different techniques to […] - [Beware of the WhatsApp chain link scam](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-the-whatsapp-chain-link-scam/): By Zahid H Javali Beware of the WhatsApp chain link scam. It appears to be a helpful message of how you can win money, gifts, and rewards for just clicking on a link. However, when you do that, what really happens is a game of data harvesting, and generating traffic to a website that does not have any content, except these fraudulent offers. You can see similar offers being made through text messages, and on Facebook as well. Sometimes, these tactics are also used to install spyware, malware, and adware on your mobile phones, laptops, and desktops. Therefore, if you find […] - [HSR Layout residents haven't got a road in 9 months!](https://residentswatch.in/9-months-and-counting-hsr-layout-residents-have-still-not-got-a-motorable-road/): By Zahid H Javali In January, BWSSB dug open 15th B Main Road, Sector 3, HSR Layout, to lay sewage lines. Later, BBMP widened the storm water drain. And then, COVID-19 happened, followed by the rains. Besides, the coordination issues between BWSSB and BBMP led to more delay. The residents suffered the most, as they had to struggle for water and transportation. The inconvenience that began nine months has still not ended. Wake up BWSSB and BBMP? The sun rose long ago. - [Lockdown adoptions: Hamsters spin the wheel!](https://residentswatch.in/lockdown-adoptions-hamsters-spin-the-wheel/): By Qamar ZJ During COVID-19, pet owners have risen in number. And hamsters are proving to be particularly popular as they are low-maintenance and can take care of themselves in their all-purpose cage with a spinning wheel for company. This particular video of a hamster on his own treadmill of sorts will win many hearts. Happy viewing! - [How to preserve car battery and prevent starting trouble during COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-preserve-car-battery-and-prevent-starting-trouble/): By Zahid H Javali Lockdowns, road and footpath works in residential areas, and long relocations and vacations can drain your car’s battery. The problem can be to such an extent that you cannot start your car the next day. What do you do to prevent draining your vehicle’s battery? The short answer is in this video as it cannot be explained and only shown. If you don’t follow this simple tip, you might have to spend atleast Rs 650 to get the guys from the car breakdown service to help you jumpstart the car with jumper cables or an alternator. However, […] - [E-learning: How some students are finding it tough in Bengaluru!](https://residentswatch.in/e-learning-how-some-students-are-finding-it-tough-in-bengaluru/): By Ritika Srivatsan Online classes are wreaking havoc on the lives of some students, impacting mental health, grades and future options. Many fear this year will significantly affect the rest of their lives and continue to haunt them long after the pandemic is over. The United States was one of the first countries to reopen schools in specific districts. This exercise was a clear indicator why it was a recipe for disaster.  A report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that 5,13,415 students across the country were diagnosed with COVID-19 since schools reopened. Regardless of guidelines enforcing social distancing, mandatory […] - [SPOT CHECK: A Metro Ride After Reopening](https://residentswatch.in/spot-check-a-metro-ride-after-reopening/): Stations taking great precaution, but negligible footfall By Ritika Srivatsan Namma Metro has now begun operating both Purple (Baiyyappanahalli-Mysore Road) and Green lines after a five-month hiatus. The Nagasandra-Yelachenahalli (Green line) stretch became functional yesterday; joining its counterpart which began working three days ago. Increased security, handsfree thermal screening and smartcards Security staff donning personal protective equipment (PPE) were stationed in particularly high numbers near the entrance and the platforms. To promote easy commute, citizens are required to wear masks, maintain social distance, have the Aarogya Setu app and their Metro Smartcards in hand. At the entrance, the temperatures are checked […] - [MedPlus in the dock: Package shows with respirator; mask delivered without valve](https://residentswatch.in/medplus-in-the-dock-package-shows-with-respirator-mask-delivered-without-valve/): By Zahid H Javali MedPlus is at it again. After we broke the story about how fake N95 masks are being sold by the Hyderabad-based online pharmacy chain, there is some visible change. Now, instead of a non-branded packaging of masks in an open and transparent plastic cover, they are sending the masks in a sealed branded packaging which shows that the mask meets all the specifications. However, there is a twist. While we ordered a KN95 mask without valve, the package showed one with the valve. We were pleasantly surprised. But the real scam was inside the packaging. Instead of […] - [No sports stadium, will improve existing playground: BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/no-sports-stadium-will-improve-existing-playground-bbmp/): By Qamar ZJ Call it a PR disaster or blame the over-enthusiastic architects who drafted a grand plan for a multi-purpose sports stadium in HSR Layout, but BBMP is now retracing its steps. It is no longer calling it a stadium with focus on cricket, but an open playground that will be improved at a cost of Rs 20 crore in the first phase, and an additional Rs 20 crore in the second phase. After a few rounds of discussions with the residents, the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association has discussed the matter with BBMP Joint Commissioner (Bomannahalli) M […] - [COVID-19: Experts recommend alternative medicine to boost your immunity](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-experts-recommend-alternative-medicine-to-boost-your-immunity/): By Ritika Srivatsan Since there is no vaccine available yet to prevent COVID-19, experts have stressed on the importance of acquiring better immunity. Therefore, alternative and natural immunity-boosting therapies, such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Reiki, are becoming increasingly popular. Alternative practitioners advocate that drinking herbal concoctions elevate a person’s immunity. They add that fumigating homes with herbs may also be an effective method of disinfection. Ayurveda and COVID-19 Ayurveda is a form of alternative medicine which originated in India about 5000 years ago. It places great emphasis on prevention rather than cure and encourages one to maintain a healthy balance between […] - [Police auctions abandoned vehicles; onlookers violate social distancing norms](https://residentswatch.in/police-auctions-abandoned-vehicles-onlookers-violate-social-distancing-norms/): By Ritika Srivatsan On September 6, huge crowds gathered for hours on 27th Main, near HSR Layout Police Station to participate in the much-anticipated two-wheeler auction. While the police took the bids for the abandoned vehicles, the teeming onlookers violated social distancing norms, and risked everybody. The police were unable to manage despite being present in significant numbers. The auction took place at HSR’s busiest street, filled with commercial stores and restaurants. Therefore, it was essential for the police force to plan ahead of time and map out various situations because an event like this, is bound to attract people, even […] - [COVID-19: Bengaluru’s air pollution is rising steadily, post-lockdown](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-bengalurus-air-pollution-is-rising-steadily-post-lockdown/): By Qamar ZJ The pollution loads, be it Particulate Matter 2.5 or PM 10, are steadily rising in August and September compared to the relatively healthier readings in April and May. This result is uniform across all the areas where the air pollution is being monitored in the city. While some areas suffer from PM10, others are largely PM2.5. While the pandemic began around November in China, it only became a serious issue in India in March. The pre-Covid and post-Covid scene has resulted in a steady rise in air pollution, according to statistics from the Central Pollution Control Board. This […] - [A pet sitter for all in the time of pandemic](https://residentswatch.in/a-pet-sitter-for-all/): Sammy's Nest plays host to every variety of pets, barring dogs. - ['Moral policing' in Agara Lake, actress Samyuktha Hegde protests](https://residentswatch.in/moral-policing-in-agara-lake-actress-samyuktha-hegde-protests/): By Qamar ZJ On Friday evening, actress Samyuktha Hegde was stopped from doing her usual fitness exercises and flowing the hoops at Agara Lake. She was accused of obscenity for wearing a sports bra and practising hoola hoops. In the fracas that followed, one person threatened her, and park caretaker Kavitha Reddy called her three-member group to stop the ‘cabaret dancing’. According to Hegde’s Instagram post, “In one of the videos, you can see Kavitha Reddy charging at my friend and attempting to hit her. When we were waiting for the police to arrive, some people in the park who knew […] - [Sports Stadium Controversy: How Goons Subverted the Civic Agenda](https://residentswatch.in/sports-stadium-controversy-how-goons-subverted-the-civic-agenda/): By Kavitha Reddy The BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout being turned into a Rs 140-crore high tech multi-purpose sports stadium with focus on cricket has irked many citizens. Before consulting the residents, the BBMP called for tenders in February 2020. When the inhabitants got to know of it, the Federation of HSR Layout Resident Welfare Associations convened a meeting on August 27 where the residents vociferously slammed the authorities for such a move. After the August 27 meeting of HSR Layout residents, a few members of the Federation of HSR Layout Resident Welfare Associations met local MLA Sathish Reddy who asked […] - [Amazon sellers are bribing users for 'five star' reviews](https://residentswatch.in/amazon-sellers-are-bribing-users-for-five-star-reviews/): By Zahid H Javali Amazon sellers are giving discounts, and extended warranties to buy ‘five star’ reviews on the ecommerce site. Therefore, not all products which have hundreds and thousands of ‘five star’ reviews could be genuine. The customers are advised to go through the comments, ask their friend circles, and do some due diligence before making their purchases. Claims of fake products, wrong quantity, or damaged products are also quite prominent. However, such claims can be resolved by the Amazon customer care. However, despite media reports in the US, the website has done little to prevent such nefarous vendor practices. […] - [Why HSR Layout residents don't want a sports stadium](https://residentswatch.in/why-hsr-layout-residents-dont-want-a-sports-stadium/): By Zahid H Javali There is intense discussion among HSR Layout residents on why a multi-purpose sports stadium on the BBMP Grounds in Sector 2 would be an unmitigated disaster for the residents. With the Karnataka chief minister scheduled to lay the foundation stone for this 140-crore project sometime this week, the residents want him to stop this project from taking off before it’s too late. Instead, they would want the same money to be spent in beautifying and maintaining it, perhaps with a small auditorium and library, a functioning jogging/walking track, and a citizen monitoring committee that ensures that there […] - [HSR Layout residents opposed to sports stadium planned in the vicinity](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-opposed-to-sports-stadium-planned-in-the-vicinity/): By Ritika Srivatsan A bid to convert the 7.18-acre BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout into a full-fledged multi-purpose stadium, with accent on cricket, has drawn flak from residents. In a meeting held on 27th August 2020, representatives from various Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) in HSR in addition to members of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Associations largely opposed the proposed construction in the lung space of the neighbourhood. The past record of BBMP is another reason for the major disconnect between the wants of the residential needs, and the commercial aspect of this upcoming facility.  A disagreeable past This […] - [Bengaluru Citizen Dashboard to empower people with data on governance](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-citizen-dashboard-to-empower-citizens-with-critical-data-on-governance-and-civic-amenities/): By Ritika Srivatsan Bengaluru Political Action Committee (B.PAC) a non-partisan group which aims to improve governance in the city, has launched the “Bengaluru Citizen Dashboard”. It is an online portal with information on ward governance, government services, elected representatives, public administration and civic amenities. The aim is to encourage data transparency, accountability in local governance and make critical data accessible to every citizen. The website is user-friendly with clear text and colourful pages. An individual can choose to know more about the eight Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike zones by simply clicking on the relevant link. This leads to a page showcasing […] - [COVID-19: Diary of a social worker and adventurer](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-diary-of-a-social-worker-and-adventurer/): By Kavitha Reddy Thanks to COVID-19, life has come to a standstill since March 15. Fortunately, the last event of Kaagaz Foundation was the Women’s Day Run and it was indeed the last ‘running’ event since March 8 in Bengaluru. For over 47 days, beginning with March 28,, the non-profit organization run by me and my team has worked extensively to provide relief to migrant workers and people in need of help. We have supplied over 58,861 food packets, 2450 ration kits accounting to 34300 kilos, over 3800 masks, 50 litres of sanitizers across Varthur, Agara, Singasandra, Arekere, Kudlu, HSR Layout, […] - [COVID-19: Pet owners rise in number, and so do abandoned pets!](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-pet-owners-rise-in-number-and-so-do-abandoned-pets/): By Ritika Srivatsan COVID-19 is proving to be a gamechanger for pet adoption. Ever since the pandemic reared its ugly head, there’s a spike in new pet parents. Vets are not available on video calls as they are completely occupied with physical visits by patients. There are long queues at pet clinics, which is unlike the pre-COVID era. However, the downside is also true. There are several cases across Bangalore where many new pet owners are abandoning the pets when they realise that it’s hard to maintain them, particularly dogs. Therefore, cats and hamsters have become popular alternatives as they are […] - [COVID-19: House helps facing troubled times](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-maids-facing-troubled-times/): By Ritika Srivatsan Everyone is affected by the coronavirus, but the most impacted are the underprivileged, such as house helps. They blame the government and the BBMP for the mess. Some are living hand-to-mouth, while others are thankful to their employers for paying them even when they are unemployable. The other house helps are unhappy with firms who did not pay their husbands due to the pandemic. ‘The government ration is not enough’ Mahadevamma M, a 50-year-old maid who works at a 500-flat apartment complex in HSR Layout says she and her family have lost their only means to earn. “I […] - [HSR Layout: Move around in feeder buses relaunched today!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-move-around-in-feeder-buses/): The BMTC relaunched the feeder bus service on Feb 3, 2020 in HSR Layout. While the routemap is still being finetuned and finalised, the residents have welcomed the idea as they will not have to depend on private vehicles or autos for travelling within the neighbourhood. The buses will shuttle between 24th Main in Sector 1 and 5th Main in Sector 6. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS LAUNCHED In the quaint year of 2015, amidst the mirth and gaiety of the Open Streets event, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) extended its gracious hand to the residents of HSR Layout, offering […] - [MedPlus misleading buyers with 'fake' N95 masks!](https://residentswatch.in/medplus-misleading-buyers-with-fake-n95-masks/): By Qamar ZJ MedPlus, the 14-year-old pharmacy chain from Hyderabad with branches across India, is found to be misleading its customers. By labelling their product as ‘N95 mask’, they are selling non-branded, non-certified face masks which don’t have the valves or the filtration capacity of an N95 mask which promise greater protection to the wearer due to their fit and air sealing capability. Therefore, not only are they trying to sell N95 masks for just Rs 95, but also indulging in what appears to be ‘fake’ masks to boot. The purported N95 we received had no branded packaging or any logo […] - [Experiences of a COVID-19 Patient in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/experiences-of-a-covid-19-patient-in-bangalore/): By Ritika Srivatsan What does it mean to be COVID-19 positive? Ananda Theertha learned it the hard way. The 54-year-old resident of Rajarajeshwari Nagar in north Bengaluru suffered some turbulent times when a medical emergency unrelated to COVID resulted in his father-in-law being hospitalised on two occasions. When his father-in-law was discharged after his second tenure at the hospital, Theertha, his wife and sister-in-law developed COVID-19 symptoms, such as sore throat, fever and body ache. While they self-medicated and felt better, Theertha’s father-in-law developed breathing problems. He underwent two COVID-19 tests. While the rapid test was negative, the swab test showed […] - [All the latest, verified information you need if you suspect COVID-19...](https://residentswatch.in/all-the-latest-verified-information-you-need-if-you-suspect-covid-19/): By Ritika Srivatsan With over 26,000 active cases and 7000 active containment zones, Bengaluru has become a prominent COVID-19 hotspot. To curb the spike, the city went under lockdown for a second time from 15th July but inevitably, the number of cases will only increase after the ban is lifted. While there are various vaccine trials underway, there is currently no cure for COVID-19. So, what do you do in times of a COVID-19 scare? Who should you call and where should you go? The Karnataka government and Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued certain guidelines which are to be […] - [COVID-19: Are supermarkets hygiene-friendly? We did a spot check...](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-are-supermarkets-hygiene-friendly-we-did-a-spot-check/): By Ritika Srivatsan According to the latest update by the BBMP Covid-19 WarRoom, there are currently 18,387 active cases and 4076 containment zones in the city. In such stressful times, what are the supermarkets doing? Are they truly following the guidelines set by the BBMP? What precautions are they taking? But first, what do the rules state? GUIDELINES FOR SUPERMARKETS The BBMP last issued specific guidelines to marts on March 16 2020, which stated the following: Time-bound sales promotion offers are strictly prohibited as these have the potential of drawing large crowds. Restricted token system was suggested to reduce overcrowding. Alcohol-based […] - [Nandini cow milk adulteration test: The results will surprise you!](https://residentswatch.in/nandini-cow-milk-adulteration-test-the-results-will-surprise-you/): We decided to test the most popular green packet of Nandini cow milk for adulteration on four counts: MG-2, Urea, Starch, and Detergent. These are the most commonly found pollutants in milk. The results will surprise you. Watch the video to find out.   - [Covid-19 relief: List of organisations lending a helping hand. You can do your bit!](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-relief-list-of-organisations-lending-a-helping-hand-you-can-do-your-bit/): As the United Nations revealed today that the global hunger could double due to COVID-19 impact, we have innumerable private firms, NGOs, religious organisations, and individuals doing their bit in the last one month since the March 24 lockdown. The early days of the nationwide shutdown was fraught with uncertainty and chaos, prompting the Karnataka High Court to doubt the BBMP’s claim of feeding the homeless and the migrant labourers, and asked the state government to intervene. Last week, the government set up Sankalpa, a website that every donor, organisation, and volunteer can visit and register themselves for joining hands in […] - [BBMP pushing all shops to door deliver groceries across Bangalore through single helpline](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-pushing-all-shops-to-door-deliver-groceries-across-bangalore-through-single-helpline/): To contain the spread of coronavirus, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is pushing all shops to door deliver groceries to their patrons. They are required to register themselves for providing such services through the Covid-19 helpline number launched by the civic body. The idea is to centralise all services and ensure that no resident is deprived of door delivery, and keep a check on areas that are still left out of such service, so special arrangements can be made. When we called them if they are delivering to HSR Layout (where our home office is based), the helpline official said […] - [Covid-19 update: BBMP is sanitising the streets & delivering groceries to your door](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-update-bbmp-is-sanitising-the-streets-delivering-groceries-to-your-door/): BBMP has been sanitising the streets for the last two weeks in phases. They targetted the hotspots and main roads first, before venturing into cross roads. They began with drones spraying sodium hypochlorite, and now BBMP workers are also going round on vehicles and as backpack sprayers to disinfected the footpaths. Not all areas of Bangalore are covered yet as several residents have complained that they have not seen any such activity in their areas. Health camps are also being conducted for BBMP workers, the frontline people who are at a greater risk of catching the infection due to improperly disposed […] - [Lockdown 1.0 Roundup: Self Service and Serving Others!](https://residentswatch.in/lockdown-1-0-self-service-and-serving-others/):   In the time of Corona, trends are a fascinating feature that define society. Here is what is happening in Bangalore ever since the lockdown three weeks ago. There are lessons to be learnt, and future alignments to be made. Above all, compassion and secularism is something we should all practice for a better future. STAY HOME, STAY SAFE The persons who are most at risk are all the essential service providers, including the transporters, medical professionals, and the civic and police officials. To thank the cops and other civic authorities like Bescom, BBMP and BWSSB for doing yeoman’s service, some […] - [Coronavirus Impact: The Ultimate List of Freebies You Can Use From Home (Updated)](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19/): COVID-19 aka coronavirus has shutdown offices, so people are working, playing and studying at home. To help them with this, several firms are offering their paid services and products for free until the world is rid of the virus. We spent the better part of a day scouring the Internet to bring you the best that the world has to offer in terms of games, productivity apps and tools, educative courses, and so on. Without further ado, here they go. Make the most of them. And don’t forget to forward this to anyone you feel could make the perfect use of […] - [Crime in the time of Coronavirus: Fake masks, sanitisers, and forehead thermometers](https://residentswatch.in/crime-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-fake-masks-sanitisers-forehead-thermometers-and-online-poker/): While the cops are busy enforcing curfew and feeding the poor, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) is engaged in weeding out fake products in the city. From fake sanitisers, masks and forehead thermometers to online gamblers, the cops are busy as ever. Only yesterday, CCB seized 1500 litres of highly inflammable chemicals like Isoprophyl alcohol and Acetone that were illegally stored in Wilson Garden for making fake sanitizers. According to Joint Commissioner (crime) Sandeep Patil, these chemicals are being used due to their inflammable nature. However, he added that they are highly dangerous to be stored in residential areas without precautionary […] - [Coranavirus Impact: Vegetable marts springing up in playgrounds; we did a spot check on one of them](https://residentswatch.in/coranavirus-impact/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is giving permissions to set up vegetable marts in local playgrounds across Bangalore, so that people can practice social distancing in a much better manner. While orderly queues were reportedly noticed in several places, there were others where people were seen standing quite close to each other. However, an open playground is way better than an air-conditioned supermarket. We decided to do a spot check of one such market in HSR Layout that had opened only a few days ago at BBMP Grounds in Sector 2. Here is what we saw. As we had gone […] - [Major fire breaks out at KCDC! Took 5 hours for fire officials to douse it!](https://residentswatch.in/major-fire-breaks-out-at-kcdc/): A major fire has broken out at the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) in Kudlu, near HSR Layout. One fire engine reached the place and is dousing the flames, after a few alert residents informed them The citizens have also tweeted the authorities about their ‘right to breathe’ even during the lockdown. Eyewitness Syed Mohammed who shot the video of the fire said, “It appears to be a major fire that is taking place near the cremation grounds. There was a lot of garbage lying around in the area where the fire is taking place. There were 5-10 people standing while […] - [Walk to shop alone; thousands of vehicles being seized by cops to maintain lockdown!](https://residentswatch.in/walk-to-shop-alone-thousands-of-vehicles-being-seized-by-cops-to-maintain-lockdown/): The city police are seizing vehicles of people who are found violating prohibitory orders for “silly reasons”. Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao is directing all citizens to walk to their grocery stores rather than use two or four wheelers. So far, over 5000 two wheelers, over 300 four wheelers, and over 200 three wheelers have been confiscated for this violation. Reprimanding everyone, the top cop has announced on social media that this is no April Fool’s joke. The state government extended the lockdown from the midnight of March 31 to 12am on April 14, as the earlier order was only for a […] - [Coronavirus: Cyclists deliver groceries to the sick and the elderly in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/coronavirus-cyclists-deliver-groceries-to-senior-citizens-in-bangalore/): Avid cyclists of Bangalore are volunteering to freely serve the sick and the elderly in their areas as relief riders. Without charging for their service, they will fetch supplies for senior citizens and the ailing, be it groceries, milk or medicines. The riders will even periodically check on the aged people on the request of family members who are staying far away from them. So far, 36 riders are serving their areas spread across Bangalore. “The Bengaluru Relief Riders program is an initiative of CycleToWork ambassadors along with other interested cyclists across the city of Bengaluru under the Bicycle Mayor of […] - [Silk Board records the lowest pollution in Bangalore; Hombegowda Nagar is highest!](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-records-the-lowest-pollution-in-bangalore-hombegowda-nagar-is-highest/): Traditionally, the Central Silk Board junction on Hosur Road adjoining, HSR Layout, BTM Layout, Madiwala and Koramangala, recorded the highest air pollution in Bangalore. However, after the lockdown from March 25, this polluted cross-section has recorded the least pollution in the city at a healthy Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44, which is considered ‘good’ in plainspeak. Following on its heels is Hebbal at 49. All the other areas in Bangalore have recorded ‘moderate’ pollution levels with Hombegowda Nagar recording the highest at 64 AQI. Following it closely are Kadabesanahalli and Sanegurava Halli (both at 57 AQI), while Peenya recorded 53. […] - [Only designated staff to pick biomedical waste from quarantined homes; pollution control board issues new guidelines](https://residentswatch.in/only-designated-staff-to-pick-biomedical-waste-from-quarantined-homes-pollution-control-board-issues-new-guidelines/): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued new guidelines to local urban bodies on ways to handle, treat, and dispose off the biomedical waste generated during the treatment, diagnostics and quarantine of COVID-19 patients. It has mandated that only qualified personnel should pick up garbage from quarantined homes. Currently, much of the garbage today is being collected by the waste pickers without much precaution. In many areas, they don’t even use gloves and masks. Only after some residents pointed out this anomaly did a few garbage supervisors provide the garbage collectors with gloves and masks. As this comes under biomedical […] - [Want to know if you have Coronavirus? These online tests should help!](https://residentswatch.in/want-to-know-if-you-have-coronavirus-these-online-tests-should-help/): Airtel and Reliance Jio have launched separate websites to help people battle confusion and paranoia in the time of coronavirus. All you have to do is visit the two sites and answer about a dozen questions. Answer them truthfully after much introspection, and you should arrive at the results which could be any of the following: low risk, moderate risk, and high risk. The major red flags that you might suffer from the disease are the following questions: Have you or anyone you know visited any of the corona-afflicted countries? Have you been in public transport and sat in close contact […] - [Grocery supplies disrupted; long queues at shops; some residents volunteer to ensure 'social distancing'](https://residentswatch.in/grocery-supplies-disrupted-long-queues-at-shops-some-residents-volunteer-to-ensure-social-distancing/): Grocery supplies of offline and online stores are disrupted in the city. The workers were not able to reach their shops due to the curfew despite showing ID cards and wearing uniforms, and some were even lathi-charged. Others were allowed when a letter from their employees was shown. Many vans carrying essential goods were asked to go back, disrupting supplies across the city. In addition, many shops like Freshco and Heritage Milk Parlour in Somasundrapalya were forcibly shutdown by the cops. When residents questioned the officials, they replied that they had orders to close large shops. Many stores are also shut […] - [Coronavirus: Dispose off gloves, masks in sealed covers, Indira canteens to give free food to poor, BBMP's additional helpline numbers...](https://residentswatch.in/dispose-off-gloves-masks-in-sealed-covers-indira-canteens-to-give-free-food-to-poor-bbmps-additional-helpline-numbers/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has set up a command and control centre ‘war room’ to tackle the coronavirus epidemic in the city. In the first such directive from the cell, the residents are requested to dispose off masks and gloves in a sealed cover separately. In addition, cashless transactions are encouraged to reduce transmission through currencies. The BBMP is forming hundreds of teams for stamping thousands of people who came from foreign locales. So far, 25,000 people have been stamped, and counting. In addition, the government has ordered a complete lockdown of the city due to India entering stage 3 […] - [Spotted a person in public place with home quarantine stamp? Call 100](https://residentswatch.in/home-quarantine-stamp/): The Bangalore police is hunting down people violating the home quarantine rules to combat COVID-19. Such persons can be put behind bars for six months or pay a hefty fine or both. While some residents feel that the stamp could be hidden by gloves, the others recommend the Singapore model of contact tracing using GPS and bluetooth. About 5000 people have been stamped to be under house arrest for 14 days. If you spot someone moving around in a public place with the stamp on their arm (check the expiry date first), call the police on 100. Acknowledging this news, police […] - [Coronavirus news: Half the IT workforce is working from home in Bangalore; residents conduct awareness campaigns & more](https://residentswatch.in/corona-news-half-the-it-workforce-is-working-from-home-in-bangalore-residents-conduct-awareness-campaigns-more/): In an informal survey by the Whitefield Rising group, 570 people voted and the result was that as of March 14, 2020, 52.5% people were working from home. While the state government had requested the IT/BT companies to exercise the ‘work from home’ (WFH) option, the reality is that only a few sectors are able to afford this option, while the others cannot. For example, it is possible for the IT industry, but difficult for the banking and finance sector. In addition, those employees who returned from international trips have been asked to work from home for two weeks, because the […] - [Water tanker carrying hazardous chemicals seized due to alert marshalls](https://residentswatch.in/water-tanker-carrying-hazardous-chemicals-seized-due-to-alert-marshalls/): Alert marshalls did a fabulous job of getting a water tanker seized for carrying hazardous chemicals and preparing to dump it in unauthorised areas. The exercise required them to follow the water tanker on their vehicles from Kottegepalya to Yelahanka. After establishing the facts, they coordinated with the RTO officials and traffic police to nail the lorry driver. Revealing the seizure, BBMP Special Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) D Randeep said the RR Nagar RTO officials confiscated the loaded tanker and arrested the driver for trying to dump the waste in unauthorised places. An FIR is filed in RR Nagar and further […] - [Coronavirus: What You Should Do Now!](https://residentswatch.in/coronavirus-what-you-should-do-now/): Take it seriously. Don’t bother with people who say that you are simply panicking as there are no deaths in India so far, and only about 74 people are infected. The reasons the counts are less could be because it takes 14 days for the virus to show up through symptoms, and by then imagine the number of people the patient could have come in touch with. The other problem is the issue of under-reporting. If you have mild symptoms, you might think it’s the common flu and self medicate. This is the case not just in India but across the […] - [Restaurant booked for defacing public space, and other crime stories](https://residentswatch.in/restaurant-fined-for-defacing-public-space-and-other-crime-stories/): A restaurant in Indiranagar gets fined for using flex; food delivery boy loses scooter; laptop/smartphone lost due to negligence and a drug user is arrested for violating the narcotics act. - [Whitefield resident falls for QR code scam; loses Rs 43,500](https://residentswatch.in/whitefieldqrcodescam/): QR code scams have risen in Bangalore and this case in Whitefield is the latest. - [Coronavirus: Everything you need to know](https://residentswatch.in/coronavirus-everything-you-need-to-know/): With information overload, fear mongering, and much misinformation spreading across the social media channels, it is important to know about the most reliable sources of information. For example, there was news that China had approved a vaccine for coronavirus, when the truth is that there was no such news by any official source of the Chinese government. Similarly, there was widespread news about Israel discovering a vaccine that was working for birds. However, it needs to still be tested on humans, and then independent health authorities have to whet them, and later, the vaccine will be ready for commercial manufacture. This […] - [Lights out on Airport Road!](https://residentswatch.in/lights-out-on-airport-road/): This is a recurring problem on Airport Road. It is about time there is an agency dedicated to the upkeep of the lights on this important thoroughfare. Similarly, many stretches of Outer Ring Road are just as bad. One concerned citizen shot a video of this on Airport Road to highlight the gloomy scene when they were travelling from the airport and proceeding towards the city. The BBMP has promised speedy action on this. However, citizens are demanding the authorities to set a system in place where such maintenance happens without their involvement. They have also asked the officials to punish […] - [101 pillars of elevated road to airport being beautified by citizens!](https://residentswatch.in/101-pillars-of-elevated-road-to-airport-being-beautified-by-citizens/): The BBMP has teamed up with the ever-famous The Ugly Indian, an anonymous group of citizens hellbent on cleaning up the city, and Embassy Builders to beautify the 101 pillars of the elevated road between Hebbal flyover and the Bangalore Airport. It’s truly a joy to see colours on a drab, cemented structure. Here are two videos (see above) that convey the excitement of the makeover by the common citizens. Announcing the drive, BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar said in a press statement that the Embassy Group and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have come together for the exercise with […] - [Watch the demolition of a Rs 21 crore flyover in Bangalore!](https://residentswatch.in/the-demolition-of-a-rs-21-crore-flyover-in-bangalore/): The demolition of the Rs 21-crore Jayadeva flyover that began on January 20 is slowly being erased from Bangalore’s landscape. One resident documents it before it goes away completely. For more on traffic diversions due to this activity, you can click here. MA Ravinder says that the dismantling of the flyover appeared to be “too labour-intensive”. “But then… perhaps, it works out cheaper that way!” he tweeted. “A few weeks back saw 3-4 workers manually transporting steel beams and rods one at a time some distance away, stacking them, and then walking back to pick up more.” Sivaraj felt that the […] - [Cops unearth flesh racket inside a spa in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/cops-unearth-flesh-racket-inside-a-spa-in-hsr-layout/): Six women aged between 26 and 40 years were rescued after a raid at an illegal spa in HSR Layout. Announcing the news, Sandeep Patil, joint commissioner of police (crime) tweeted: “Illegal Thai spa & massage centre raided at HSR layout.. 2 accused arrested.” On a tip off, the City Crime Branch (CCB) cops raided Mik Thai Spa on 9th Main in Sector 7 headed by inspector Anjumala T Nayaka of the Women’s Protection Force. After ascertaining that they were running a prostitution racket with an official masquerading as a customer, the cops arrested the two accused, Peter Sunavar and Rajkumar. […] - [Fraudsters steal Rs 1.5 lakh from Whitefield resident's credit card; RBL Bank refunds money](https://residentswatch.in/fraudsters-steal-rs-1-5-lakh-from-whitefield-residents-credit-card-bank-refunds-money/): It’s best to transact through credit cards rather than debit cards as such instruments are insured by the bank against any kind of fraud. Thirty-year-old K Sekhar Babu of Whitefield realised this when he noticed that fraudsters had used his credit card to withdraw Rs 1.5 lakh in three equal installments, even though he hadn’t shared any OTP or CVV to anyone. When he filed an FIR and gave the police complaint copy to his bank, the financial institution conducted an internal enquiry and refunded Babu’s money. The incident occurred at around 8.30pm on November 21, 2019. He received three text […] - [Hold elevated corridor; prioritise Suburban rail, metro, UMTA: Residents](https://residentswatch.in/forget-elevated-corridor-give-suburban-rail-metro-umta-residents/): The residents are crying hoarse over the state government’s misplaced priorities. While the cash crunch is prompting the chief minister to ask every government department to cut down on expenses, the government is also mulling over introducing the Rs 27000 crore elevated corridor. The residents are against it, because they believe that during a cash crunch, the priorities should be towards a suburban rail, an extended metro, and a Unified Metropolitan Transportation Authority (UMTA) that will oversee all the navigational utilities, avoid much red tape and make public transport, much more user-friendly and impactful. The UMTA, though announced early last year […] - [Stunt rider caught on camera; residents want cops to jail such people for risking lives!](https://residentswatch.in/stunt-driver-caught-on-camera-residents-want-cops-to-jail-such-people-for-risking-lives/): When this video of a person doing wheeling on Outer Ring Road near HRBR Layout was tweeted to the city cops on February 28, 2020, the RT Nagar traffic police booked against the rider for wheeling the very next day. However, the residents want such people to be jailed and his licence cancelled. The BTM Layout residents association even wondered if Bangalore has become the “stunt capital of India?” Ganesh says, “Cancel the licence” while the others praised the cops for prompt action. One look at the traffic fines imposed by the cops on February 19, 2020 will give us an […] - [Royale Concorde school double parks on service road despite police notice; repeat offender for years!](https://residentswatch.in/royale-concorde-school-double-parks-on-service-road-despite-police-notice/): For years, the residents were complaning about the double-side parking of over 50 buses belonging to Royale Concorde International School in Kalyan Nagar. Recently, the Banaswadi police actually took action under order from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic. A notice was issued and the vehicles were removed from the road. The cops clicked pictures of the work well done on February 13, 2020. However, two days later, the school buses were back on the road, in clear violation of the law. The residents are livid and want a permanent solution to this recurring problem. They want the school to rent […] - [Fraudulent ads in media; cops take action on advertisers!](https://residentswatch.in/fraudulent-advertisements-in-media-cops-take-action/): The Central Crime Branch (CCB) is hard at work. From raiding hookah bars and prostitution joints to drug traffickers, the latest news is that it has booked one person for releasing fraudulent advertisements in the print media, and cheating them of their monies.  According to Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), people should not respond to ads like the picture above. “CCB arrested one accused from Bengal who cheated candidates by promising medical, engineering and other seats,” he says. Importantly, the cops tell us that such bogus ads were released by the accused in all the daily newspapers across India. […] - [Plans to decongest Bangalore halted since 2017; residents slam politicians](https://residentswatch.in/plans-to-decongest-bangalore-halted-since-2017-residents-slam-politicians/): A query using the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that the government of HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah, the Congress-JD(S) combine sat on a Rs 56 crore B.TRAC proposal to decongest Bangalore since 2017. While there is no word on what the BJP government is planning to decongest the city, there are sporadic announcements by the BBMP about cleanliness campaigns, beautification drives, and concretisation of roads. However, none of these plans can decongest the city’s roads. While random footpath encroachments are removed in certain pockets of the city, most are not for the long-term, and many vendors and signboards are […] - ['QR code' scam on the rise; city cops nab five people in Rajasthan!](https://residentswatch.in/qr-code-cyber-crime-on-the-rise-city-cops-nab-five-people-in-rajasthan/): The city cops have confirmed that cyber crimes, particularly QR code frauds have gone up of late. Says Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Patil: “Cheating on OLX/Quikr and other online shopping portals have increased in recent times. A special team of City Crime Branch of 12 officers camped in Rajasthan for 20 days and arrested five accused.” According to him, so far, the cops have traced 200 such cyber frauds. So what’s a QR code, you ask? Simply put, the criminals are misusing the feature of UPI financial transactions. When you try to pay by any e-wallet like Google Pay […] - [Special drive by cops to remove abandoned vehicles; residents can report now!](https://residentswatch.in/special-drive-by-cops-to-remove-abandoned-vehicles-residents-can-report-now/): The West division of traffic police has begun to remove abandoned vehicles from roads and footpaths in Bangalore. Residents can tweet with pictures to Bangalore Traffic Police about such vehicles for prompt action. Announcing the special drive, Dr Soumyalatha SK has said that if residents notice any vehicles, either junk or abandoned, they can take the pictures of such automobiles and hand it to the nearest traffic police station with their exact location. “We are on the job to locate such vehicles in all the roads and give it to BBMP,” she tweeted. “BBMP will remove these vehicles.” In Malleswaram, the […] - [Plant 1 crore trees in Bangalore; BBMP will help you!](https://residentswatch.in/plant-1-crore-trees-in-bangalore-bbmp-will-help-you/): Three organisations have come together and teamed up with BBMP to green all the areas under the municipal limits that can be used for planting trees. It’s called the ‘Green Ward Challenge’ to plant 1 crore trees in Bangalore. According to Tara Krishnaswamy, the way to greening your ward is as easy as following the five steps. “Spot any public land – even 2ft by 2ft is fine,” she says. “Make a picture and fill the form with details.” The Koti Vruksha Sainya as the group calls itself, will get the permission from the authorities and inform you. “Join the Whatsapp […] - [Silk Board Junction is jammed; residents blame wrong parking by private buses & cabs!](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-junction-is-jammed-residents-blame-wrong-parking-by-private-buses-cabs/): Watch this video to realise the extent to which private buses and cabs avoid the service road and park on the main roads right after the Silk Board Junction. VK Srivatsa is right in saying that the cops should take action on such culprits. We would suggest the regular presence of cops at this place to avoid congestion at this most critical juncture of the city’s IT corridor. One small step like this can make a big difference in lowering the traffic density in this region. As one resident put it: “It is hightime the Madiwala traffic police act on this […] - [Bad roads, footpaths? WhatsApp BBMP; High Court wants to know!](https://residentswatch.in/bad-roads-footpaths-whatsapp-bbmp-high-court-wants-to-know/): For fixing the bad roads in the city, the residents filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Karnataka High Court. In the proceedings, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has told the court that the roads can WhatsApp the agency on 94806-85700 for any problem related to bad roads, potholes, footpath encroachments, and so on. A background check revealed that this number is the general WhatsApp number of the BBMP and not a specific number created to tackle only road-related complaints. Vijayan Menon, the principal petitioner of the PIL had this to say to that: “We will let the court know. […] - [Rs 22 lakh fines imposed by garbage marshalls in Jan; will collect spot penalties with new machines from today!](https://residentswatch.in/rs-22-lakh-fines-imposed-by-garbage-marshalls-in-jan-will-collect-spot-penalties-with-new-machines-from-today/): While there was much criticism heaped on the idea of garbage marshalls not being able to do their job due to the lack of help from the cops, residents and BBMP officials, the news is that they were still able to collect Rs 22 lakh as fines in January 2020. There are 198 marshalls, one in every BBMP ward today. Buoyed by their pro-activism, the chief minister has today given them mobile point-of-sale machines to collect spot fines themselves. This would speed up revenue collections and it is expected to bring more money into the coffers, and also make the marshalls […] - [Tilted building being demolished by BBMP; residents demand action on all illegal structures in city](https://residentswatch.in/tilted-building-being-demolished-by-bbmp-residents-demand-action-on-all-illegal-structures-in-city/): UPDATE: The entire building was demolished on Feb 12, 2020. The building that is tilting dangerously to one side in Hebbal-Kempapura’s G Ramaiah Layout is being demolished to nullify any collateral damage on the residents within and outside the structure. In addition, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has opened a relief centre for 150 residents who are affected by the mishap. “BBMP has started demolishing the dangerously leaning structure for safety reasons,” stated BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar, adding that action will be taken against the building owner. However, the residents want him to also prosecute his officials for allowing such […] - [Hebbal and Electronic City's elevated road pillars beautified by citizens!](https://residentswatch.in/hebbal-and-electronic-citys-elevated-road-pillars-beautified-by-citizens/): Recently, citizens joined hands with the civic authorities to beautify the ugly pillars of the Hebbal flyover, and are hard at work to paint the elevated road connecting Electronic City. Looking at the way The Ugly Indian, an anonymous group of volunteers in Bangalore, are joining hands with BBMP and the other citizens to transform the city, this model is being studied by the Masters’ students of UW (University of Washington) in Seattle. The report will be shared by The Ugly Indian once it is ready. That’s not all. The students of Washington University joined the citizens of Bangalore to beautify […] - [Hi-tech traffic police kiosks across 19 locations in Bangalore!](https://residentswatch.in/hi-tech-traffic-police-kiosks-across-19-locations-in-bangalore/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is setting up snazzy traffic management booths across 19 locations in Bangalore. This is to ensure that the cops are able to rest and insulate themselves from the vagaries of the weather in addition to heavy pollution during peak hours. According to BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar, the kiosks are being built under the public-private partnership model. “The kiosk boasts of AC, first-aid box, fire extinguisher, a seating arrangement, potable water, mic, CCTV camera & a biometric door!” says Kumar. While it’s a laudable move and many residents wanted this to be implemented across the city, […] - [Big Bazaar fined for violating waste management rules; two bars penalised for using banned plastic!](https://residentswatch.in/big-bazaar-fined-for-violating-waste-management-rules-two-bars-penalised-for-using-banned-plastic/): Thanks to a few proactive officers, the BBMP has penalised the Big Bazaar outlet at Meenakshi mall on Bannerghatta Road for violating the rules of solid waste management. Similarly, two bars in HSR Layout were fined for using banned plastics. Both Shylaja Wines and Rockview Bar were found using plastic cups, and had violated the plastic ban on many occasions in the past too. Expressing his dismay, BBMP commissioner BH Anil Kumar says, “Despite BBMP creating widespread awareness among commercial establishments, some of them are yet to comply with the SWM rules.” While lauding the move, resident Manjesh K asked the […] - [More footpath encroachments erased in HSR Layout as part of Phase 2!](https://residentswatch.in/more-footpath-encroachments-erased-in-hsr-layout-as-part-of-phase-2/): In phase two of the footpath encroachment removal drive, BBMP officials joined hands with the police and residents today to demolish many more structures that have encroached the footpaths on 24th Main, 27th Main and Iblur main Road. This was a follow-up to the phase one operations that occurred last Saturday. Many more signages, canopies, staircases and other encroachments were brought down by cranes and demolition workers today.  The pictures convey the whole story while our previous story on encroachments disseminates the concept behind it. The idea is to implement the law, based on a Karnataka High Court order, and also […] - [BMTC driver hits biker; authorities promise action](https://residentswatch.in/bmtc-driver-hits-biker-for-wrong-side-riding-authorities-promise-action/): This video was captured by BMTC commuter Hamid. When he confronted the driver for assaulting the biker, the driver first asked him to speak in Kannada. When Hamid spoke to him in broken Kannada, the driver asked him: “Who are you to ask?” The BMTC authorities have seen the video and promised action by tweeting, “Regrets the inconvenience caused. Taking note of this; serious action will be initiated against the erring crew.” However, several other residents of Bangalore have said that they have faced rude BMTC drivers too. Hamid says, “What I need as a bystander sitting in the bus is […] - [Crammed school vans, autos and encroached footpaths; residents want authorities to act on all](https://residentswatch.in/crammed-school-vans-autos-and-encroached-footpaths-residents-want-authorities-to-act-on-all/): It all began with a concerned tweet by city police commissioner Bhaskar Rao about how school vans are crammed to the roof with children even sitting above the gas cylinders. What followed was a chain reaction where over 3000 people began talking about this. The outburst led the residents to suggest that the cops punish the drivers without any fear or favour and veered the conversation to crammed autos, and businesses encroaching the footpaths. The netizens replied that while the top cop must apply the rules consistently as it is dangerous and must be stopped, they also asked him to stop […] - [Rejuvenated Agara Lake in a sorry state due to lack of maintenance!](https://residentswatch.in/rejuvenated-agara-lake-in-a-sorry-state-due-to-lack-of-maintenance/): Agara lake is dying after being rejuvenated more than two years ago for Rs 16 crore. Lake activists are blaming the present state to the state government’s decision to hand over all the lakes to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Ask them the reason behind the neglect and the civic officials say ‘no money’. A few months ago, chief minister Yeddyurappa announced Rs 5 crore for Agara Lake. When activists asked the BBMP to use this money to maintain the lake, they were told that the grant is meant for infrastructural developments at the lake and not for its maintenance. […] - [BMTC volvo buses clogging roads due to long wait times; are bus hubs a solution for that?](https://residentswatch.in/bmtc-volvo-buses-clogging-roads-due-to-long-wait-times-are-bus-hubs-a-solution-for-that/): This scene is at Ecospace in Bellandur. Residents complain that volvo buses don’t stop at the bus shelter, and instead wait here for a long time, and causing traffic jams by narrowing the road width. Tweeting Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the civic authorities and the Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT), the residents want them to seriously consider setting up a mini bus hub at Ecospace as the buses are lining up and waiting for more passengers to make their service more economical! One resident agreed by saying that large tech parks like Ecospace should have had proper bus bays. […] - [School bus caught on camera violating road rules; residents want cops to punish errant drivers](https://residentswatch.in/school-bus-caught-on-camera-violating-road-rules-residents-want-cops-to-punish-errant-drivers/): A school bus going the wrong way was caught on camera in Bellandur today, inviting wrath from netizens all over. Not only do they want this the driver punished to set an example, but they also want the traffic cops to take effective measures on errant vehicle users to ensure that this does not happen anywhere in the city. While Anjali Saini caught the offender of St. Peters School on camera using the wrong lane, and tweeting to the city traffic police, other residents like Vivek Todur are saying that “most school bus drivers do this routinely” and have asked the […] - [Footpath encroachment removal drive in HSR Layout; buildings targetted too!](https://residentswatch.in/footpath-encroachment-removal-drive-in-hsr-layout-buildings-targetted-too/): Today, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) began a footpath encroachment removal drive in HSR Layout. Many concrete and temporary structures put up on the pavements were removed, including structures put up by Purva Vantage apartment, and eateries like Egg Factor and Madhura Cafe, among others. The drive that began at 6am today will go on till 2pm. The roads under the scanner include 5th Main, 9th Main, 19th Main, 17th Cross and 18th Cross. Next Saturday, the demolition drive will take place on 24th Main, 27th Main and Iblur Main Road. “That’s when the traffic is less,” said one BBMP […] - [Andhra politician cheated by Bangalore developer who sells Kasavanahalli land worth crores without his knowledge!](https://residentswatch.in/andhra-politician-cheated-by-bangalore-developer-who-sells-kasavanahalli-land-worth-crores-without-his-knowledge/):   DC Govinda Reddy, a 65-year-old MLC (member of legislative council) of Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, has complained that HS Shantha Kumar, a resident of Langford Town in Bangalore, has defrauded him worth crores. Instead of registering and selling land through his firm, Reddy alleges that Kumar fraudulently misused the general power of attorney and registered land in his name and sold it off without his knowledge. In 2006, Kumar approached Reddy as a land developer and claimed to know several landlords. Kumar asked him to invest in land to gain more returns. In addition, he said he would develop Reddy’s […] - [Landlord assaulted by tenant and his friends for asking rent!](https://residentswatch.in/landlord-assaulted-by-tenant-and-his-friends-for-asking-rent/):   A curious case of a landlord being beaten up by a tenant and his two friends for asking seven months of outstanding rent has come to light in Indiranagar. Udayashankar Setty owns a house in Indiranagar 1st stage. When the 57-year-old asked his tenant Sharad Jayaprakash to clear the seven-month outstanding rent for staying in his first floor house, Setty alleges that Sharad and his wife got into a heated argument. This happened every month when he would approach them for rent. Finally, the tenant asked the landlord to take the outstanding from the house deposit given to him. On […] - [Wife files complaint of cheating as husband secretly marries another person](https://residentswatch.in/wife-files-complaint-of-cheating-as-husband-secretly-marries-another-person/):   A woman has filed a complaint with the Whitefield police station that her husband has cheated on her by secretly marrying another person. Thirty-five-year-old Parvati (name changed) says that Lakshmi Narayan (45 years) married her in 2003 and has a child through him. She alleges that since her marriage, her husband is abusing her physically and mentally between January 24, 2003 and December 30, 2019. To top it all, she has just found out that he married another woman five years ago. Therefore, she has filed a case of cheating on December 30, 2019, and wants the law to take […] - [Newly-married woman alleges dowry harassment; husband fails to consummate marriage](https://residentswatch.in/newly-married-woman-alleges-dowry-harassment-husband-fails-to-consummate-marriage/): A case of dowry harassment is lodged by a 25-year-old Rajeshwari (name changed), a resident of Electronic City. While her bodily injuries are minor, her allegations are major as the cops have booked three people for violating the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 in addition to four provisions of the Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and cruelty. According to Rajeshwari, she got married to Kollegal resident Manjunath on April 21, 2019. According to mutually-agreed conditions, her family also gave 175 grams worth gold jewellery to her during the wedding that was conducted in a grand manner as mandated by […] - [Traffic restrictions near Jayadeva flyover; demolition to begin from today](https://residentswatch.in/traffic-restrictions-near-jayadeva-flyover-demolition-to-begin-from-today/):   The Rs 21 crore Jayadeva flyover is being demolished from today to make way for the Metro line. Parking and traffic restrictions have already begun. Sources say that the demolition would take a month and will largely be done at night without the use of explosives. Trucks will be stationed to remove the debris overnight to avoid traffic snarls and pollution. Barring BMTC buses, ambulances and two-wheelers, traffic will be prohibited to every other personal or commercial vehicle between 18th main of Marenahalli Road and 29th Main of BTM Second Stage. Cars, private buses, trucks, autorickshaws, tractors and so on […] - [Hookah bar on Bannerghatta Road raided and fined Rs 2 lakh for operating illegally!](https://residentswatch.in/hookah-bar-on-bannerghatta-road-raided-and-fined-rs-2-lakh-for-operating-illegally/): Brews N Bites, a hookah bar on Bannerghatta Road opposite Meenakshi mall, was raided by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Thursday. BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar tweeted that the hookah bar was raided for serving hookahs to underage patrons. “Materials and other hookah accessories were seized and a penalty of Rs 2 lakh was imposed,” he posted. Previously, the city police were shutting down several hookah bars in the city for operating illegally. However, in December last year, the Karnataka High Court asked the cops not to harass hookah bars in the guise of inspections if the hookahs are being […] - [How BBMP removes a black spot in double quick time!](https://residentswatch.in/video-how-bbmp-removes-a-black-spot-in-double-quick-time/): BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar has uploaded a video about how quickly his staff can turn around a garbage black spot. It’s worth a watch. Soon after posting this on Facebook, the civic agency chief received scores of responses from residents who wanted him to make over their streets as well. Posted Sushil Singh with a photo: “This is the state of Hosa Rd junction (near Nagnathpura), full of garbage, plastic for almost 300m. Need your attention, and strict penalty for those who are dumping the garbage.” Another resident wanted the BBMP to have a Plan B for garbage disposal. Said Venugopala […] - [Puma store manager cheats firm by illegally selling goods worth Rs 36 lakh](https://residentswatch.in/puma-store-manager-cheats-firm-by-illegally-selling-goods-worth-rs-36-lakh/):   M Singh (30) who runs the Puma factory outlet in Doddakannelli on Sarjapur Road has complained that his store manager allegedly cheated him to the tune of Rs 36 lakh. The alleged fraud happened between November 21 and December 12, 2019, according to Singh, a resident of Indiranagar. The accused is Mansoor, a resident of Begur Road in Bommanahalli. According to the complaint, the accused misused the company’s stock worth Rs 36,00,845 and profited from it without the company’s knowledge. When this fraud was brought to the notice of the accused, he is supposed to have quit the firm. To […] - [Rs 1 lakh cheating case against travel firm for duping city resident](https://residentswatch.in/rs-1-lakh-cheating-case-against-travel-firm-for-duping-city-resident/):   Ragini, a 36-year-old resident of Haralur near HSR Layout, has filed a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the proprietors of Tripwisers, a partner of Yatra travel portal. To book a holiday package to Thailand, Ragini apparently paid Rs 98839 through Google Pay to Tripwisers on October 19, 2019 as directed by Yatra online. This was for a holiday from December 23, 2019 to December 28, 2019. While they promised to send her the tickets within 2-3 days, the tickets never came. Ragini says that the accused, Neeraj Verma and Bhawana Kanwal, both residents of Delhi, allegedly […] - [Gail gas marker controversy: Officials say 'human error, no scam'](https://residentswatch.in/gail-gas-marker-controversy-officials-say-human-error-no-scam/): Days after we unearthed what appeared to be a scam of claiming to lay a pipeline when only the marker was placed, the Gail gas officials in HSR Layout say that it was a ‘human error’ due to a miscommunication between the engineers and the contractors when the markers were being erected many months ago. Nonetheless, this was a grave error as gas connections could not be provided because the pipeline was not laid on the right side of the road. Defending that it was no scam, P Guruchandran, DGM (CGD-O&M), HSR Layout & Jigani, said: “We have one dedicated person […] - [New electronic beat system in Bangalore to make night police patrolling more efficient!](https://residentswatch.in/new-electronic-beat-system-in-bangalore-to-make-night-police-patrolling-more-efficient/): Deputy Commissioner of Police Isha Pant took to Twitter today to announce  the launch of a new e-beat system in South East division of the city. Created by a city firm, it is an Android app loaded on smartphones and tablets of constables and senior officials who can monitor their routes to ensure proper attendance, transparency and accountability. There are QR cards pasted at every point of the neighbourhood. Whenever a constable passes by, he has to scan it to record his attendance. Click on the video above to get a feel of the new system. This is to avoid the […] - [Indiranagar residents want all illegal pubs to shut down or behave!](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-residents-want-all-illegal-pubs-to-shut-down-or-behave/): Recently, Indiranagar’s 54th pub, Buffalo Wild Wings, came up in violation of the laws, and against the wishes of the residents. The inhabitants say that they are not resting until all the illegal pubs either vanish from their neighbourhood or comply with all the building bylaws, noise and excise norms, among others. More than a week ago, I Change Indiranagar, a federation of all the resident welfare associations in the region tweeted to the authorities that a new bar is close to two temples. “Pubs are being set up in Indiranagar left, right and centre,” says Sneha Nandihal of I Change […] - [Indiranagar pub caught indulging in noise pollution](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-pub-caught-indulging-in-noise-pollution/): Last fortnight, the authorities found 657 Wall Street Bar & Kitchen on 100 Ft. Road violating the noise norms. Based on the Karnataka High Court order, when a team visited the 657 Wall Street Bar & Kitchen on 100 Ft Road, Indiranagar, they found the noise levels to be much higher than the permissible limits. The police team made a surprise visit to the pub on December 21 at around 11.15pm and measured the noise levels for five minutes to find that it was 76.4 LAeq decibels. The pub manager was asked if they had taken requisite permission to play at […] - [Manipal Hospitals fined Rs 1 lakh for improper disposal of medical waste!](https://residentswatch.in/manipal-hospitals-fined-rs-1-lakh-for-improper-disposal-of-medical-waste/): Manipal Hospitals in Jayanagar 9th Block was fined by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for mixing medical waste with general garbage and handing it over to an open BBMP lorry. They were fined Rs 1 lakh for the offence by a vigilant BBMP marshall as it was against the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules (BMWMR), 2016. Segregating the medical waste and treating them with the right methods is a must to avoid the spread of infections and prevent the reuse of disposables and drugs as it may result in resistant viruses and bacteria. It is almost four years since the law […] - [Gail Gas scam: Contractor erects signboards and falsely claims to have laid the pipeline!](https://residentswatch.in/gail-gas-scam-contractor-erects-signboards-and-falsely-claims-to-have-laid-the-pipeline/):   A major scam is unearthed in HSR Layout where a contractor only erected boards on one side of the road claiming to have laid the underground pipeline which they hadn’t. The scam was unearthed when Gail Gas officials were trying to give a connection to one house on 15th B Main in Sector 3. Despite digging the road and footpath for half a day, they could not find the pipe that was only mentioned on paper. A senior Gail official monitoring this connection said that the contractor had duped the firm and taken money for a job not done. Interestingly, […] - [Bangalore's first zero-waste juice bar at IIMB run for underprivileged children!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalores-first-zero-waste-juice-bar-at-iimb-run-for-underprivileged-children/): The Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) hosted a run for the cause of underprivileged children. It was a zero-waste event that hosted a stall by Eat Raja, one of ‘India’s first zero-waste juice bars’. Suffice it to say that Eat Raja is definitely one of Bangalore’s first zero-waste juice bars, and a laudable enterprise by former radio jockey Anand Raj that should be adopted all over the nation for a clean and green environment. If you were not at the event, you could still visit Eat Raja’s stall in Malleswaram on 14th Cross, Sampige Road. The pictures say it all. […] - [Quick voter registrations across Bangalore from Jan 6-8. Enrol now!](https://residentswatch.in/quick-voter-registrations-at-bbmp-offices-across-bangalore-from-jan-6-8-enrol-now/): If you are aged between 18 and 20 years and don’t possess a voter ID, here is the time to register yourself quickly at the nearest BBMP office or polling booth. To enrol online or know about your polling booth, you can visit here. Remember to be at the BBMP offices or polling booths between 9.30am and 6pm. This is a special drive from January 6-8, 2020 to enrol young voters who turned 18 years on or before January 1, 2020. Make the most of this facility by landing up at your polling booth with two passport-size photos and address proof. […] - [Crime rate in IT corridor highest in Whitefield, followed by Koramangala & HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/crime-rate-in-it-corridor-highest-in-whitefield-followed-by-koramangala-hsr-layout/): With the dawn of 2020, it is time to look at the crime rate last year. We analysed five police stations in the IT corridor, and found the highest incidence of crime recorded in Whitefield followed distantly by Koramangala and HSR Layout. Bellandur and Electronic City made up the tail end. However, one has to note that the jurisdictions of the police stations, the proactiveness of the residents and the cops could also play a part in more number of First Information Reports being recorded by certain police stations. Still, these statistics are indicators of the crime scenes in different neighbourhoods. […] - [Cyber crimes doubled in Bangalore in 2019 compared to 2018!](https://residentswatch.in/cyber-crimes-doubled-in-bangalore-in-2019-compared-to-2018/): Cyber crimes rose by 100 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year. While there were 5036 incidents in 2018, there were 9999 incidents reported in 2019. There could have been more, but the cyber crime station shut because its software was not able to process complaints that were more than four digits. Finally, it was fixed late in December, however, we were still not able to access complaints beyond 9999 for 2019. Similarly, the Cyber Crime cell of CID’s website itself lacks a secure certificate. Most crimes happen to be OTP related cases. Click here to know more about OTP […] - [BEWARE: BWSSB contractors demanding money for pipeline works! Residents protest and get their money back!](https://residentswatch.in/beware-bwssb-contractors-demanding-money-for-pipeline-works-residents-protest-and-get-their-money-back/): Beware if any BWSSB contractors come to you asking for a lot of money towards relaying a pipeline or fixing the pipeline work in your lane. They are out to make extra money at your expense. One resident Geetha VM exposed this nexus in HSR Layout today when workers knocked on her door demanding money for laying the pipeline in front of her house on 15th Main Road in Sector 4. “At first they demanded Rs 11,000 and said if I don’t pay them, they will just close the pipeline and later I might have to pay Rs 22,000 to reconnect […] - [Electronic goods stolen due to negligence of residents in Indiranagar, Bellandur & HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/electronic-goods-stolen-due-to-negligence-of-residents-in-indiranagar-bellandur-hsr-layout/): Thieves of electronic goods like laptops and phones have struck no matter where you keep them, at home or inside your car. And jurisdiction is no bar. Recent thefts have occurred in Bellandur, HSR Layout and Indiranagar. However, these have happened not because the thieves broke into houses, but due to the negligence of the owners. And despite cautionary notes that nothing valuable should be kept inside cars when you park them in public places, even for a few seconds, no one seems to care, only to realise the mistake at a significant cost. HSR LAYOUTOn December 20, 41-year-old Vinay fell […] - [People selling parakeets arrested in Koramangala!](https://residentswatch.in/people-selling-parakeets-arrested-in-koramangala/): On December 21, 2019, at around 7.30pm, Koramangala inspector SD Shashidhar received a tip off that two people were illegally selling parakeets to people near Ambedkar park in Koramangala 8th Block. He was told that these birds were illegally caught in the forests and being sold in the city. After ascertaining the facts, the inspector immediately sent his police constables to have the two people apprehended for allegedly violating several rules under Sections 9, 39, 40, 44, 48A, 50, 51, and 55 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 that prohibits hunting, killing, owning and selling wild animals. The multiple offences carry […] - [Two persons dupe a Whitefield resident of Rs 88,000 on the pretext of selling a scooter on OLX!](https://residentswatch.in/two-persons-allegedly-dupe-a-whitefield-resident-of-rs-88000-on-the-pretext-of-selling-a-scooter-on-olx/):   Imran, a 23-year-old resident of Whitefield, has complained to the cops that he was duped by two persons posing as sellers of an Activa scooter on OLX. The incident occurred on November 30, 2019 when he found their advertisement on the online website. Claiming to be Sanjay Singh and KD, they allegedly asked Imran on phone to deposit Rs 34,000 immediately before the price of the brand-new scooter goes up. However, Imran ended up transferring Rs 88,000 as the fraudsters said that they hadn’t received the money. When Imran called them up, they promised to return the extra money. However, […] - [After Indiranagar, drug addicts arrested in Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/drug-addicts-arrested-in-koramangala-and-indiranagar/): In three separate incidents since December 13, three drug addicts were arrested in Koramangala. This follows a similar arrest in Indiranagar more than a month ago. KORAMANGALAOn December 20, the cops arrested Ravikumar. The 28-year-old accused was caught near Corporation bank on Audugodi Main Road in Koramangala 8th Block at 11pm. The cops were tipped off that two youngsters were taking drugs. When the cops reached the place, the youngsters ran away, but Ravikumar was rounded up. After getting certified by a nearby hospital that he was indeed on drugs, the cops have booked a case against him. On December 19, […] - [Say 'no' to superstition; you can drink and eat but not watch solar eclipse with naked eyes: Scientists](https://residentswatch.in/say-no-to-superstition-you-can-drink-and-eat-but-not-watch-with-naked-eyes-scientists/): The scientific community and rationalists came out with a silent awareness campaign at Town Hall today asking people to say ‘no’ to superstition. Today, being solar eclipse between 8.30am and 11.30am, they encouraged people to drink, eat and even watch the eclipse with special shades. However, they cautioned that people should avoid watching it with naked eyes. There are many solar eclipse viewers available online, which can be used. A similar myth-busting exercise is being demonstrated today by the Kerala State Science And Technology Museum where a sweet dish was prepared and given to the visitors to demystify that one can […] - [Byg Brewski shut down on Sarjapur Road for operating in a residential area](https://residentswatch.in/byg-brewski-shut-down-on-sarjapur-road-for-operating-in-a-residential-area/): Byg Brewski that opened its doors in May 2018 on Sarjapur Road, was shut down on December 24, 2019 by the authorities for violating various rules and also inconveniencing the public. Importantly, it was a commercial enterprise operating in a residential area with no valid permissions. After receiving scores of complaints, it had to be shut down, according to Mahadevapura MLA Aravind Limbavali. However, the residents caution that 13 such commercial establishments in residential areas were shut down recently, but reopened in a few days. They hope Byg Brewski is shut forever. In addition, the residents have provided a list of […] - [Dance floor breaks at Hoot pub on Sarjapur Road; person hospitalised for last 10 days](https://residentswatch.in/dance-floor-breaks-at-hoot-pub-on-sarjapur-road-person-hospitalised-for-last-10-days/): On the night of December 14 at around 8pm, 25-year-old BTM Layout resident Prashant Sachan injured his right hand and palm when he was allowed to dance on the glass floor at Hoot Cafe and Brewery on Sarjapur Road. An FIR (First Information Report) is filed against the owner and manager of Hoot and the cops are investigating. Ten days after the incident, Sachan is still at the Columbia Asia Hospital on Sarjapur Road. While the establishment has promised to take care of all the medical bills, they have asked the complainant to withdraw the police case. However, speaking to Residents […] - [BBMP beautifying 273 parks; 1135 completed; residents want them to do more!](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-beautifying-273-parks-1135-completed-residents-want-them-to-do-more/): According to BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar, BBMP is trying to reclaim Bengaluru’s Garden City tag. According to him, there are 1408 parks and gardens being maintained by the civic body. “While 1135 of them have been fully developed, work is on to beautify 273 parks,” he tweeted to much plaudits. Some more suggestions from citizens have come to the BBMP as well. Many have asked the civic body to reclaim, maintain or turn garbage dumps into parks and gardens. Like one space in BTM Layout that the residents want the BBMP to take over and turn into a lung space. […] - [Adyar Ananda Bhavan fined Rs 1 lakh for using banned plastic and not segregating waste!](https://residentswatch.in/adyar-ananda-bhavan-fined-rs-1-lakh-for-using-banned-plastic-and-not-segregating-waste/): After Flipkart and Myntra, it was now the turn of Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B). Clearly, these big chains have no sense of responsibility towards the environment and thereby, humans. Adyar was fined Rs 1 lakh by the city corporation for using banned plastic and not segregating waste, thereby violating the rules of Solid Waste Management (SWM). It was a surprise inspection by the BBMP officials at Adyar’s HSR Layout outlet that led to the fine for not following the SWM protocols. However, one resident still claims that A2B still uses plastic boxes to pack their sweets. They have shifted to paper […] - [Unofficial emergency: CAA protestors bundled into autos, cars, buses!](https://residentswatch.in/unofficial-emergency-caa-protestors-bundled-into-autos-cars-buses/): Never has Section 144 been imposed for fear of peaceful protests. Because Karnataka is a BJP-ruled state, it is obvious that the law that prohibits “unlawful assembly” of four or more people is being misused here in the name of public safety. Today, several people who are against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) violated the prohibitory orders. The result? They were bundled into cars, buses and autos to prevent the protests from happening. The protestors were taken to marriage halls and kept under custody as jails could not accommodate so many of them. One legal website had this to say about […] - [VIDEO: How people are violating the Bus Priority Lane](https://residentswatch.in/how-people-are-violating-the-bus-priority-lane/): The Bus Priority Lane from Marathahalli to Silk Board junction is being appreciated by several commuters. However, there are naysayers and violators galore as well. Around 1200 people were fined recently for using the dedicated lane along this corridor. While the first fortnight was spent educating the vehicle users about not using the lane, the cops decided to impose fines last week to prevent repeat offenders. In addition, there are public-service marshalls deployed at critical junctions to ensure that the people follow the rules. However, they are not stationed along the entire stretch of the road, leading to many violations enroute. […] - [Smart parking to become operational across city from January 14; trial begins on Kasturba Road](https://residentswatch.in/smart-parking-to-become-operational-across-city-from-january-14-pilot-begins-on-kasturba-road/): If all goes with the pilot project on Kasturba Road that began on December 14, 2019, smart parking will become a reality across 85 roads in Bengaluru from January 14 onwards in a phased manner. Some of the other thoroughfares include MG Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, Cunningham Road, Commercial Street, Avenue Road, Nrupathunga Road, Dispensary Road, Ali Askar Road, Lavelle Road, BVK Iyenger Road, Haines Road, Sankey Road, Palace Road, and Mallya Hospital Road, among others. Right now, Kasturba Road can accommodate 100 four-wheelers and 300 two-wheelers. If this is fruitful, the city could have smart parking spaces for 3600 […] - [Do you know your corporator? B.PAC begins awareness campaign across Bengaluru!](https://residentswatch.in/do-you-know-your-corporator-b-pac-begins-awareness-campaign-across-bengaluru/): By Zahid H JavaliDuring the elections, the MLAs and MPs impact the state and country, but if you want to know who impacts your immediate neighbourhood the most, it is your corporator. So, do you know your corporator? Do you know whom to vote for the next corporation elections? Have you ever gone to a Ward Committee meeting to voice your grievances? Have you complained on any of the phone apps and websites about civic issues? The culmination of all these efforts is the vote you give during the municipal polls. Therefore, knowing your corporator is critical. No longer should one’s […] - [White topping in progress: Heavy vehicles cannot use CMH Road](https://residentswatch.in/white-topping-in-progress-avoid-cmh-road/): White-topping work is in progress on CMH Road. Therefore, the authorities have asked heavy vehicle users to avoid the stretch from Ulsoor to Double Road, Indiranagar. Instead, they will have to use the junctions at Adarsh, Anjaneya and Double Road to reach CMH Road. The residents believe that the BBMP would have done well to asphalt bad roads rather than good roads. According to resident Ganesh, “The current condition of the road is good by Bengaluru standards”, but also points out that the stretch was re-surfaced less than a year ago. Instead of CMH Road, the BBMP could have tarred the […] - [Are you an outstanding startup? Apply for national startup awards before Dec 31!](https://residentswatch.in/are-you-an-outstanding-startup-apply-for-national-startup-award-before-dec-31/): For the first time, the Government of India is calling for applications from outstanding startups, accelerators and incubators for the National Startup Awards 2020. The last date is December 31, 2019. You have about two weeks to apply, so hurry. The cash prizes range from Rs 5 lakh (startups) to Rs 15 lakh (accelerators and incubators). The winners and four runner-ups in 35 sub sectors will  get to present their solutions to interested corporates and government agencies for potential pilot projects or even obtain work orders. The underlying idea is to promote innovative solutions that are feasible and scalable to solve […] - [Citizens take bus today to popularise Priority Bus Lane system between Silk Board and Marathahalli!](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-take-bus-today-to-popularise-priority-bus-lane-system-from-silk-board-to-marathahalli/): Several citizens and resident welfare groups are participating in a ‘bus yatra’ today aptly called ‘Nimbus Express’ to promote the new Priority Bus Lane system of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The project began on November 15, where the left lanes are marked out only for buses and ambulances, and anyone else encroaching this lane will be penalised. The idea is to increase the average speed from 10-20 kilometres per hour, so that the six lakh population that works in around this part of Outer Ring Road uses buses and abandons their vehicles that are congesting this important thoroughfare, and […] - [Activists petition chief secretary to take action on BBMP for violating RTI Act](https://residentswatch.in/activists-petition-chief-secretary-to-take-action-on-bbmp-for-violating-rti-act/): In a letter dated December 9, 2019, the two-year-old Kudlu-based Karnataka RTI Workers Seva Samithi (KRTIWSS) has complained to the chief secretary of Karnataka to take action on BBMP offices in Begur Road and HSR Layout for not providing information about building violations in their jurisdiction as mandated by the Right to Information Act, 2005. The BBMP was to answer the queries within 30-45 days, but the civic agency failed to do it even after 79 days and counting. In the last two years, over 40 RTI queries were made to the Bommanahalli BBMP office, however, the replies were never satisfactory. […] - [HSR Layout police release video to promote women safety app for emergencies](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-police-promote-emergency-safety-app-for-women/): If you understand Kannada, go ahead and watch this video shot by the HSR Layout police. If not, just download the ‘Suraksha’ phone app from Google Play store or Apple’s App Store, register with your phone number and address, assign two emergency contacts and you are good to go. In an emergency, just open the app and press the red button for five times. If you don’t respond to the police call, the phone will automatically capture a ten-second video and send it to the cops. An alert with your geographical address will go out to the cops and your two […] - [Parents of Bangalore's first Bicycle Mayor injured in 'city of cars, not people'](https://residentswatch.in/parents-of-bangalores-first-bicycle-mayor-injured-in-city-of-cars-not-people/): By Qamar ZJ Despite cries for pedestrian-friendly roads and city infrastructure, Bengaluru continues to be mismanaged by an apathetic corporation and an even-more disoriented state government, irrespective of which party occupies the highest seat. The latest diatribe against such a bad road infrastructure came from the city’s first Bicycle Mayor Sathya Sankaran. Calling it the ‘city of cars, not people’, Sathya gave the examples of his parents who fell victims to Bengaluru’s appalling road infrastructure only recently.  Tweeting to the city police and BBMP Commissioner, Sathya wrote: “After the bad fall my father had on Sanjaynagar Main Road, it was my […] - [20 more pigs caught by BBMP in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/more-pigs-caught-by-bbmp-in-hsr-layout/): For years, the residents complained about pigs grunting around with gay abandon in Sector 1, 2 and 3. Finally, the BBMP officials are doing their work. While the army area abutting 27th Main Road in Sector 1 is still out of bounds where most pigs go to hide, those who stray into HSR Layout are being caught by the BBMP officials. The latest haul of 20 happened in Sector 3 near the twin park area. The video say it all. You, dear reader, can make a difference too. The next time, you spot pigs in HSR Layout, just alert the BBMP […] - [Myntra fined Rs 2 lakh for using plastic and not segregating garbage! Will Big Basket be next?](https://residentswatch.in/myntra-fined-rs-1-lakh-for-using-plastic/): Myntra Designs in Kudlu was fined Rs 2 lakh by HSR Layout ward BBMP officials for non-segregation of waste and using banned plastic on December 2, 2019. BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar says, “The HSR sub-division imposed and collected the penalty. BBMP is urging establishments to segregate waste and stop using plastics that pollute.” Amit Singh had his misgivings too: “When a company like Mantra doesn’t adhere to simple waste segregation requirements, then how can we trust them on adherence to complicated regulations around data privacy? I have serious doubts about their ethics.” Shashank felt that the BBMP was being biased: […] - [Pot 'hole' in Koramangala!](https://residentswatch.in/pot-hole-in-koramangala/): Kev_in_traffic, a “traffic management enthusiast”, tweeted this illuminating picture of a section of Koramangala. Aptly title “Definition of a “pot” hole! @blrcitytraffic has this to deal with in ST Bed, Koramangala”. It’s irreverent, and symbolic of the times we live in today. - [HSR resident wins 'Karnataka women achievers' award for environment activism!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-resident-wins-karnataka-women-achievers-award-for-environment-activism/): On Saturday, dentist-turned-civic activist Dr Shanthi Tummala, a resident of Sector 3, HSR Layout, was bestowed with the ‘Karnataka Women Achievers’ award for 2019 (KWAA), an initiative to recognise incredible women of the state by actor Spoorthi Vishwas that began last year. She was one among the 20 women who were honoured last week. “I feel honoured to receive the award under the category of ‘Outstanding environmental changemaker'”, says Dr Shanthi about how she was among the 20 women picked from 1023 nominations across Karnataka. “The organisers told me that 23 people nominated me. I was more happy to see that […] - [Agara Lake jogging track restored; finishing is yet to happen!](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-jogging-track-restored-finishing-is-yet-to-happen/): The sewege pipeline underneath a stretch of the Agara Lake jogging track is now restored by the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB). The track had collapsed recently due to incessant rains for the second time. The first occurrence was in September 2018. However, the finishing work is yet to be taken up. BWSSB officials told Residents Watch that the levelling of mud, curb stones and pavers is now the job of the Waste Water Management firm. “Our job got over a few days ago, however, the finishing work did not happen immediately as you need time for the mud […] - [Youngster tweets, resolves a problem and makes Rs 500!](https://residentswatch.in/youngster-tweets-resolves-a-problem-and-makes-rs-500/): 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, […] - [No footpaths for foot soldiers! Only CCTVs can check traffic violations!](https://residentswatch.in/no-footpaths-for-foot-soldiers-only-cctvs-can-check-traffic-violations/): 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. […] - [Shops begin removing 'fairy lights' in Indiranagar; residents triumph yet again!](https://residentswatch.in/shops-begin-removing-fairy-lights-in-indiranagar-residents-triumph-yet-again/): The spectre of commercialisation has gripped oversaturated neighbourhoods like Indiranagar, Whitefield, HSR Layout and Koramangala. The other day, a few youngsters supported by adults went from shop to shop on 100 Ft Road in Indiranagar, requesting them to remove ‘fairy lights’ on trees as they are damaging to the trunks as they are nailed into them. Not to mention, the birds who cannot bear a series of bright lights in their habitat. Organised by youngsters of The Interact Club, the initiative did have its fair share of naysayers who asked the residents to do better things than mess with the shop’s […] - [Workers protest against pub/restaurant shutdowns in Indiranagar; residents suspect arm-twisting by vested interests!](https://residentswatch.in/workers-protest-against-pub-restaurant-shutdowns-in-indiranagar-residents-suspect-arm-twisting-by-vested-interests/): Hundreds of people blocked the footpaths on 12th Main in Indiranagar today. Claiming to be victims of the residents’ crackdown on illegal pubs and restaurants, the protestors carried placards saying they should be given jobs as they are unemployed now. The residents counter it by saying that this is a ridiculous way to brush aside the illegalities and nuisances committed by pubs like Monkey Bar. It’s tantamount to saying that lawless businesses have no jobs for people because the law prohibits them. The silent standing protest lasted for about an hour after which the crowd dissipated. Holding placards saying, “I want […] - [BBMP launches 'Free The Tree' initiative; will remove hundreds of treeguards across the city](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-launches-free-the-tree-initiative-will-remove-hundreds-of-treeguards-across-the-city/): By Zahid H Javali 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 […] - [Eco-friendly fogging solutions to keep away mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and pests!](https://residentswatch.in/eco-friendly-fogging-solutions-to-keep-away-mosquitoes-flies-cockroaches-and-pests/): (PROMOTION) Scrubbing, cleaning, spraying and toiling away every shred of your life. You are still unable to keep away the annoying little pests. You have tried everything you could and are at your wit’s end to procure that one magical solution that will wipe away all your misery. Fear not! Make the most of Herbal Strategi’s exclusive range of fogging solutions that act as a magical elixir in keeping all those annoying pests away. Herbal Strategi Thermal Fogging Outdoor (Just Spray) Eco-Friendly Made of Neem oil, Lemongrass oil, Citronella oil and Cedarwood oil, Herbal Strategi’s Thermal Fogging Outdoor spray covers a […] - [City musician won over by auto driver's sincerity in Koramangala!](https://residentswatch.in/city-musician-won-over-by-auto-drivers-sincerity-in-koramangala/): Harish Iyengaar is many things rolled into one. The ‘scaryhairyman’ as he calls himself on Twitter is a writer, guitarist, gamer, and singer. What made him sing all the way on his social media platform the other day was the good samaritan act by an auto driver he met in Koramangala. The podcaster gave a shout-out with a selfie of him with the Bangalore auto driver. Apparently, Harish’s phone fell out of his trouser pocket in the auto recently. This happened in the evening, during peak hours. “This man promptly brought it to Ulsoor from Koramangala, a bare couple of hours […] - [Hurry! Take part in the B.PAC survey on first and last-mile connectivity in Bangalore!](https://residentswatch.in/hurry-take-part-in-the-b-pac-survey-on-last-mile-connectivity-in-bangalore/): 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. […] - [Indian Pitta rescued in HSR Layout; glass facades of buildings are this bird's major enemies](https://residentswatch.in/indian-pitta-rescued-in-hsr-layout-glass-facades-of-buildings-are-its-major-enemies/): 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 […] - [Tomorrow, Whitefield residents share the success story of a mini STP that can be adopted across Bangalore to recycle and save water!](https://residentswatch.in/tomorrow-whitefield-residents-share-the-success-story-of-a-mini-stp-that-can-be-adopted-across-bangalore-to-recycle-and-save-water/): Whitefield Rising, the citizen action group, has some good news to share about an economical way to save water: installing mini sewage treatment plants across the city. They have a success story to share with a full technical presentation tomorrow between 11am and 1130am at Bangalore One on Whitefield Main Road. The beauty of this presentation is that there is a successful, operational mini STP that will be shown to the public, with special focus on the technology and the process that goes into it. This STP takes the dirty water from the stormwater drains, purifies it and releases it into […] - [Koramangala-Ejipura flyover work resumes; BBMP clears bill of contractor](https://residentswatch.in/koramangala-ejipura-flyover-work-resumes-bbmp-clears-bill-of-contractor/): Much to everyone’s relief, work on the Koramangala-Ejipura flyover has resumed after BBMP cleared the contractor’s bills. The work on the flyover had stoped for a few months as the bill was not paid by the civic agency. However, with the new government and new BBMP commissioner BH Anil Kumar, all pending works are being expedited. One such project was this flyover. Announcing this move, BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar also tweeted that “a strict directive has been issued to complete work by engaging more workers. Hon’ble MLA @RLR_BTM has acknowledged for resolving the same”. We do hope that MLA Ramalinga […] - [Koramangala: Startup hub or a garbage dumpyard?](https://residentswatch.in/koramangala-startup-hub-or-a-garbage-dumpyard/): Yes, Monica, one Twitter user, has shamed the civic agencies by ironically captioning the headline to her video that shows the ugly side of Koramangala. Calling herself a bullshit slayer, Monica says she’s “working this social media thing, being social, not so much. Politically incorrect but Right, dog mum, BS slayer”. We agree with you, Monica. Will the BBMP alleviate the distress caused to Koramangala residents, please? - [Residents turn around a garbage dump into a tea corner in Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/residents-turn-around-a-garbage-dump-into-a-tea-corner-in-koramangala/): By Qamar HJ When the going gets tough, the tough get going. The best example of this was the remarkable transformation brought about by residents, an NGO, and the BBMP. On November 6, 2019, the three groups came together to convert a garbage dump site into a tea point. “The wall was beautified with whitewash, and hand-painted by the team,” said a member of Saahas. “Plants/pots are kept in order to discourage waste dumping.” We need more such stories to not only bring cheer to the residents and passersby in Bengaluru, but also wake up the BBMP to do its job, […] - [Indiranagar kids say 'no' to fairy lights! Request all stores on 100 Ft Rd to remove them!](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-kids-say-no-to-fairy-lights-request-all-stores-on-100-ft-r-to-remove-them/): By Qamar ZJ It began as a small idea of just a few kids from Defence Colony in Indiranagar going from one store to another and asking the shopkeepers to remove fairy lights as they are harmful to the trees on which they are hung. However, the idea gathered momentum and several other residents joined in on Twitter. With the Twitter handle of @ichangeindiranagar, this evening’s agenda was also posted online yesterday with this message: Children will be visiting shops on 100 ft rd tmrw at 6 pm, from Caratlane to appeal to remove fairy lights choking the trees, making them […] - [HSR extension residents to march against civic apathy on Nov 16; prepare a list of short-term demands!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-extension-to-march-against-civic-apathy-on-nov-16-prepare-a-list-of-short-term-demands/): 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 […] - [Jagriti Theatre is now open to corporate events on weekdays! Proceeds will go towards theatre education](https://residentswatch.in/jagriti-theatre-is-now-open-to-corporate-events-on-weekdays-proceeds-will-go-towards-theatre-education/): 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 […] - [Around 50 pigs caught by BBMP; some escaped into the military grounds](https://residentswatch.in/around-50-pigs-caught-by-bbmp-some-escaped-into-the-military-grounds/): 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. […] - [Residents divided over BBMP's masterplan proposal to allow provision stores, bakeries & milk parlours in residential areas](https://residentswatch.in/masterplan-proposal/): By Qamar ZJ 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 […] - [Bangalore Literature Festival 2019 rocked the city! Exclusive video tour!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-literature-festival-2019-rocked-the-city-exclusive-video-tour/) - [Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan visits HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/hrithik-roshan-visits-hsr-layout/): 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. - [Agara Lake jogging track collapses again. BWSSB to blame!](https://residentswatch.in/agara-lake-jogging-track-collapses-again-bwssb-to-blame/): 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's a swimming pool outside HSR Layout's biggest park!](https://residentswatch.in/its-a-swimming-pool-outside-hsr-layouts-biggest-park/): It appears like a giant swimming pool outside the 10-acre Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3, HSR Layout. Despite alerting the BDA and now the BBMP about the lack of a pipeline to carry the water on 15th B Main Road into the stormwater drain, the authorities are turning a blind eye. In addition, the parking space along the boundary of the park is uneven, slushy and a nuisance at best. In addition, the construction of an arch over the major storm water drain running along the boundary of the park has resulted in a bottleneck at 19th Cross-15th B Main. […] - [Shell petrol bunk stopped by residents may not come up in HSR after all!](https://residentswatch.in/shell-petrol-bunk-stopped-by-residents-may-not-come-up-in-hsr-after-all/): More than eight months ago, we wrote that the Shell petrol bunk in HSR Layout, Sector 3, was stopped by the BBMP due to complaints from the residents. However, the BBMP officials at the time said that the bunk owners had taken most permissions, barring one permission from the Town Planning department. However, sources in the BBMP tell us that the permission might never come as the BBMP officials have denied it due to the location of the petrol bunk as it is inside a residential area which also has a hospital behind it. More than a year ago, when the […] - [Speedbreakers are back-breakers; paint them or demolish them!](https://residentswatch.in/speedbreakers-are-back-breakers-paint-them-or-demolish-them/): The absense of illegal speedbreakers, and the absence of white stripes on both legal and illegal humps across Bengaluru is a nightmare to vehicle users, particularly at night. And this happens on ultra-busy thoroughfares like Outer Ring Road. While the Traffic Engineering (TEC) department of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanaragara Palike (BBMP) blamed the lack of funds earlier, now they are promising to paint the stripes after they are done with zebra crossings at major intersections across the city.  “We will finish the work within 15 days in all the arterial and sub arterial roads,” says Praveen Lingaiah, Executive Engineer (TEC), BBMP. “We […] - [Potholes, anyone? Nov 10 is the deadline for BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/potholes-anyone-nov-10-is-the-deadline-for-bbmp/): November 10 is the deadline for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to rid the city of potholes, and there are about 15,000 of them, according to the civic agency’s estimates. Thanks to a Karnataka High Court order a while ago, the BBMP had fixed many potholes in HSR Layout, Indiranagar, Koramangala, Whitefield and other neighbourhoods of Bangalore. However, those very roads and a few others have developed craters again. Either the rains are too harsh or the work was sub-standard. For reasons of transparency in public works, the BBMP also put up its report on potholes in the public domain. […] - [Road Beku: Koramangala residents demand link road between Ejipura and Sarjapur Road](https://residentswatch.in/road-beku-koramangala-residents-demand-for-link-road-between-ejipura-and-sarjapur-road/): By Zahid H Javali In the eighth year, the dream of Koramangala citizens to have a link road that directly connects Ejipura signal with Sarjapur Road, has still not come true. The residents have re-started their three-year-old online petition to push for the project. Over 1500 people have signed the request letter to Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Besides, many citizens are now lobbying harder with the BBMP on the issue that will resolve the congestion problem in the area. The impediment is that while the defence ministry has agreed to hand over parts of its land for the link road, […] - [Citizens protest against HSR Layout cricket stadium construction](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-protest-against-hsr-layout-cricket-stadium-construction/): By Qamar ZJ Today, citizens protested against the Rs 140-crore HSR Layout cricket stadium construction on a 7.18-acre open playground in Sector 2, HSR Layout. Despite opposition from the residents during public consultations, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has decided to build a cricket stadium with 10,000 seating capacity. Besides, a four-storied pavilion building is planned along with volleyball and basketball courts, each with a separate seating space. The proposed plan violates the zonal regulations governing public playgrounds. “It’s an open playground that 500 people can play at a time,” says Sector 2 resident Girish Shivalingaiah, who is also a […] - [After Agara, residents complain about sewage entering other lakes](https://residentswatch.in/after-agara-residents-complain-about-sewage-entering-other-lakes/): Limits to lie 🤥. @HardeepSPuri @MoHUA_India Video courtesy: Santhosh KC By Qamar ZJ After Agara Lake, residents are now complaining about sewage entering lakes in Muthanallur and Chandapura. The Central Pollution Control Board has asked the state unit to submit an ATR (action taken report) after looking at this video complaint on Twitter. After exposing the encroachment mess in Anekal where a private road had encroached a pond and a stormwater drain, Capt. KC Santhosh has written about this mess in social media.  “Will anyone answer to this utter disregard towards the environment,” he asked the authorities online. “Why don’t our […] - [Bus Priority Lane: BMTC driver crushes bollards to overtake another bus](https://residentswatch.in/bus-priority-lane-bmtc-driver-crushes-bollards-to-overtake-another-bus/): Video courtesy: Whitefield Rising By Qamar ZJ While the very idea of a bus priority lane (BPL) has become a non-starter, post COVID-19, the BMTC drivers are adding to the sham. Yesterday, one BMTC driver was seen overtaking another bus on the bus priority lane by damaging the plastic bollards. Technically, the BMTC drivers are never forbidden from using the non-BPL lane. However, damaging the bollards in a non-emergency situation cannot be justified. “Once the bollard is crushed, it will not be useable again,” says Bellandur resident Nagesh Aras. “The bollards cannot become straight again… it is again a mechanism to […] - [The stink from KCDC compost plant may come down soon](https://residentswatch.in/the-stink-from-kcdc-compost-plant-may-vanish-soon/): By Anuksha Dey  A group of citizens (Kamesh Rastogi, Venkatesh HS, Lalithamba BV) who recently visited the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) in Kudlu near HSR Layout are happy with the developments. They found the plant belonging to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to be better managed, and receiving much less garbage than before. Besides, the RDF mountain which was causing stink in and around the area, has also been removed by almost 60%. If all goes well, KCDC will stink much less in the months to come, if the KCDC finally gets rid of the entire RDF material on […] - [72% citizens want young faces in BBMP elections, says survey](https://residentswatch.in/72-citizens-want-young-faces-in-bbmp-elections-says-survey/): By Anuksha Dey People want young corporator aspirants to contest the upcoming polls to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). According to one city survey, 71.6% of respondents felt that the participation of youngsters in the government was not satisfactory. While 51% were willing to vote for young candidates, an additional 33% wanted to decisely vote for youthful contestants, if they had the right credentials. An overwhelming 92% agreed that the youth have to play a major role in city governance. This trend is already becoming a reality. In Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, Arya Rajendran, a 21-year-old woman, became India’s youngest mayor in […] - [Pond and drain encroached to build private road in Anekal](https://residentswatch.in/pond-and-drain-encroached-to-build-private-road-in-anekal/): By Anuksha Dey & Qamar ZJ The Mangala Rama Kunte Pond in Anekal is encroached by certain vested interests who want to build a private road in Ramasagara. According to government records, the lake land stretches over 9000 square feet and is worth more than Rs 2 crores. The road is allegedly constructed on space meant for rajakaluve and a portion of the pond, leaving the area prone to flooding. The rajakalave system Bengaluru and its adjoining areas have a natural system of rajakaluves (major storm water drains) which allows the excess water from one water body to flow into the […] - [Indiranagar residents ask cops to implement court order against bars and restaurants causing noise pollution](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-residents-go-to-court-against-bars-and-restaurants-causing-noise-pollution/): By Anuksha Dey The residents of Indiranagar have petitioned the city police commissioner to act on errant bars and restaurants flouting the law. They have also filed a police complaint against the establishments, and asked the top cop to treat it as a First Information Report (FIR). The citizens are merely asking the Bengaluru police to implement the interim order passed by the Karnataka High Court in February 2020.  At the time, top cop Praveen Sood had filed an affidavit in the court on how the city police would take action on the errant establishments. “They were supposed to seize the […] - [Citizens busting drug rackets by calling this toll-free number](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-can-bust-drug-rackets-by-calling-this-toll-free-number/): By Anuksha Dey The Bengaluru City police arrested two drug peddlers early this week. The arrests were made after complaints were filed over 1908, the toll-free number for drug-related offences. The peddlers are of African origin, and had 56 MDMA tablets with them. The cops are regularly cracking down on drug rackets in Bengaluru over the last few years, and have been widely praised for their success. Helping them is the toll-free number where any citizen can be an informant, and their identity will be kept confidential. What is MDMA? MDMA, popularly known as Ecstacy or Molly is an addictive drug […] - [Carlton Towers tragedy: Is your building or business, fire-safety ready?](https://residentswatch.in/carlton-towers-tragedy-is-your-building-or-business-fire-safety-ready/): By Anuksha Dey Based on suggestions by citizens, the state government declared February 23 as a Fire Safety & Awareness Day. On this day, the fire department conducts a fire safety workshop every year to remember the fire tragedy that engulfed Carlton Towers on Old Airport Road in the city 11 years ago. This year was no different as the department organised such camps across Karnataka, including Bengaluru. In 2010, the abject lack of fire safety measures led to the Carlton Towers tragedy that killed nine residents.  Awareness programs across Karnataka In Bengaluru, the fire safety department held a fire safety […] - [Citizens oppose strike by private schools](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-oppose-strike-by-private-schools/): By Anuksha Dey The parents have slammed private schools in Bengaluru for going on a strike yesterday (Feb 23) to protest against a 30% fee cut ordered by the state government. The schools claim that only 70% of the current school fees is not enough for payment of staff and maintenance of the school property. The HSR Layout residents who opposed the move reason that parents are under pressure due to the prevailing fee structure. Private schools unwilling to cut down their fees In April, the government issued circulars stating only those parents who can afford to pay only the tuition […] - [Cubbon Park: Four ways to make it more citizen-friendly](https://residentswatch.in/cubbon-park-four-ways-to-make-it-more-citizen-friendly/): By Anuksha Dey Located at the heart of Bengaluru, Cubbon Park is one of the city’s largest lung spaces. The park, set up in 1870 stretches over 300 acres. Naturally, it has become a hot spot for fitness enthusiasts and a meeting ground for performance arts and social welfare groups. However, the infrastructure here is not up to the mark. Last week, a list of suggestions emerged on social media to highlight the park’s weaknesses, and how to make it better. The suggestions welcomes more people to put forward their ideas and also recommend a landscape design contest from professional design […] - [BWSSB’s shoddy work: Untreated water from STP enters Agara Lake](https://residentswatch.in/bwssbs-shoddy-work-untreated-water-from-stp-enters-agara-lake/): By Anuksha Dey Untreated water has been seeping into Agara lake from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Sector 4, HSR Layout. The lake supports rich biodiversity of fish, birds, and reptiles. Oil and other waste materials in the sewage have left a stink in the water body. It could also take a toll on aquatic life if the sewage is allowed to seep into the main waterbody of Agara lake. Pollutants entering the lake  Agara Lake, which was originally a rainfed water body, has been maintained using grey water from a government-run STP since […] - [Weekend getaway from Bengaluru: Muninagara Dam](https://residentswatch.in/weekend-getaway-from-bengaluru-muninagara-dam/) - [Bus Priority Lane: BMTC driver caught flouting the rule](https://residentswatch.in/bus-priority-lane-bmtc-driver-caught-flouting-the-rule/): By Qamar ZJ While there is much hue and cry over empty bus priority lanes (BPL) adding to the congestion on the rest of the road, one BMTC driver was found using the non-BPL lane. When one resident tweeted about it yesterday, BMTC promised to take prompt action.  Yesterday, Sreekanth M found an empty BPL and also realised the reason for it. Near the Marathahalli bridge, around 4.45pm, he found a green BMTC bus (number 500F) flouting the rule and using the non-BPL lane instead, adding to the congestion on the road. Residents like Harsha Halasur have asked the BMTC to […] - [HSR Layout residents complain about noise pollution from restaurants ](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-complain-about-noise-pollution-from-restaurants/): By Anuksha Dey Residents of Sector 4 in HSR Layout are putting up with noise pollution caused by restaurants located near their houses. Despite complaints from them, no proper action has been taken by the authorities so far. Restaurants are allowed to stay open till 1am. Loud music, celebrations, and use of industrial equipment late into the night causes sound pollution that disturbs residents at night, particularly the elderly. While residents are upset about the loud noises coming from restaurants, the proprietors of these eateries are inconvenienced by frequent complaints from citizens that hinder their business. Resident-restaurant conflict Lakshmi Gowda who […] - [Restaurant encroaches footpath in HSR Layout; authorities take action](https://residentswatch.in/restaurant-encroaches-footpath-in-hsr-layout-authorities-take-action/): By Anuksha Dey Silbatti, a restaurant on 19th Main in HSR Layout, built a tin shed on the footpath. Upset residents took to social media, prompting the authorities to take some action. Based on their pressure, the restaurant proprietor reduced the size of the shed from 5-feet to 2-feet (width). However, part of the structure (2-feet) still remains on the drain next to the footpath, and is still not in line with the rest of the boundary wall of Silbatti. The authorities have promised action on this as well. The residents’ response The footpath on 19th Main is hardly walkable, with […] - [Bescom's transformer rods continue to endanger citizens 6 years after redesign](https://residentswatch.in/bescoms-transformer-rods-continue-to-endanger-citizens-6-years-after-redesign/): By Anuksha Dey Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) reportedly came up with a design solution to make its transformers safer. They raised the height of the switches in 2015. However, many of these handles continue to inconvenience pedestrians to date.  What are transformers? Distribution transformers are essential electrical equipment, they convert high voltage electricity into a lower voltage which can be used safely in homes. Transformers may be pad mounted or pole mounted. Pad-mounted transformers are found on the streets while the pole-mounted variety is elevated with the help of the pole. The vertical handles near the transformers are known […] - [Horamavu gets motorable roads after 3-year wait](https://residentswatch.in/horamavu-gets-only-few-motorable-roads-after-3-year-wait/): By Anuksha Dey Residents of Horamavu near Banaswadi and KR Puram are finally getting asphalted roads from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) after waiting for over three years. The streets were dug up by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for laying water pipelines in April 2017. An additional 60 kms of roads were dug up for laying underground pipes in January 2019. So far, Varanasi Main Road is asphalted along with sections of Horamavu Lake Road, Kalkere Main Road, Horamavu Agara Lake Road, Manjunathnagar main road, and a few roads in Munnireddy layout. Work has also started in […] - [Go on birdwatching walks this Valentine's weekend](https://residentswatch.in/go-on-birdwatching-walks-this-valentines-weekend/): By Anuksha Dey Bird Count India is organising a weekend full of birding adventures on February 13 and 14. Birdwatching walks are organised across lakes in Bengaluru as part of the global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2021. The walks are open to all and free for participants. This is a great time of the year to see migratory waterbirds. For example, Goose and Ducks like Greylag Goose, Bar-headed Goose. Northern Shoveler, and Common Pochard start arriving in India during the winter months.  February 13 This Saturday, a birding walk is organised at Yelahanka lake. The group will meet at 6:30 […] - [Parking vehicle on footpath? Cops will fine you Rs 1000](https://residentswatch.in/parking-vehicle-on-footpath-cops-will-fine-you-rs-1000/): By Aratrika Dey & Qamar ZJ The next time you park your vehicle on the footpath, the Bengaluru Traffic Police will fine you Rs 1000 for encroaching pedestrian territory. This fine applies to the riders of two-wheelers and drivers of four-wheelers as there is no differential pricing. Before 2019, the fee stood at Rs 100, but it has been increased to deter frequent offenders after a proposal was made two years ago. The number of people being booked for footpath parking has gone up marginally in the last three years, indicating that the cops are lax in implementing this rule so […] - [Opinion: How about applying Delhi power supply model for efficient city bus services?](https://residentswatch.in/opinion-how-about-applying-delhi-power-supply-model-for-efficient-city-bus-services/): By Muralidhar Rao There were old estimates that the city needed far more buses than the BMTC was operating, and it was also known that the need was being partially met by private operators. But, nobody knew that between the private operators and the schools, there were over six-times the numbers operated by BMTC. Kudos to Citizen Matters for bringing out these numbers (check here).   So, all in all, there are close to 50,000 buses on the city roads, apart from the ‘multi-coloured buses’ (mostly Tamil Nadu registered), and the inter-city operations. But, the fact is that, constrained as the […] - [Citizens complain about lack of Metro connectivity to upcoming Visvesvaraya rail terminal](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-complain-about-lack-of-metro-connectivity-to-upcoming-visvesvaraya-rail-terminal/): By Aratrika Dey Close to the inauguration date of the much-anticipated railway terminal at Baiyappanahalli, the residents are worried about Metro connectivity issues. After missing several deadlines due to varied reasons, the station named Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (after Karnataka’s eminent engineer) was initially set to be launched on February 15, 2021. However, the inaugural date is now pushed to February 21, 2021.   No Metro connectivity Citizen’s forum ‘Namma Bengaluroo’ has said that this new terminal outlet is about two kilometers away from the Baiyappanahalli metro station, with no direct access road to it. Only proper connectivity options can make […] - [Children cannot play in HSR Layout police station anymore](https://residentswatch.in/children-cannot-play-in-hsr-layout-police-station-anymore/): By Aratrika Dey Back in September 2019, under the suggestion of IPS officer Isha Pant, thirteen police stations were set to get ‘child play areas’ inside their buildings. The first police station to set up such a facility in the city was the HSR Layout police station. However, it is also the first one to shut down. HSR cops said that fewer children were visiting the police station because of COVID-19, leading to the shut down. Now that space is being used for other police work. “Police stations usually suffer from lack of space, and COVID-19 is definitely a reason why […] - [FASTag will be implemented on Nice Road from Feb 14](https://residentswatch.in/fastag-will-be-activated-on-nice-roads-from-feb-14/): By Qamar ZJ Come February 14, and you can zip past the toll gates of NICE Road as well. The FASTag will be activated by then, and all will be smooth sailing for users of four-wheelers. For over a year, Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) had its own toll collection system that only a few had bought. The reason was simple: Why would infrequent users buy a private toll collection system? But now that FASTag is being implemented diligently across the country, NICE has finally integrated its system to accept FASTag as well. No longer do you have to pay electronically […] - [Why are residents opposed to a tree park in Turahalli forest?](https://residentswatch.in/why-are-residents-against-a-tree-park-in-turahalli-forest/): By Anuksha Dey Turahalli forest off Kanakapura Road is one of Bengaluru’s last surviving natural forests. Home to the spotted deer, porcupine, and peacock, this 600-acre land is a sanctuary for its unique flora and fauna. While there is a 28-acre under-utilised tree park, the government is now planning to convert 400-acres of the forest into a tree park. Citizens are livid with this decision since Tuesday and negotiations are being conducted between resident groups and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sanjai Mohan. But why is a resident body protesting against the creation of a tree park for its […] - [India’s only wildlife arena under flyover completes one year](https://residentswatch.in/indias-only-wildlife-arena-under-flyover-completes-one-year/): By Anuksha Dey What better way to celebrate Karnataka’s rich indigenous wildlife than through an art form as integral to its heritage as the rangoli. The Ugly Indian, an anonymous group of volunteers engaged in beautifying Bengaluru, has planned a day full of creativity and art on February 6 (Saturday) at Veerannapalya to commemorate the first anniversary of India’s first wildlife arena under a flyover. They have organised the Rangoli Habba Under-the-Flyover to bring the city’s people together. The Rangoli Habba The rangoli festival is scheduled to start at 9am and is open to all. All materials will be provided by […] - [Empty Bus Lanes add to traffic congestion!](https://residentswatch.in/empty-bus-lanes-add-to-traffic-congestion/): By Aratrika Dey Citizens a concern over bus priority lanes going empty, while contending that the current system has reduced the road capacity for regular traffic, resulting in heavy congestion. Special mention is made about the stretch from Outer Ring Road to Marathahalli. “For bus connectivity, frequency is critical. Unless a mobility plan with a scientific approach is adopted, these efforts (employing the bus priority lane scheme within the city’s infrastructure) will be just for the books,” according to Kasavanahalli Development Forum.  Still a work in progress In late 2019, Bengaluru was introduced to bus priority lanes to overcome the problem […] - [Is the Cycle Lane design practical, ask citizens](https://residentswatch.in/is-the-cycle-lane-design-practical-ask-citizens/): By Anuksha Dey Within a week after the cycle lane on Race Course Road was inaugurated, questions about the design of the cycle track raise concerns for pedestrians as well as activists. Citizens also take to social media about construction work in other parts of the city.  Bengaluru’s Smart City Project The cycling track is part of the government’s initiative to transform Bengaluru into a  smart city. The cycle lanes will provide a safer, more environment-friendly mode of transportation in the city centre and help connect Palace Road with Race Course Road. The Smart City Project is a nationwide urban renewal […] - [Frequent mobile phone thefts bother HSR Layout residents](https://residentswatch.in/frequent-mobile-phone-thefts-worries-hsr-layout-residents/): By Aratrika Dey The seventh installation of the Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows saw the introduction of the ‘Snatchers’ (an organization of bounty hunters) who were essentially tasked with ‘snatching’ people. In and around HSR Layout, similar snatchers have started popping up recently; the only difference is that they snatch away mobile phones from passers-by. So far, the cops are unable to nab these thieves and prevent more thefts. Sector 3 is attracting phone snatchers HSR Layout’s 3rd Sector has recently seen an influx of phone snatching activities, especially on 18th Main Road, adjacent to HSR Club […] - [Sparsha stopped 174 child marriages in last nine months!](https://residentswatch.in/sparsha-stopped-174-child-marriages-in-last-nine-months/): By Anuksha Dey Sparsha Trust, a 16-year-old NGO which started out as a shelter for five children in a small shed near the Bangalore airport, has stopped 174 child marriages between April 2020 and January 2021. The organisation, which has received the Best NGO award from the state government of Karnataka on two occasions, works to make life better for children at the risk of being forced into child marriage and child labour, besides dropping out of schools. The voluntary group provides them with protection, care and opportunities for development. Intervening to stop child marriage Sparsha began its efforts to contain […] - [Bangalore’s air quality is poor; avoid the outdoors!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalores-air-quality-is-poor-avoid-the-outdoors/): By Anuksha Dey Bengaluru’s Air Quality has been exceptionally poor since Thursday. The air quality index (AQI) lay between 100 and 163 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. According to a study published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information in the US, it is best to avoid outdoor activities as well as any strenuous activity which increase the rate at which you inhale the polluted air and to stay away from high traffic areas when AQI is above 100. The experts also recommend using air purifiers where possible, and wearing masks outdoors is absolutely essential. The Air Quality Index monitoring system […] - [Residents petition authorities to save millennia-old lake in Whitefield ](https://residentswatch.in/residents-petition-authorities-to-save-millenia-old-pattandur-agrahara-lake/): By Aratrika Dey Resident-led civil rights group Namma Whitefield has filed an online petition to the Apex Committee on Lakes besides asking for help from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner and the Karnataka Chief Minister. They want the authorities to kick start the rejuvenation process of Pattandur Agrahara Lake and free it from the land sharks who have forged documents to encroach the precious open space. As part of Save Pattandur Agrahara Lake campaign, the citizens are demanding an immediate survey of the entire lake property and demarcation of lake boundaries, besides identifying and marking of the water body’s buffer […] - [Residents want BBMP to secure Somasundrapalya Lake; launch clean-up drive](https://residentswatch.in/residents-want-bbmp-to-secure-somasundrapalya-lake-launch-clean-up-drive/): By Anuksha Dey Members of the Community Task Force (CTF) met at Somasundrapalya Lake early in the morning yesterday, armed with their brooms, cleaning equipment and saplings to plant. Tired of administrative delays by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the residents of the area have taken the maintenance of the water body into their hands. However, the upkeep of the area, without proper security guards, is proving to be a herculean task for them. Lake cleaning drive The resident’s body started a weekly lake cleaning drive in January. After two weeks, the group decided to make their visits to the […] - [How Iblur Lake was saved!](https://residentswatch.in/how-iblur-lake-was-saved/): By Mukund Kumar Having spent the first five years of my work and life in Bengaluru, it was almost a certainty that I would come back to the same city. After a span of six years, working across the USA and Europe as an investment manager, it was an impulsive decision to come back to the Garden City to explore new personal and professional avenues. My new journey began in 2012.  The return Culminating with the return was a one-year sabbatical from work. Quickly, the realization dawned that things were not quite as rosy as they had been in the Bengaluru […] - [Now is the best time to go birdwatching in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/now-is-the-best-time-to-go-birdwatching-in-bengaluru/): By Anuksha Dey If you have been planning to go bird watching in Bengaluru, now is the perfect time. “This is the winter season… anytime you step out is a good time for birding,” says Dr Krishna MB, a zoologist with a doctorate in bird ecology. But if you’re wondering where and how to start, this quick guide by Residents Watch will help you navigate this evocative journey. The birds of Bengaluru Around 340 species of birds have been recorded in Bengaluru so far. Though the population of birds has dropped over the years, the city still boasts of a rich […] - [Know your neighbour: Spiderman of Bommanahalli](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-spiderman-of-bommanahalli/): By Aratrika Dey Comicverse Queens, New York City has had Peter Parker as the resident ‘Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman’ since 1962, and now Bengaluru has a ‘real-life’ web slinger of its own. Asrar Khan Usmani (23), or just Usmani, as he is commonly known, is addressed as the ‘Spiderman of Bommanahalli’. However, there’s a catch, instead of fighting off villains and saving innocent civilians, Usmani rescues animals. He has been at it for the last six years and counting. Sometimes, in true Spidey fashion, he scales buildings to save animals. A resident of Bommanahalli, Usmani gained the moniker of the webbed hero […] - [After many citizen protests, BBMP agrees to save some trees](https://residentswatch.in/after-many-citizen-protests-bbmp-agrees-to-save-some-trees/): By Chandrima Mazumdar 2021 has brought good news for the environment activists and enthusiasts as Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has agreed to save all the trees along the Whitefield roads. The tweet by Namma Whitefield’s page termed the move as a win for the environment, and thanked the BBMP and MLA Arvind Limbavali for the gesture. Other clauses by the BBMP Following many citizen protests against the reckless cutting of trees along the city roads, the BBMP (major roads) engineer Ramakrishna Reddy held a meeting with the residents. He assured the people that all the trees and saplings would be […] - [RTI Association pushes for the delivery of second appeals within 45 days ](https://residentswatch.in/rti-association-pushes-for-the-delivery-of-second-appeals-within-45-days/): By Aratrika Dey The Karnataka RTI Workers Seva Samithi (KRWSS) recently filed a petition with the Central Information Commissioner, demanding that RTI (Right to Information) second appeals be disposed off within 45 days. Second appeals before the Karnataka Information Commission are taking longer disposal time, some going up to more than three to five years. “More than 30,000 cases are pending,” says Vijay Dennis, social worker, founder, and president of the KRWSS. “They are not closing the cases; they are giving dates once a month or once every two months. People from the districts keep traveling back and forth, spending their […] - [Opinion: Bengaluru’s campaign against COVID-19 is better than Germany’s](https://residentswatch.in/opinion-bengalurus-campaign-against-covid-19-is-better-than-germanys/): By Manasa Manjunath  First things first, my story is not a testimony of COVID-19 cases in India being on a steady decline. It is my personal experience about the protocols in place and the precautions taken by the citizens of Bengaluru. Originally from Bengaluru, I did my schooling and bachelors in engineering here. I moved to Germany nine years ago to pursue my masters. I moved to Stuttgart for a job, where I’ve lived for over five years now. Last December, I arrived here alongside my husband and was pleasantly surprised by the way the city and the people are dealing […] - [Fact-check BBMP’s report on the condition of roads and footpaths](https://residentswatch.in/fact-check-bbmps-report-on-the-condition-of-roads-and-footpaths/): By Chandrima Mazumdar The Karnataka State Legal Services Authority issued a notice dated January 18, 2021, asking people to share the status of the roads that need inspection. The concerned people can mail at: kar.hck9@gmail.com. According to the notice, the High Court of Karnataka had issued several directions addressing the Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority to ascertain the present conditions of the public roads and footpaths and submit its report to the court on or before February 5, 2021. Citizens can report bad roads and footpaths but also fact-check Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) year-old report on 108 arterial […] - [KP Singh: 15 years of grassroots activism on sustainability](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-he-created-the-citys-first-locality-with-its-own-water-supply/): By Anuksha Dey An IT sector employee, KP Singh (54) is a grassroots activist turned politician. About 22 years ago, he left UP and came to Bengaluru to work for the technology industry. Soon, he found himself drawn to social causes. Since the pandemic, he has been in the frontlines, distributing food and medical requirements across the city. As the national secretary of Swarajya India party, he is currently involved in coordinating supplies to the farmer protesters in Delhi through party workers who help with the distribution of aid. Before Singh joined Swarajya, he was involved in grassroots level activism in […] - [Residentspeak: BBMP has to follow the best practices of Forest Department to maintain lakes](https://residentswatch.in/opinion-bbmp-has-to-follow-the-best-practices-of-forest-department-to-maintain-lakes/): By Kavitha Reddy Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) agenda on Bengaluru lakes does not demonstrate confidence. Now that all the lakes in the BBMP limits are under its lakes division, I wonder if the infamous reputation of BBMP will be reflected in the lake conservation or will it truly make a positive impact in preserving the water bodies. BBMP projects are completely Contractor Oriented Works (COW). Which means, every project is milked to the maximum by the contractors’ lobby and little has BBMP done to shed off this shoddy reputation. These COW projects are not only expensive but can also be […] - [Report bad roads and potholes with this WhatsApp chatbot before Jan 30!](https://residentswatch.in/report-bad-roads-and-potholes-with-this-whatsapp-chatbot-before-jan-30/): By Qamar ZJ Frustrated with bad roads and potholes in Bengaluru? The Karnataka High Court has come to your rescue, thanks to a public interest litigation (PIL) by concerned citizens. All you have to do is to use this nifty WhatsApp chatbot and register your complaints. The easy steps are shown visually in the video below. Just click on the image and you will be able to do it in a few steps. Remember to have a pucture of the pothole and road handy. If you want to make the city pothole-free and pedestrian-friendly, this is a small step you can […] - [Received suspicious news? Fact-check on state government’s website](https://residentswatch.in/received-suspicious-news-fact-check-on-state-governments-website/): By Qamar ZJ While there are several private fact-check websites, not many are aware that the Karnataka police launched a fact-checking website in April last year. This was to combat the fake news surrounding COVID-19. Today, the portal has become an additional tool that the citizens can use to check the veracity of the information they receive on social media, particularly WhatsApp.  Fact checking made easy The brainchild of Director General of Police Praveen Sood, the Karnataka State Police Factcheck website is being managed by the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) cybercrime division and Check4Spam. If you don’t have access to the […] - [HSR Layout residents oppose multi-storied building, seating area & restaurant in upcoming sports stadium](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-oppose-multi-storied-building-seating-area-restaurant-in-upcoming-sports-stadium/): By Qamar ZJ The controversy over the proposed Rs 140-crore sports stadium to be built in phases in the second sector of HSR Layout refuses to die down. On Monday, the residents met BBMP joint commissioner (Bommanahalli) M Ramakrishna and not only handed him a memorandum of their requests, but also spoke to him orally about their various reservations over the project. They urged the BBMP to only build a ground+1 floor and not 4-5 floors. Besides, they want the civic body to avoid building a restaurant and seating gallery as such constructions would fall foul of the laws governing playgrounds […] - [Frequent internet disruptions in HSR Layout as miscreants keep cutting fibre optic cables](https://residentswatch.in/frequent-internet-disruptions-in-hsr-layout-as-miscreants-keep-cutting-fibre-optic-cables/): By Qamar ZJ At a time when working from home is the ‘new normal’, the availability of internet is crucial. However, miscreants are cutting fibre optic cables in neighbourhoods, such as HSR Layout. While some allege that the competitors are doing it, others suspect that it could be the handiwork of sub contractors whose contracts were not renewed. Complaints of poor restoration service against Act Broadband are rampant across HSR Layout. And now, Spectra is facing the same connectivity issues. Competitors hand? One resident had this cable cutting issue on three occasions in a month. It took Spectra two days to […] - [First person account: What to expect if you are taking a train to the Bangalore airport](https://residentswatch.in/first-person-account-what-to-expect-if-you-are-taking-a-train-to-the-bangalore-airport/): By Anuksha Dey If you are a student who has moved to Bangalore to pursue your higher studies like me, two things can be said about your life. The first, you have to fly back to your home town at least twice a year. The second, you are almost always too broke to afford a cab. Since I moved to Bangalore, the journey to and from the airport has become the bane of my existence. Busses take way too long and cabs are just too expensive. I have even tried taking a Rapido to the airport before realizing the journey was […] - [HSR Layout residents protest against BESCOM for frequent power cuts](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-protest-against-bescom-for-frequent-power-cuts/): By Aratrika Dey Yesterday, HSR Layout natives protested in front of the BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) office in HSR Layout. They complained about the poor electrical supply in the area. They met with the Executive Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer Jyoti Prakash and MH Jagdish respectively. They wanted the officials to address the problem of frequent power cuts and remove the footpath encroachment by BESCOM and filling the potholes created by them during the underground cable installation. Persistant problem HSR Layout is no stranger to power cuts and voltage fluctuations. Recently, however, these problems have become more inconvenient for the […] - [The diary of an accidental activist](https://residentswatch.in/the-diary-of-an-accidental-activist-from-bellandur/): By Anuksha Dey Laly Randolf calls herself an accidental social activist. She represented Kerala at national cricket championships, has a postgraduate degree in English, and held a stable LIC job till the early 2000s. Besides, life kept presenting her with opportunities to make a difference. Today, Randolf is an active member of Kasa Mukta Bellandur (KMB) and is well known for her work in solid waste management. Social activism Laly’s first tryst with societal welfare was around 2002 when she was living in Koramangala. She had joined a small citizens protest against a restaurant in her area for its unhygienic working condition. […] - [Husband’s cancer survival story inspires criminal lawyer to resolve Bellandur’s garbage crisis ](https://residentswatch.in/husbands-cancer-survival-story-inspires-criminal-lawyer-to-resolve-bellandurs-garbage-crisis/): By Anuksha Dey Criminal Lawyer turned environmental activist from Gujarat, Rupal Ralph has dedicated the last five years of her life to improving the lives of people in Bellandur.  Rupal moved to Bengaluru from Gujarat in 2007 and was appalled by the condition of the roads, the garbage black spots and the polluted Bellandur lake. Since 2016, she has played a key role in solid waste management projects, community welfare projects, and environmental conservation projects in the city. “I was born in Gujarat but I have lived for 14 years in Bengaluru. It is my place now, my Karmabhumi,” she says. […] - [Opinion: BBMP will have to wait till 2026 before delimiting the wards!](https://residentswatch.in/legal-mess-bbmp-will-have-to-wait-till-2026-before-delimiting-the-wards/): By Kavitha Reddy Even as the Government of Karnataka (GoK) misused its authority to postpone the civic polls, it is unaware that the BBMP is in a legal quagmire. As per the New BBMP Act, all Grama Panchayats (GP) that are in some of the constituencies of Bengaluru will become part of the Greater Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (GBMP). Which means, these Grama Panchayats will be part of the 243 wards of the GBMP.  But the real twist is in the recently-held Grama Panchayat elections and the upcoming Taluk Panchayat (TP) and Zilla Parshad (ZP) Elections. If GoK had the right intentions, […] - [Know your neighbour: An engineer turned social entrepreneur who makes sustainable living possible](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-an-engineer-turned-social-entrepreneur-who-makes-sustainable-living-possible/): By Chandrima Mazumdar From working in IT to becoming a champion of sustainable environment, Sarjapur Road resident Malini Parmar’s life is nothing short of an inspiration. The co-founder of Stonesoup is also part of the Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), 2bin1bag campaign (waste segregation), Bangalore Eco team (known for its campaign against plastic), Swacchagraha (composting) and Green The Red (sustainable menstruation) initiatives aimed at sustainable living. In her previous avatar, she worked in IT and BPO firms as CMO, CSO and CSR head, where her work spanned 25 countries and 17 years.  What motivated her Parmar says that there were […] - [Local citizen initiative against spitting receives national attention](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-based-citizen-initiative-against-spitting-gets-national-traction/): By Aratrika Dey This pandemic saw the championing of the Stop India Spitting campaign, a national movement led by the citizens of Beautiful Bengaluru (also known as Beautiful Bharat nationwide). Established in 2015 and spearheaded by Bellandur resident Odette Katrak, a behaviour change professional, writer and changemaker, Beautiful Bengaluru is a voluntary citizens’ initiative working towards cleaner, greener, and safer cities. The campaign was instrumental in highlighting the issue nationally, resulting in the enactment of a law against spitting across India, and also ensured that the subject figured in the PM’s national address.  Local goes national What started as a Bengaluru-centric […] - [New year's gift for Whitefield: Potholes on ECC Road are filled](https://residentswatch.in/new-years-gift-for-whitefield-potholes-on-ecc-road-get-filled/): By Chandrima Mazumdar 2021 starts on a positive note for Whitefield as the potholes on the ECC Road are filled. The bad stretches of Swami Vivekananda Road and from Dean’s school to Whitefield Main Road are asphalted. However, a comprehensive plan to completely re-lay the ECC Road is still under discussion. The pothole problem Bangalore has had to struggle with potholes for years now. For the residents of Whitefield, this problem has been far worse. The roads in the outer zone were almost reduced to rubble, especially the Nallurhalli Main Road, ITPL Road, ECC Road, Pattandur Agrahara Road, the road connecting […] - [PayTM and ICICI are the most preferred fastag providers](https://residentswatch.in/paytm-and-icici-are-the-most-preferred-fastag-providers/): By Qamar ZJ In an online poll by Team BHP, PayTM has emerged way ahead of its rivals as the most preferred fastag provider in India. This is followed not so closely by ICICI. As this form of automatic toll fee collection becomes the norm from Feb 15 (it was extended today), people are flocking to online apps, petrol bunks and also getting it at the fastag booths near toll gates. The fee is around Rs 500, which includes a refundable deposit of Rs 250.  At this point, SBI fastags weren’t working properly and some authorised petrol bunks were recommending IndusInd […] - [Complain directly to CM from Jan 1 on one email ID!](https://residentswatch.in/complain-directly-to-cm-from-jan-1/): By Qamar ZJ From 2021, you can directly complain to the Karnataka chief minister on his Twitter handle or email ID (cm.kar@nic.in) for speedier redressal of your complaints. Earlier, there were three email IDs to reach the CM. The new move is to remove any confusion and duplication, thereby streamlining the process. However, citizens find the very idea of alerting the CM’s office to be impractical. In the past, we have emailed the CM on issues where we have got an acknowledgement, but no redressal. When this can happen to a media entity, what about the lay person?  BBMP Sahaya 3.0? […] - [Citizen group completes nine years of managing lakes in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/citizen-group-completes-9-years-of-maintaining-lakes-in-bengaluru/): By Anuksha Dey Mahadevpura Parisara Samrakshane Mattu Abhivrudhi Samiti  (Mapsas), a citizen-driven organisation, is about to enter its 10th year of looking after and reviving Bangalore’s lakes and reservoirs. The organisation has been working closely with BBMP and the residents around Soul Kere, Kaikondrahalli Kere, Kasavanahalli Kere, Lower Ambalipura Lake and Devarabisanahalli to maintain the biodiversity of these water bodies for over nine years. Nature-first approach Mapsas revives lakes to preserve Bengaluru’s biodiversity. The citizen body maintains wetlands, plants trees and cleans lakes to ensure that the water ecosystem continues to thrive. The organisation is against using lakes as recreational centres […] - [Sakala: Get government services delivered to you on time](https://residentswatch.in/sakala-get-government-services-delivered-to-you-on-time/): By Aratrika Dey Across India, citizens are frustrated when the promised delivery of a particular service from the government is either received after the due date or not at all.  That is when you should turn to Sakala, a public service scheme under the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act, 2011. If your application is delayed, Sakala will speed it up.  What is ‘Sakala’? Sakala delivers 150 services to the citizens of Karnataka in a time-bound manner. Coined by the citizens, ‘Sakala’ means ‘on time’ in Kannada. Karnataka is the tenth state in India to incorporate a law under the […] - [Know your neighbour: Transforming Bellandur is her mission](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-transforming-bellandur-is-her-mission/): By Zahid H Javali Kishori Mudaliar is a changemaker wearing many hats. She is the founder of Bellandur Jothege Foundation, a civil society organisation focussed on developing Bellandur, particularly pedestrianization. A communications and PR consultant by profession, Kishori is an electronics engineer by qualification, besides being a summertime Bharatanatyam dance teacher. Born in Mumbai, she was exposed to diverse experiences and mentors. “From then to now, a positive, outcome-based approach to life— one step at a time—is the bedrock of my personal philosophy,” she says.  The roots of social change From communications and PR to a changemaker, the transition was triggered […] - [“We are creating mini forests every week in Bengaluru”](https://residentswatch.in/we-are-creating-mini-forests-every-week-in-bengaluru/): By Anuksha Dey SayTrees planted 8150 saplings at Hennagara Lake last Saturday. The saplings were planted using the Miyawaki method at the lake near Bannerghatta. This afforestation project on the outskirts of Bengaluru is a small part of SayTrees’s efforts to green the city.  Currently, this Bengaluru-based not-for-profit organization has over 25 afforestation projects in the city and several others in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, UP, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh. They have already planted over 6.5 lakh trees across India and hope to plant more.  The Miyawaki method SayTrees is creating urban and rural forests, supporting farmers with fruit trees, rejuvenating lakes […] - [COVID-19: ActionAid steps in to prevent a second wave](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-actionaid-steps-in-to-prevent-a-second-wave/): By Chandrima Mazumdar Better awareness and the right nutrition is the best way to prevent the second wave of COVID-19, according to ActionAid. The NGO launched a campaign to emphasise these points on Tuesday. The COVID-19 camp and nutrition distribution to adolescents was done in association with Slum Mahila Sanghatane and the CSR support of Vector Infomatik.  “We have had various training sessions with doctors, and they have told us how patients suffering from different comorbidities will be worse affected in case of a second wave of COVID,” says Madeeha Kulsum, who is in-charge of the documentation for the project. On […] - [A dummy’s guide to travelling on a budget across India](https://residentswatch.in/a-dummys-guide-to-travelling-on-a-budget-across-india/): By Aratrika Dey Travelling overseas can be a real gift for any individual. However, living through a pandemic, some things have changed indefinitely. Traveling abroad from India for tourism purposes remains suspended since March 2020. But this piece of information should not dampen a wanderer’s interests. Domestic flights resumed from May 2020, and interstate travel restrictions are relaxed. Even if it’s not by much, the rules offer something to placate the traveler’s mind. Incredible India upholds a diverse mirror, that ranges from mountains in the north to tropical beaches in the south. From grand temples that offer a mystifying and spiritual […] - [Drive-in cinemas and open-air screenings zooming back into popularity amidst the pandemic](https://residentswatch.in/drive-in-cinemas-and-open-air-screenings-zooming-back-into-popularity-amidst-the-pandemic/): By Anuksha Dey Watching movies on over-the-top (OTT) platforms or on TV has become the new normal during the pandemic. But, for those who miss the experience of the big screen, startups such as Lonely Cow Entertainment and organisations such as Sunset Cinema Club and SteppinOut are providing a safer alternative to the traditional cinema halls by organising outdoor movie screenings. These movie screenings are carried out in open areas such as backyards, courtyards and terraces in popular restaurants and destinations. Some companies have also started drive-in movies which allow you to watch movies on the big screen from the comfort […] - [BTM Layout residents oppose indoor stadium in space allotted for playground](https://residentswatch.in/btm-layout-residents-oppose-indoor-stadium-on-space-allotted-for-playground/): By Chandrima Mazumdar The citizens of BTM Layout have turned to social media to voice their protest against the construction of an indoor stadium in 1st Stage, BTM Layout. According to the residents, the neighbourhood lacks any open space for children, and the space allotted for the stadium was reserved for a playground as per Karnataka High Court judgement. The worried Twitterati tagged MLA Sowmya Reddy of Jayanagar who is known for her advocacy for open spaces and environment conservation.    Earlier this month, MLA Ramalinga Reddy of BTM Layout had tweeted to inform about laying the foundation stone for the construction […] - [HSR Layout’s wonder women save lives of several strays](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layouts-wonder-women-save-lives-of-several-strays/): By Aratrika Dey When the BBMP’s ABC (Animal Birth Control) program in the Bommanahalli sector stopped operating midway through last year and CUPA had to stop their sterilization operations for strays around March 2020 due to the pandemic, three HSR Layout residents, Priyanka Gopal, Tapsi Raina, and Prabha Bhaktaram, stepped up to fill in the blanks. Since the onset of the lockdown, these three women are ensuring that the female dogs are spayed in Sector 4, thereby providing a better, healthier lifestyle for the strays. Keeping a check on stray population The sole purpose of these women revolves around giving these […] - [Garbage burning is a never-ending problem in Kasavanahalli](https://residentswatch.in/garbage-burning-in-kasavanahalli-back-in-the-spotlight/): By Anuksha Dey The roads are finally being repaired and drains are being cleaned in some parts of Bellandur. However, just months before the civic polls, a video of large scale garbage burning in Kasavanahalli has gone viral on Twitter. The video shows smoke from a pile of trash being burnt behind Bren Imperia, near Bellandur. BBMP’s Solid Waste Management Cell has responded to the video saying, “Kasavanahalli seems infamous for such burning. Adequate infrastructure in terms of vehicles have been given to Bellandur ward. Better enforcement is required from the local solid waste management team.” Garbage disposal is a pressing […] - [The great revival of Bellandur and Varthur lakes began today](https://residentswatch.in/the-great-revival-of-bellandur-and-varthur-lakes-began-today/): By Aratrika Dey MLA Arvind Limbavali inaugurated the Bellandur and Varthur lakes rejuvenation project today. The project was sanctioned by the State Government of Karnataka by order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). However, some residents want the dignitaries to inaugurate completed projects rather than those that are yet to begin. Objectives of the project This project aims to provide a toxin-free, clean environment for the people living in the area. Both the lakes, Bellandur especially, have been victims of frothing that will be mitigated by this project. This will gradually improve the water quality of the lakes. Besides, wetlands are […] - [Traffic congestion to continue for atleast 2 years in KR Puram](https://residentswatch.in/traffic-congestion-to-continue-for-atleast-2-years-at-tin-factory-due-to-metro-work/): By Anuksha Dey After lying dormant for about two years in KR Puram, the Metro line construction site near Jyothipura is showing signs of progress. However, residents might have to wait a few years for the Tin Factory traffic congestion to ease. The Tin factory junction, which connects East Bangalore to Central Bangalore, is riddled with many problems: buses plying from Marathahalli to KR Puram, pedestrians refusing to use the skywalk, speeding vehicles, and narrow roads that cannot handle heavy traffic. The result leads to KR Puram’s infamous traffic gridlock.  The long-awaited extension of Bangalore’s Purple line to Whitefield along with […] - [Cops nab the kingpin behind drug trafficking in the city](https://residentswatch.in/cops-nab-the-kingpin-behind-drug-trafficking-in-the-city/): By Chandrima Mazumdar In one of the most significant drug trafficking raids by Central Crime Bangalore (CCB), the big shot of cocaine supply in Bengaluru who goes by the name “Chief” is now behind bars. According to Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sandeep Patil, the man, who’s real name is Chidiebere Ambrose, was supplying drugs to foreign drug peddlers and was in touch with them. More investigation on this case is going on. On December 3, the CCB had busted another case of drug procurement through darknet using bitcoins, in which one peddler was arrested and stamp-size LSD drugs were seized. The […] - [Citizens free 110 trees from nails across the city](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-free-110-trees-from-nails-across-the-city/): By Zahid H Javali Vinod Kartavya (36), a technical officer at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and his team of concerned citizens, is on a mission to rid the city of nails from trees. After he got hurt while leaning on a tree, Kartavya, has been removing nails from trees with fellow citizens every Sunday since November 15, 2020. So far, his campaign has led to the removal of nails, placards, and signages from 110 trees across Bengaluru. Many dignitaries have joined his campaign, including BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad, film actor Kishore Kumar, former IPS officer K Annamalai, and cybercrime […] - [HSR Layout sports stadium construction to begin from today!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-sports-stadium-construction-to-begin-from-today/): By Qamar ZJ The controversial sports stadium project is taking off today with a bhoomi pooja despite massive opposition to the idea of a multi-purpose sports stadium, with emphasis on cricket, in the midst of a residential area. The residents believe that this would result in undue pollution and congestion in and around the area, besides denying children the right to an open playground. While the authorities are telling the residents that all the laws will be respected while improving this playground, the biggest issue here is that there is complete lack of transparency. There is no Detailed Project Report (DPR) […] - [BBMP receives international honor in energy-efficient street lighting; residents call it a 'pseudo achievement'](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-receives-international-honor-in-energy-efficient-street-lighting-residents-call-it-a-pseudo-achievement/): By Qamar ZJ The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has won the silver medal for its energy-efficient street lighting project under the ‘Best Utilities Project’ at the Partnerships Awards 2020. The judges included 80 individuals representing public and private enterprises. However,  netizens are dubbing the honor as a ‘pseudo achievement’ as most of Bangaluru is shrouded in darkness for over a year. Forget the residential lanes, even the traffic-heavy Outer Ring Road is without lights and riddled with potholes for additional company.  Two years in the making The decision to change all the streetlights in Bangalore to LED was taken more […] - [Anti-Corruption Bureau: How to nail the corrupt](https://residentswatch.in/anti-corruption-bureau-how-to-nail-the-corrupt/): By Aratrika Dey   Do you want to take action against the ever-persisting problem of corruption? Or have you been subjected to malpractices and become a victim of corruption? Have you been asked to pay a certain sum to the police inspector assigned to you in your passport verification process to get the job done quickly? In this case, you need to know how to file a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).  The ACB unit is responsible for collecting information on corruption within the many departments under the government (against public servants and public persons) through appointed Vigilance Officers. They not […] - [Badly-injured bull rescued by the residents of HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/badly-injured-bull-rescued-by-the-residents-of-hsr-layout/): By Aratrika Dey ‘Nandi’ as he has been endearingly named, was rescued by the residents of HSR Layout. On November 26, resident Prabha Bhaktaram found him bleeding profusely around his head. It was right in front of her house in Sector 4, and she immediately took action.   “I started making calls to CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action), an animal rescue organisation, and tried to schedule a rescue and pickup of this bull to their centre,” recalls Prabha. However, CUPA got back to her saying that they would not be able to take in an animal so large into their shelter, which […] - [Found a messy toilet or broken footpath? Report now for end-to-end solution!](https://residentswatch.in/found-a-messy-toilet-or-broken-footpath-report-now-for-end-to-end-solution/): By Chandrima Mazumdar To reduce public urination and fix the broken footpaths within the year, Janaagraha, a non-profit organization, has teamed with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in their annual budget campaign called MyCityMyBudget. And every citizen can play a role in beautifying the city. In the last five years, over 50,000 citizens gave 90,000 budget inputs. My city, my budget The Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy works for citizen participation in urban local government to strengthen democracy. Every year, the NGO teams up with BBMP for MyCityMyBudget. The budget input is collected from citizens, both online and offline. This […] - [BBMP promises compensation to victims of bad infrastructure; Twitterati responds ](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-promises-compensation-to-victims-of-bad-infrastructure-twitterati-responds/): By Aratrika Dey On December 1, the BBMP published a public notification in the papers, promising to  compensate citizens injured due to bad roads or footpaths with a payment of Rs 15,000. In case of death, the family of the victim will be paid Rs 3 lakhs by the BBMP, while minor injuries will merit Rs 5000. Barring the primary compensation amount, the authorities will support the victim with an additional payment of Rs 10,000 to cover medical expenses. A special officer will be appointed to verify the claims. Following the BBMP announcement prompted by a court ruling, Bengalureans have taken […] - [Shocking First Person Account: RTO giving permanent driving licences without proper testing!](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-first-person-account-rto-giving-permanent-driving-licences-without-proper-testing/): By Ruchika S We have an expose by a 21-year-old communications student in Bengaluru about the corrupt ways of the Koramangala Regional Transport Office (RTO). She applied for a permanent driving licence through her driving school, and found that the RTO officials were granting the permits without proper tests. Here is her first person account that will shock you. THE FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT   Recently, I joined a popular driving school in Bengaluru. Traffic was minimal and the usually congested city was quiet; flaunting its broad roads and the otherwise unnoticeable greenery. It was the perfect time to learn. Had I begun […] - [Know your neighbour: She runs Bengaluru’s only natural birth and midwifery care centre](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-she-runs-bengalurus-only-natural-birth-and-midwifery-care-centre/): By Zahid H Javali Chetana Kulkarni (39), the co-founder of The Birth Home in JP Nagar, is on a mission. The resident of Indiranagar believes in natural birth and family-centred care to be her life’s focus. Though qualified as an engineer, midwifery has become her life’s calling in the last 15 months in Bengaluru.  While the city’s only midwifery centre is led by an international midwife, her firm also works with obstetricians, physicians, and hospitals, if required. “This enables us to provide safe care for low-risk pregnancies with access to medical technology and obstetrical skills,” says Chetana whose goal is to […] - [70% drop in active COVID-19 cases in HSR Layout, but authorities advise caution](https://residentswatch.in/70-drop-in-active-covid-19-cases-in-hsr-layout-but-authorities-advise-caution/): By Chandrima Mazumdar & Qamar ZJ The end of the year seems to bring good news for the residents of HSR Layout. There was a 70% drop in active COVID-19 cases from October to November. While the statistics are impressive, authorities are advising caution and no undue celebration just yet. According to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), there were 707 active COVID-19 cases, including three deaths. However, in November, there was a dramatic dip as there were zero deaths and only 232 active cases. This is in line with the Bengaluru average as well during this period. There were 101120 active […] - [Whitefield gets a digital public library after a 10-year wait!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-gets-its-second-public-digital-library-in-whitefield/): Videos courtesy: Anjali Saini By Qamar ZJ & Aratrika Dey At a time when everybody is struggling to get past the gloom of the pandemic, here comes some good news. Whitefield gets its own digital public library after a ten-year wait. This book-full of wonder is situated in Thubarahalli, Mahadevapura Zone, Whitefield. It should not be mistaken for an IT company office space tweets Anjali Saini, a Whitefield resident. The 76-second video that accompanies the tweet, is much like a brief virtual tour of the library set up by the BBMP library department and run by the Department of Public Libraries. […] - [RTI: How to make public sector banks answerable to you](https://residentswatch.in/rti-how-to-make-public-sector-banks-answerable-to-you/): By Aratrika Dey The right to information should be a fundamental right of every citizen. Given the lack of transparency from the public sector banks in the country, the citizens need to know how to file an RTI (Right to Information) application. Banks serve as a part of the foundation of any economy. But much like any other sector, this sector has its share of suspicious dealings and large scale corruption. However, while all public sector banks are registered under the Right to Information Act, 2005, private sector banks are exempt from it. A beginner’s guide to RTI  The Right to […] - ['Smart Cities Mission' is anti-poor, non-inclusive, and against the constitutional mandate: Experts](https://residentswatch.in/smart-cities-mission-is-anti-poor-non-inclusive-and-against-the-constitutional-mandate-experts/): By Qamar ZJ & Chandrima Mazumdar While the 2015 idea of ‘100 Smart Cities Mission’ promised improved standards of living, the reality is that it has forced many people into poverty. Instead of acting as a role model for the tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the governance and financial implications of this urban renewal programme needs to be thoroughly re-examined, according to experts. Besides, this kind of approach is highly centralised, and gives little to no scope for state government intervention, making it highly non-inclusive, and also against the constitutional mandate. Importantly, the project is not in sync with the […] - [Blood donation camps: Should you donate during the pandemic?](https://residentswatch.in/blood-donation-camps-should-you-donate-during-the-pandemic/): By Aratrika Dey Hospitals are overburdened with patients and cannot admit more due to the lack of beds and shortage of medical personnel. Blood banks are facing an acute shortage of blood units. The demand for treatment has increased, while the number of blood donors has decreased, due to the fear of virus transmission. No one knows when the pandemic will end. Therefore, blood donation camps are the only answer. The Rotary TTK Blood Bank and Bangalore Medical Services Trust (BMST) have teamed up with Rotary Bengaluru HSR to organize a blood donation camp on November 29 at 27th Cross, 19th […] - [After many road accidents and public pressure, Iblur skywalk is finally ready!](https://residentswatch.in/after-many-road-accidents-and-public-pressure-iblur-skywalk-is-finally-ready/): By Chandrima Mazumdar After more than two years of accidents and protests at the Iblur junction, a skywalk is finally ready for use by the public. Amid the pandemic, this is indeed great news for the residents and office goers in Bellandur and surrounding areas. Bellandur Jothege (BJ), a people’s organisation, was one of the major driving forces behind the construction of the road overbridge. To celebrate the success, BJ has organised a selfie campaign today named #WalkabilityChamp. While the skywalk is ready for public use, an official inauguration is slated for December 8. Many protests, accidents, and deaths prompted the […] - [BBMP should take urgent steps to protect revived lakes around HSR Layout  ](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-should-take-urgent-steps-to-protect-revived-lakes-around-hsr-layout/): By Kavitha Reddy                              I have written a letter to the BBMP administrator about my concerns related to Agara Lake, Somasundrapalya Lake and Mangammanapalya Lake in Ward 174 & 190 of Bommanahalli constituency. Agara Lake, post the Government notification few Lakes which were in the custody of Forest Dept, such as Madivala Lake and Agara Lake, were moved to BBMP Lakes Division. As a lake activist and founding member of the Agara Lake Protection and Management Society (ALPMS), I had serious concerns about Agara Lake being handed over to […] - [Koramangala records the lowest active COVID-19 cases, and zero deaths](https://residentswatch.in/koramangala-records-the-lowest-active-covid-19-cases-so-far-and-zero-deaths/): By Chandrima Mazumdar (Updated on Dec 3): Koramangala recorded a record low of 61 active COVID-19 cases from November 5 to 21. Amid the pandemic, the efforts of BBMP and citizens seem to have been rewarded with the number of active cases dropping from 424 in October to 162 in November (updated after this story was first published). That is a dramatic drop of 70% from the previous month, according to the BBMP. How did it happen? Rahul Francis, a volunteer and the BBMP mobile testing coordinator for ward 151 (Koramangala), says that their contact tracing team is strict on testing. […] - [Citizens oppose Yelahanka 'signal-free corridor' plan; find it highly pedestrian-unfriendly ](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-oppose-yelahanka-flyover-plan-find-it-highly-pedestrian-unfriendly/): By Aratrika Dey The BBMP has proposed a plan to build a 1.6 kilometer-long integrated flyover for the junction near the Yelahanka police station. However, it provides a solution only for the vehicle users on the busy stretch. The citizens are miffed that there is no initiative to aid the pedestrians. Bengaluru has a big walking community, and this initiative threatens their safety on the roads.  Why is a signal-free corridor necessary?  The RMZ Galleria Mall is located opposite the Yelahanka Police Station. Shoppers usually park their vehicles outside the mall due to lack of parking space. And cabbies park their […] - [Know your neighbour: Former top order batsman is now chairman of KSCA's state selection committees](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-former-top-order-batsman-is-now-chairman-of-ksca-and-state-selection-committee/): By Aratrika Dey Bengaluru boy, top-class batsman for Karnataka, your next-door neighbour (if you’re from HSR Layout), and now Chairman of the men’s state Senior and U-23 selection committees, Fazal R Khaleel has had quite the journey in the world of cricket. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced early this year that Khaleel replaced Raghuram Bhat for the top seat. The 47-year-old former opening batsman is no stranger to the selection committee as he was a member of it earlier. When did cricket happen? Back in the days, schools across India paid much heed to cricket as an extracurricular activity. […] - [Citizens remove 383 nails and 2000 pins from one peepal tree](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-remove-383-nails-and-2000-pins-from-one-peepal-tree/): By Aratrika Dey The other day, Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) member Raghavendra Poojari tweeted that he and a group of friends single-handedly removed 383 nails and over 2000 stapler pins stuck to a peepal tree near Vijayanagar bus stand… there are still many more to be removed. “Every time I went on morning walks or jogging, I would come across trees that had nails and pins,” Poojari told Residents Watch. What was assumed to be a minimal number turned out to be more than 500 nails and 5000 stapler pins stuck to the peepal tree near Vijayanagar bus stand. Therefore, […] - [Stop Agara, Bellandur and Varthur lakes from becoming polluted ponds: Citizens set 31-point agenda for the government](https://residentswatch.in/stop-agara-bellandur-and-varthur-lakes-from-becoming-polluted-ponds-citizens-set-31-agenda-points-for-the-government/): By Zahid H Javali & Aratrika Dey The Bangalore Environment Trust (BET), a 33-year-old advisory body of enlightened citizens has petitioned the state government to work on 31 agenda points to immediately save Agara, Bellandur and Varthur lakes from extinction. They have stressed the need for adequate budgeting towards time-bound maintenance of the Bellandur-Varthur catchment area by enacting a lake-specific policy. Besides, the most precious treated wastewater is being used for irrigation in Kolar when it should be used to recharge the depleting groundwater in the city. “For judicious use of treated wastewater, a solid action plan for utilisation of treated […] - [Draft electoral roll 2021 released, citizens can check their names now](https://residentswatch.in/draft-electoral-roll-2021-released-citizens-can-check-their-names-now/): By Chandrima Mazumdar The Election Commission of India has published the draft electoral roll 2021 for the state of Karnataka. According to the revised schedule of the Special Summary Revision 2021, the period for filing claims and objections. They have been revised and now extend from November 18 to December 17, 2020. The date for the disposal of claims have been revised to January 7, 2021. The final publication of the electoral roll will be on January 18, 2021. However, it is important to note that the publication date of the draft roll was delayed from the revised schedule by two […] - [‘Self rule’ outside Bengaluru since 1960; Janapada Seva Trust’s Gandhian success story](https://residentswatch.in/self-rule-outside-bengaluru-since-1960-janapada-seva-trusts-gandhian-success-story/): By Aratrika Dey The real India resides in the villages. Just three hours drive from Bengaluru stands Melukote where one organisation has been applying Gandhian principles to create an equitable society and promote sustainable living. From rehabilitating abandoned children, sustaining livelihoods of dozens of families, educating the local children and adults, and restoring local forests, the Janapada Seva Trust (JST) is doing commendable work for over 60 years (watch the 30-minute video to get a complete overview with English subtitles). Established by Surendra Koulagi (former personal assistant to political reformer Jayaprakash Narayan and close associate of freedom activist Acharya Vinoba Bhave) […] - [Waterlogging alert: When it rains, avoid Koramangala and its surroundings](https://residentswatch.in/waterlogging-alert-when-it-rains-avoid-koramangala-and-its-surroundings/): Originally tweeted by Muralidhar Rao (@murali772) on November 16, 2020. By Chandrima Mazumdar The lives of Koramangala residents were once again disrupted due to the rainfall on Monday. A tweet by resident and civic activist Muralidhar Rao showed the road near Maharaja Junction clogged with water. Interestingly, this happened with only 30mm of rainfall that the area received the day before yesterday. While the BBMP claims to be working to stop the flooding in Koramangala and surrounding areas, there is no respite just yet. What is the problem? The areas near BTM Layout, Koramangala, and HSR Layout are filled with low-lying […] - [HSR Layout will be electrocution-free zone in six months!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-will-be-electrocution-free-zone-in-six-months/): By Chandrima Mazumdar About 15 months have passed since the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) took up the job of laying high tension cables below the ground across HSR Layout. This was to eradicate power trippings, electrocutions, and short-circuits due to bad weather. Now, it transpires that the project will take more time. Another project which involved the bunching of low-tension wires above the ground into highly insulated aerial bunched cables is also expected to be complete soon. However, the HT line project in the neighbouring Koramangala is yet to begin. What is the project? The multi-phased project was announced across […] - [Don’t feed pigeons; their poop can cause more than 60 diseases](https://residentswatch.in/dont-feed-pigeons-their-poop-can-cause-more-than-60-diseases/): By Chandrima Mazumdar  Residents, unaware of the health hazards, are unwittingly feeding pigeons that frequent the Swabhimaana Park in Sector 3, HSR Layout. The other neighbourhoods in Bengaluru are no exception either. However, while feeding the birds is a noble deed, having them around in the neighbourhood is counter-productive. According to scientists, pigeon poop is the root cause of over 60 different types of diseases. Fungal afflictions One aware resident sent us a video saying, “Pigeons near the park will soon be a menace, if not already. I have seen a building owner staying across the Swabhimaana Park feeding sackful of […] - [Hangover pub in HSR Layout catches fire!](https://residentswatch.in/hangover-pub-in-hsr-layout-catches-fire/): By Zahid H Javali The Hangover pub in Sector 1, HSR Layout, was on fire this afternoon. It took three vehicles to extinguish the fire in over an hour (click the video above). The fire began at around noon when people were welding the temporary metal structures on the first floor. Sparks flew and the entire first floor soon caught fire, with dense black smoke enveloping the building. No one was injured. A fire force official said, “The pub was closed for the last ten days due to renovation work. The fire happened during the welding work as there were many […] - [Subdued Deepawali and rains keep air pollution at bay in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/subdued-deepawali-and-rains-keep-air-pollution-at-bay-in-bangalore/): By Qamar ZJ While North India had ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ air pollution ratings, Bangalore recorded ‘moderate’ to ‘satisfactory’ pollution levels during and after Deepawali (Diwali in North India). This was partly due to subdued celebrations and November 15 evening rains that brought down the pollution loads. North India more polluted than South India If you look at the map of India, you will see red (very poor) marks in the north, while it’s at ‘moderate’ and ‘satisfactory’ levels in south India. In Bangalore, only Majestic areas recorded the highest pollution in the city on Saturday and Sunday – it crossed […] - [Non-Green firecrackers flood the city despite ban ](https://residentswatch.in/non-green-firecrackers-flood-the-city-despite-ban/): By Aratrika Dey Quite a few shops are found to be selling non-green firecrackers in the city, despite the Karnataka government ban on the sale of non-green merchandise. Initially, the ban included firecrackers of all grades. However, it was altered to allow only green crackers to be sold to the public.  Vendors have been caught selling non-green crackers out in the open by netizens. Videos are being circulated on Twitter where people can be seen bursting non-green crackers. The police have said that they have started taking measures to enforce the ban and restrict the sales of crackers to the ones […] - [City's footpaths invaded by vehicles ](https://residentswatch.in/citys-footpaths-invaded-by-vehicles/): By Aratrika Dey Bengalureans have increasingly taken to social media to voice their frustrations regarding the persisting problem of footpath encroachment by cars and two-wheelers. In several places, the footpaths can be seen lined with rows after rows of two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Vehicle users are getting away with parking in ‘no-parking’ zones. The city lacks footpaths, and the pedestrians have no choice but to walk along the busy main roads, which is a safety hazard. And where there are proper footpaths, they are encroached by indiscriminate parking, and plant overgrowth. Big money is spent on laying expensive cobblestones, but there is […] - [Cough, talk, breathe: Help IISc’s diagnostic tool to identify COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/cough-talk-breathe-help-iiscs-diagnostic-tool-to-identify-covid-19/): By Aratrika Dey A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is working on a tool to diagnose people. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has allowed them to collect data  for possible deployment in the future. The eight-member team headed by Dr Sriram Ganapathy have named this sound-based initiative Project Coswara. Whether you are healthy or a victim of COVID-19, you can upload your voice recording here and be part of their research. The big idea is to understand if you are infected by the coronavirus by just hearing the way you cough, talk and breathe. […] - [COVID-19: A city yoga instructor on how to build immunity with breathing](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-a-city-yoga-instructor-on-how-to-build-immunity-with-simple-stretches/): By Anshu Vyas Seetharaman COVID-19 has brought spirituality back into our lives, and yoga is one such form. Pranayama is made of two words: ‘Prana’ and ‘ayama’. Prana is the life force; it is more than just the breath. Ayama is to regulate. Pranayama means to regulate breathing, which is the life force. It is even said that the life force travels to us on the breath. In a normal breath, we take in about 500 ml of air. When we learn to breathe deep, we can inhale 5000-8000 ml in a couple of breathing cycles. More air means more availability […] - [Cycle lane on Outer Ring Road encroached by motorcyclists](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-lane-encroached-by-motorcyclists/): Originally tweeted by Rahul Kumar (@rahulcomp24) on November 10, 2020 By Aratrika Dey The city’s cyclists breathed a sigh of relief as a dedicated pop-up lane on Outer Ring Road was designed for them, without the fear of being hit by passing vehicles. But their happiness is shortlived as motorcyclists are invading their safe spaces. The efforts of the government and the organizations that made the cycle lane possible are being nullified by motorcyclists in the city. Netizens have taken to social media to talk about their personal experiences, and share their grievances. Cyclist Murugan Brompton, shared a video where the […] - [Where is the road? HSR Layout residents cry for a motorable stretch](https://residentswatch.in/where-is-the-road-hsr-layout-residents-cry-for-a-motorable-stretch/): By Aratrika Dey Some of the main roads of HSR Layout are a dream to drive and walk on these days. However, a 200-meter stretch of the road in Sector 4 is crying for attention for months, and the authorities are not paying any attention. Adjacent to the Freedom International School, this thoroughfare connects 17th A, 17th B and 17th C and 18th main houses in the neighborhood. What’s more, the road was made worse after the stretch was dug up to lay an underground sewage drain. The entire stretch is unusable. No man’s land “You can’t even walk, forget going […] - [Crowds throng Chickpet, violating social distancing norm](https://residentswatch.in/social-distancing-fails-in-chickpet-thanks-to-the-festive-season/): Originally tweeted by womanjari (@ManjariR) on November 10, 2020. By Chandrima Mazumdar Amid the ongoing pandemic, a video showing the crowded Chickpet area in Majestic has gone viral. The 26-second clip shows the crowded street with people violating the social distancing rules. While most were seen wearing masks, some people did not wear their masks properly, which could threaten people in close proximity to them.  Why are people flocking to Chickpet? One of the oldest shopping districts in the city, Chickpet is known for its wide variety of goods available at budget prices. With Diwali around the corner, the place has […] - [APPALLING: HSR Layout in the dark for months due to dysfunctional streetlights](https://residentswatch.in/appalling-hsr-layout-in-the-dark-for-months-due-to-dysfunctional-streetlights/): By Aratrika Dey The ‘posh’ neighbourhood of HSR Layout is in dire need of well-lit roads. Forget the residential areas, even the main thoroughfares (27th Main, 24th Main, 19th Main, 17th Main, 14th Main, 5th Main, 9th Main, 22nd Cross, 17th Cross) are without functional streetlights. Only the lights from houses and the passing vehicles serve as the sources of illumination today. Not only does this inefficiency from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) encourages thefts and harassment, but also leads to road accidents. They also pose a threat to the safety of women, especially those who forego any means of […] - [Know your neighbour: This beauty queen healed herself through yoga, and now runs a yoga school](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-this-beauty-queen-healed-herself-through-yoga-and-now-runs-a-yoga-school/): By Chandrima Mazumdar From fat to fit, from winning a national beauty pageant to quitting her corporate job and becoming a yoga trainer, Prathima David’s work-life balance instantly inspires you. She faced two major accidents, and only yoga came to her rescue. She struggled with weight issues and lost 37 kilos, thanks to yoga again. That’s not all. The 38-year-old Hatha yoga exponent beat 4,500 people to take the second place at a national beauty pageant last year. Today, she is a member of WICCI Karnataka Sector Yoga Council, and runs a successful yoga studio in Koramangala. Work-life balance Prathima was […] - [Dengue & COVID-19 can be a deadly cocktail: The near-death experience of a young survivor in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/dengue-covid-19-can-be-a-deadly-cocktail-a-near-death-experience-of-a-young-survivor/): By Nagashree N About two months ago, I was admitted to the hospital because I had tested positive for both dengue and COVID-19. Thankfully, I am more or less fine now but it will still take me a month to recover completely. How it started For more than six months since the pandemic, I had not left my house even once. But there’s only so much a person can humanly take. So two months ago, I left my house for a cup of coffee. The severe lockdown was fine, and people were back on the streets with masks and physical distancing. […] - [COVID-19: How scuba diving lessons are helping me during the pandemic](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-how-scuba-diving-lessons-are-helping-me-during-the-pandemic/): By Neha Contractor In May 2020, I returned to Bangalore from the Andamans as the island was shutting down due to COVID-19. Before this, I had quit my corporate job and spent all of 2019 learning more about the ocean and teaching scuba. I was able to dive whenever I could. On my days off, I would still get up early and get to my workplace to join the morning dive and experience that amazing feeling and buzz from this aquatic sport. The last seven months have been tough. I’ve seen my loved ones and colleagues struggle. But I’m going to […] - [SHOCKING! Despite opposition, BBMP floats tender for HSR Layout sports stadium!](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-despite-opposition-bbmp-floats-tender-for-hsr-layout-sports-stadium/): By Zahid H Javali While the residents protested against a full-fledged ticketed sports stadium for 5000 people in HSR Layout, the BBMP has floated a tender in October. This is in stark contrast to what the HSR Federation was told by the BBMP earlier that only the playground will be improved, and there will be no stadium. HSR residents are opposed to the stadium for several reasons, and you can read them here.  The news has come as a surprise for the residents as well. Says HE Chandrashekar, chairman, Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Associations: “We were not aware of […] - [Yesterday, Whitefield recorded its poorest air quality since lockdown](https://residentswatch.in/yesterday-whitefield-recorded-its-poorest-air-quality-since-lockdown/): By Chandrima Mazumdar On November 2, Whitefield had the poorest air quality since lockdown, according to Rahul Bedi’s Whitefield Air Quality report from his weather monitoring station in Whitefield. Bedi, a weather and air quality enthusiast, is running the station since 2013. Whitefield Air Quality which auto-tweets on Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded the worst short-term air quality at 5:20 pm with the AQI at 313 (AQI at and above 301 is considered hazardous).  Whitefield Air Quality tweeted about the poorest air quality day since lockdown Overall during the day Whitefield registered more than 200 AQI for the maximum part of […] - [COVID-19: A 22-year-old’s painful ordeal after testing positive](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-a-22-year-olds-painful-ordeal-after-testing-positive/): By Shristi Deb  I am in Bangalore for my Masters. I live in a rented flat with two other friends. I recently tested positive for COVID-19. Though my second set of tests were negative, I am still recovering, and the last few days were painful. How it all started I remember every day of my ordeal. I had gone shopping for some groceries at the nearby supermarket on October 10, and started to feel sick soon after. It was nothing major… just slight fever. However, as the days progressed, my health became worse. By October 14, I started to lose all […] - [Electronic City residents are organising a 'tweetstorm' on Nov 1 to protest against waste treatment plant](https://residentswatch.in/electronic-city-residents-organise-a-tweetstorm-on-nov-1-to-protest-against-waste-plant/): By Chandrima Mazumdar Pictures of ‘black water’ coming out of the SWM plant near Electronic City (E-city) surfaced on Twitter in the midst of the recent online campaign against the setting up of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) plant in Chikkanagamangala. Shaista claimed that the occurrence is “polluting the nearby areas and groundwater”. Called ‘tweetstorm’, the campaign will begin from 2pm-7pm on November 1 (Sunday). Two-year struggle The protests against the setting up of the SWM plant have been going on for more than two years now. However, the opposition went viral with the online campaign started recently by the residents […] - [MOST WANTED: He violated traffic rules on 77 occasions; paid Rs 42,500 as fine!](https://residentswatch.in/most-wanted-he-violated-77-traffic-rules-and-paid-rs-42500-as-fine/): By Qamar ZJ In a special drive, the city traffic police have nabbed several people in the last one week who were repeatedly violating the road rules. One such person who violated the rule was found guilty on 77 counts. The proprietor of the two-wheeler was caught and fined Rs 42,500 today by Madiwala sub inspector Shivaraj Kumar. Another rider of a two-wheeler was caught red-handed today by Adugodi sub inspector Annappa. The rider was found to have violated traffic rules on 16 occasions and was fined Rs 8,500.  A few days ago, Whitefield sub inspector Arun found Kailash M another two-wheeler […] - [Bellandur roads crying for attention, but authorities look the other way](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-roads-crying-for-attention-but-authorities-look-the-other-way/): By Qamar ZJ Bellandur’s crumbling civic infrastructure has left the residents disenchanted with every political party. For years, the lack of proper roads and drains has led to commuting and flooding issues, but the authorities are looking the other way. Prompted by this apathy, some residents of Shubh Enclave recently pooled in the money themselves and laid the road. Enthused by this, the residents of the neighbouring Owners Court followed suit. However, the other residents are crying foul. According to the ‘Save Bellandur’ residents group, this DIY mode is setting a bad example for both the administrators and citizens. “BBMP must […] - [Meet India's first woman tunnel engineer](https://residentswatch.in/indias-only-woman-tunnel-engineer/): Annie Sinha Roy is a resident of HSR extension and India's first tunnel engineer who now works at Bangalore metro. - [Mobile phone theft caught on camera!](https://residentswatch.in/mobile-phone-theft-caught-on-camera/): By Qamar ZJ Mobile phone snatching is more common than two wheeler thefts today. They are relatively effortless to do than vehicles. One such mobile phone snatching was caught by CCTV cameras in Sector 2, HSR Layout. The video has gone viral… click the image above. Stolen phone traced to SP Road Victims of smartphone thefts are crying hoarse, but phone recoveries in such cases are quite rare. When the cops catch inter-state thieves and recover a haul of vehicles and phones, that’s when you might get your devices back. But that’s almost like hoping against hope. One such victim is […] - [Only 5% of BBMP projects took off in Indiranagar last year](https://residentswatch.in/only-5-of-bbmp-projects-took-off-in-indiranagar-last-year/): By Zahid H Javali In the last financial year, only two projects were successfully “executed” by the BBMP in the Hoysalanagar ward, which includes major parts of Indiranagar. Out of the Rs 21 crore allocated for 175 projects, only Rs 1.1 crore was spent on two of them. And even these were for areas outside Indiranagar, such as the electrification of playgrounds in Murphy Town and Vijaynagar, among others. Much of the works in Indiranagar that never got executed included the construction of individual houses to several people residing on CMH Road, Binnamangala, and surrounding areas. Besides, much of the money […] - [90% of BBMP projects failed to begin in Whitefield last year](https://residentswatch.in/90-of-bbmp-projects-failed-to-take-off-in-whitefield-last-year/): By Zahid H Javali In the last one year, a mere 10% of money was spent on BBMP works in Whitefield. Out of the Rs 25 crore allocated for 41 approved projects, only 3 were executed for Rs 2.47 crore. The “completed” projects pertained to drain and footpath work on Vijaynagar Road, Channasandra Road and Borewell Road. The biggest approved project but never executed was for Rs 5 crore towards the construction of RCC drains at Nagondanahalli, Ramagondanahalli, Vinayakanagara (Danamande), Siddapura and Hagaduru. The other projects that failed to take off were worth above Rs 75 lakh and less than Rs […] - [SHOCKING: 98% of BBMP projects never took off in Koramangala in last one year](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-98-of-bbmp-projects-never-took-off-in-koramangala-in-last-one-year/): By Zahid H Javali In the last one year, a mere 2% of money was spent on BBMP works in Koramangala. Out of the Rs 85 crore allocated for 102 approved projects, only 3 were executed for Rs 0.24 crore. Almost Rs 20 lakh was apparently spent on setting up a temporary control room during the monsoon relief measures in 2019. Besides, Rs 4 lakh went into maintaining the BBMP building and another Rs 3 lakh for the upkeep of the burial ground in the neighbourhood. The big ticket projects that never got off the ground including a Rs 27 crore […] - [Revise KMC Act and avoid limiting number of wards, says CIVIC Bangalore ](https://residentswatch.in/revise-kmc-act-and-avoid-limiting-number-of-wards-says-civic-bangalore/): By Zahid H Javali In a 6000-word revised letter to chief minister BS Yediyurappa, CIVIC Bangalore, the 25-year-old non-profit trust aimed at bettering the city, has asked for modifications to the KMC Act rather than pass a new (download BBMP’s new bill here) to take care of all the future needs of the city. Besides, they have made several suggestions to improve governance in the city. CIVIC’s executive trustee Kathyayini Chamaraj says, “We suggest that amendments be brought to the KMC Act itself, rather than a separate Bill only for BBMP as the good points will then be applicable to all […] - [BBMP in the dock: 40% of money went unspent in HSR Layout in last 5 years](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-in-the-dock-40-of-money-went-unspent-in-hsr-layout-in-last-5-years/): By Zahid H Javali In the last five years, only 40% of the money was spent on BBMP works in HSR Layout. Out of the Rs 200 crore allocated for 368 approved projects, only 152 were executed for Rs 115 crore. Much of the work that went unspent was in the financial year of 2019-20; only 30 works were completed for Rs 39 crore against the allocated amount of Rs 102 crore for 115 projects. Nearly 60% of the works were not completed in the last financial year alone. The record was even more dismal in 2018-2019 when nearly 80% of […] - [Bellandur: Only 10% of the BBMP works were completed in last one year](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-only-10-of-the-bbmp-works-were-completed-in-last-one-year/): By Qamar ZJ For years, Bellandur has been crying for more funds to better its weak infrastructure. However, BBMP has executed only 10% of the works approved for 2019-20. This was not the case in the previous years where the majority of the funds were utilised as the chart indicates below. What is damning is that when the residents approach the authorities, they cite lack of funds. Or execute works that are so sub-standard that the re-tarred road is back to square one within months.  15/117 projects were executed in 2019-20 Out of the 117 projects in 2019-2020, only 15 are […] - [Fraudsters promise job at IndiGo; take Rs 1.16 lakh as refundable company expenses in eight instalments](https://residentswatch.in/indigo-fraudsters-promise-job-take-rs-1-16-lakh-as-company-expenses-in-eight-instalments/):  By Zahid H Javali Scamsters are getting brainier by the day and using names of well-established firms like IndiGo to defraud citizens. You can’t argue with the cheats as they have answers to every question you throw at them. The only way to smell a rat is when someone asks you for money before delivering the product or service. Stay away from such people and don’t even engage with them on WhatsApp or on phone. They know every trick in the book to convince you that they are genuine and you have everything to gain.  Chethan BS, a 21-year-old resident of […] - [Crime in the IT corridor: Whitefield tops, followed by Bellandur and Koramangala](https://residentswatch.in/crime-in-the-it-corridor-whitefield-tops-followed-by-bellandur-and-koramangala/): By Zahid H Javali Whitefield tops the number of crimes recorded this year in the IT corridor. This neighbourhood is followed by Bellandur, Koramangala, HSR Layout, and Electronic City in that order. Compared to the crime trend in all of 2019, the biggest difference is that Bellandur has climbed up in the rankings. Last year, it was at No 4 with 376 incidents while Whitefield topped with 538 crimes. This year, as of October 10, the difference between the top three is not much: Whitefield (245), Bellandur (220), Koramangala (210). Making up the tail are Electronic City with the least number […] - [A COVID-19 victim’s first-person account of surviving the virus](https://residentswatch.in/a-covid-19-victims-first-person-account-of-surviving-the-virus/): By Maneesh Ojha There is much unnecessary fear around the Coronavirus. Almost 99% of people in India have recovered from it. I was one of them. The only problem is that if you have some other serious disease, your health condition can worsen.  Shared snacks with office colleague I had one advantage. I had already experienced home quarantine a month ago because of an earlier exposure (though I was not infected). Last month, I tested positive due to one of my office colleagues.  I used to take all the precautions. My only slip was I was sharing my evening snacks with […] - [Watch a film for Rs 99 at the city's multiplexes](https://residentswatch.in/safety-measures-and-welcome-offers-at-bangalores-multiplexes/): By Qamar ZJ Shut for seven months, multiplexes across the city will open this week in Bangalore with all the safety precautions mandated by the central government. There are offers to win back the theatre-going audience as well. All tickets will now be priced at Rs 99 at most single screens and multiplexes on week days. On weekends, it will be Rs 150 on weekends and Rs 99 for the morning shows at Gopalan Cinemas. Cinepolis is charging Rs 110 while Fun Cinemas is offering them for Rs 90. Some single screens like Veerabhadreshwara theatre are selling regional movie tickets for […] - [COVID-19: IISc’s free ‘workplace readiness indicator’ attracts overseas attention](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-iiscs-free-workplace-readiness-indicator-attracts-global-attention/): By Qamar ZJ Last month, we wrote about the free ‘workplace readiness’ tool released by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The latest is that this nifty resource to measure a firm’s COVID-19 preparedness has attracted attention from overseas. “We were contacted by a company in South Africa that wanted to make use of our open-source code for customising the tool for their context, and their provincial government was considering to deploy it,” says Dr Preetam Patil, Centre for Networked Intelligence, Indian Institute of Science. “Another developer from Nagaland informed us that he had drawn ideas from our tool to develop […] - [The ORR-Metro becoming a reality despite Centre's delay](https://residentswatch.in/the-orr-metro-becoming-a-reality-despite-centres-delay/): By Nirmala G Despite the Centre’s inordinate delay over the ORR-Metro line, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa permitted the opening of the bids for the ORR Metro line yesterday (Oct 13). This is a crucial development as cries are getting more hoarse about Bangalore lacking a proper public transportation system. Their concerns are understandable as this Metro project by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) was announced in 2016. However, Metro sources contend that the project will be cleared soon as every eventuality is being looked into for a speedy resolution. Afcons & Shankaranarayana beat the likes of L&T and […] - [Safety survey: What’s your view on bus priority and cycle lanes?](https://residentswatch.in/safety-survey-whats-your-view-on-bus-priority-and-cycle-lane/): By Qamar ZJ The bus priority and cycle lanes coming on the Outer Ring Road linking KR Puram and Silk Board are inviting mixed reactions from citizens. Now, the transport agencies are conducting a safety survey to understand your pain points as a resident, bus user, or cyclist. If you use this stretch and have many things to share, you can take the survey right here. Besides, the agencies are looking for volunteers who can do in-person surveys of the underprivileged (livelihood cyclists) in their neighbourhoods who use cycles as their primary means of transport. The idea is to understand their […] - ['The Ugly Indian' transforms Bangalore again!](https://residentswatch.in/the-ugly-indian-transforms-bangalore-again/): By Qamar ZJ The Ugly Indian (TUI), an anonymous group of citizens are transforming Bangalore’s open spaces for many years now with ‘spot fixing’. The last one month was no exception. And everytime, the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures bring a smile to our faces and imbue a feeling of hope. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) deserves all the credit for using the low-cost services of this group to beautify the city’s dirtiest spots with volunteers and its pourakarmikas. The latest cleanup and beautification happened in Koramangala opposite the main Passport office. According to TUI, “This has been one of the […] - [World Mental Health Day: How can you tackle depression?](https://residentswatch.in/what-is-driving-hsr-residents-into-depression/): By Qamar ZJ Interpersonal relationships, bad childhood and stress at work are driving some Bangalore residents into ‘clinical depression’. Today (Oct 10) is World Mental Health Day. When we spoke to counsellor Sindhushri of Aware Mental Health in HSR Layout, she said that ‘psycho therapy’ can help extremely-stressed individuals as the sessions process the hurts and regrets that come about while exploring these conditions indepth. “This technique will help them learn how to handle difficult thoughts and feelings,” she says. But when do you know that you need help? “When your depressed thoughts persist for more than 2-3 weeks and affect […] - [One of Bangalore's finer eco-friendly homes is in HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/bhoomi/): Mr & Mrs Krishnamurthy's eco-friendly house in Sector 6 deserves to be emulated across HSR Layout. - [HSR Layout, Chikpete and Sarvajna Nagar top ‘waste segregation’ ranking in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-chikpete-and-sarvajna-nagar-top-waste-segregation-ranking-in-bangalore/): By Qamar ZJ The residents of HSR Layout, Chikpete, Sarvajna Nagar, and Hongasandra do the most waste segregation, according to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). These neighbourhoods were followed by Malleswaram and Gandhinagar. All these wards are the cleanest compared to the rest of them in the city. What has helped in all these regions, particularly HSR Layout, are the proactive residents themselves, their garbage supervisors, and BBMP health inspector. When the contractors, BBMP officials and the resident groups work together, much change can happen, and HSR Layout has shown the way.  At the zonal level, the residents of Bommanahalli, […] - [Suburban rail first, ORR-Airport Metro next, say citizens](https://residentswatch.in/suburban-rail-first-orr-airport-metro-next-say-citizens/): By Qamar ZJ As the Centre is citing reasons of feasibility about the Rs 14,844 crore ORR-Airport Metro project, some residents are asking the government to give more priority to improving public bus transport and introduce suburban rail. Bangalore Environment Trust, Praja-RAAG and Citizens for Citizens wrote a joint letter to the Centre justifying their demand by saying that the IT firms along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) are going to have fewer people coming to offices even after COVID-19. You can read their detailed justification here. One such sentence reads: “We strongly feel that more than Metro, what Bengaluru needs […] - [Apartments, businesses & individuals using oximeters to prevent COVID-19 spread](https://residentswatch.in/apartments-businesses-individuals-using-oximeters-to-prevent-covid-19-spread/): By Zahid H Javali With COVID-19 crippling businesses and compelling people to stay indoors, some individuals and businesses are using oximeters as an additional safeguard against COVID-19. They are using the handy device that costs under Rs 1000 to screen their guests, employees, and patrons. While this gadget does not promise guaranteed prevention, as not all COVID-19 patients experience a drop in their oxygen levels, this is still a handy tool to contain the spread from asymptomatic patients. However, many apartment complexes are not using oximeters because it does not offer ‘contactless’ screening, the way thermal checks happen.  Oximeter’s predominance Besides […] - [Do you know how much money was "spent" in your ward? This website has the details](https://residentswatch.in/do-you-know-how-much-was-spent-in-your-ward-this-website-has-all-the-details/): By Qamar ZJ The Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party (BNP) has taken pains to dig out all the data relevant to all the wards in Bengaluru. Did you know that 47% of the money has gone to one vendor without the necessary tendering in the city? Did you know the percentage of such funds in your ward? Their website can help you find details specific to your ward.     We looked at some of the areas in Bengaluru that Residents Watch primarily covers to give you an idea. Did you know that the Hoysalanagar ward which includes major parts of Indiranagar has the highest […] - [Cycle Lane coming up on ORR Service Road, but doubts remain..](https://residentswatch.in/cycle-lane-coming-up-on-orr-service-road-but-doubts-remain/): By Qamar ZJ The work on the pop-up bicycle lane project that began last month with road-milling work is now seeing some visible improvements, such as a actual lane coming up on the service road adjacent to the Outer Ring Road in KR Puram. While the cyclists are thrilled by this development, they have some concerns that the authorities need to address for the long-term sustainability of the project. A cycle lane has come up near Lowry Memorial College in KR Puram. With bollards all the way, cyclists are wondering how the green band and cycle drawing for the lane will […] - [The HSR Cyclists Group completes six glorious years!](https://residentswatch.in/the-hsr-cyclists-group/): HSR is the only locality to have three major commercial cycle rental service providers operating at the same time, and they have recorded over 2000 trips on weekends. - [8 anti-litter night squads to penalise garbage dumpers and enforce masking and social distancing](https://residentswatch.in/8-anti-litter-night-squads-to-penalise-garbage-dumpers-and-enforce-masking-and-social-distancing/): By Qamar ZJ The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched eight night patrol vehicles, each equipped with five marshals to patrol the nights across Bengaluru. Their job is to impose spot fines on people found dumping garbage in public spaces, and storm water drains. Besides, they will also make sure people are wearing masks and maintaining a social distance in open spaces. Importantly, they are also empowered to seize the unauthorised carrying and disposal of garbage, particularly biomedical waste and meat and poultry debris. “Each vehicle is fitted with mikes and will also carry tools for emergency response,” says N […] - [Bus Priority Lane on Outer Ring Road: Citizens raise several concerns](https://residentswatch.in/bus-priority-lane-on-outer-ring-road-citizens-raise-several-concerns/): By Qamar ZJ The Bus Priority Lane (BPL) that was put on trial in November last year is being formally launched later this month from Lowry Memorial College to Central Silk Board. However, users on social media have pointed out several flaws in the scheme’s planning and implementation. Some residents call it an ill-thought, stop-gap PR stunt until the 56-km ORR-Airport line of the Metro comes up to ferry people between the airport and Silk Board. We highlight some of the most valid arguments against this lane to give you a ringside view of people’s complaints, suggestions, and pain points. NOT […] - [India's first driverless concept car debut pushed to March 2021 due to COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/indias-first-driverless-car-could-come-from-bengaluru/): By Qamar ZJ If all had gone well, India’s first driverless concept car would have been ready by May this year. However, COVID-19 happened, and the debut is now postponed to March 2021. It is an ambitious project by Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science and Wipro as the Indian conditions are quite different from European countries. Besides stray animals getting in the way, the pedestrians and vehicle users themselves don’t follow lane discipline. The volume of traffic and the rash driving is another aspect that needs to be explored for a driverless vehicle as it needs to have eyes all around […] - [IISc scientists develop nano fiber based masks & portable electrosprays as more effective and environment-friendly alternatives](https://residentswatch.in/iisc-scientists-develop-nano-fiber-based-masks-portable-electrosprays-as-more-effective-and-environment-friendly-alternatives/): By Zahid H Javali Prof. Sai Siva Gorthi, Dr Vikram S and Kumari Sonu have developed PPE masks coated with low-cost, biodegradable, nano compounds to repel microbes that can act as potential preventive material during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the readily-available nano technology, the three-member team at the Indian Institute of Science has achieved a antimicrobial efficiency of upto 99.9% with their nano-fiber mats, according to the lab at Central University of Tamil Nadu. This IISc invention is going to be mass-produced by ShanMukha Innovations, an IISc-incubated startup. Nano masks of varying sizes, including children, will soon be out in two […] - [Want to set up a rooftop farm or buy veggies within minutes of harvest? This IISc startup shows the way...](https://residentswatch.in/rent-your-rooftops-for-farming-and-make-money/): By Zahid H Javali By 2023, Bangalore could well become a city of 1000 farms. The brainchild of Woolly Farms, a social enterprise incubated at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, it is headquartered in HSR Layout. The initiative that began as a Business to Business venture, moved to serving consumers from June 2020 due to the pandemic. Woolly’s green strides received fresh impetus in July 2020 when Spar supermarket aligned with them to set up a 5000 sq. ft. rooftop farm on the 6th floor of their headquarters in Bangalore. Earlier, the startup was paying rent to those who allowed […] - [How a content marketing agency can turbo charge your business](https://residentswatch.in/how-a-content-marketing-agency-can-turbo-charge-your-business/): What is content marketing? What does a content agency do? Know all about Write Wing Media, the firm that publishes Residents Watch. Just watch this short video presentation to understand everything there is to know about turbo charging your businesses, both online and offline. - [COVID-19 affected veteran activist wants RTI cells to reopen at BDA & BBMP!](https://residentswatch.in/veteran-activist-wants-the-rti-cells-to-be-reopened-at-bda-bbmp/): By Zahid H Javali Ever since the Right to Information (RTI) cell shut down at the BBMP and BDA headquarters in 2017, RTI activists are rooting for its return. One such prominent person is COVID-19 affected Ravindra Nath Guru, a 76-year-old who is filing RTIs for the last 15 years. “COVID-19 has put a halt to my efforts,” he says. “Many activists are disillusioned by the state of affairs today, but we will not stop demanding what is right. We are petitioning all the authorities concerned to revive the RTI cells in BBMP and BDA. The BBMP legal cell is an […] - [Beware of 'mobile tower' scams](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-mobile-tower-scams/): By Qamar ZJ Despite a public notice three years ago by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the mobile tower scams are still quite common across India. Therefore, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has again begun an SMS campaign to educate people that either the DoT or the TRAI does not give a ‘no objection certificate’ (NOC) for the leasing of premises to install mobile towers. The CyberCrime cell of Bangalore has also issued an advisory on social media this month to highlight the fraud. But what is the scam, really? Well, some companies, agencies or individuals, send WhatsApp messages, text […] - [Is your workplace ready for COVID-19? This IISc tool will help you!](https://residentswatch.in/is-your-workplace-ready-for-covid-19-this-iisc-tool-will-help-you/): By Qamar ZJ While a number of white collar jobs are working with skeletal staff due to COVID-19, the manufacturing sector is using fewer employees to drive its business. It is here that this sector needs the ‘workplace readiness tool’ developed by the Centre for Networked Intelligence, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority. Although this handy online website was launched in June this year, everybody we spoke to were unaware of its existence. As COVID-19 is still a looming threat to many businesses, the organisations would do well to use this free utility and ensure […] - [SHOCKING: No takers for India’s first mobile testing lab for COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-no-takers-for-indias-first-mobile-testing-lab-for-covid-19/): By Zahid H Javali While a three-van setup was given by IISc-incubated firm ShanMukha Innovations to the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) in August, there is no demand for more units. While various state governments are giving a letter of intent to take care of the operational costs that are about Rs 5 lakh a month and Rs 2000 per test, there are no takers for the capital cost of Rs 2 crore. Similarly, while some corporates have shown interest under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, they are pushing back due to the cash-flow issues. Even the automobile […] - [How to segregate your domestic waste and avoid being fined](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-segregate-your-domestic-waste-and-avoid-being-fined/): By Qamar ZJ The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) made garbage segregation mandatory in 2017. However, visitors to the city are unaware of the rules, leading to largescale violations. This has prompted the BBMP garbage contractors to publicise the three types of waste segregation required by law. If you don’t follow the guidelines, you could be fined by up to Rs 25000. There are also plans to increase the fine amount to deter repeat offenders. As the waste segregation in the city stands at 40%, last week, the BBMP began a pilot project in Govindrajnagar where waste will be segregated at […] - [BMTC buses on ORR carry your bikes too; cyclists thrilled](https://residentswatch.in/bmtc-buses-now-carry-your-bikes-as-well-cyclists-thrilled/): By Qamar ZJ BMTC is one government organization in Bengaluru that is always trying out new things. While some measures might appear way ahead of their time, the effort is laudable. Take the idea of carrying cycles on buses on an external rig under the windshield. Nine years ago, some Volvo buses had this facility, but the idea did not work for lack of takers. Today, the number of cyclists has gone up, and BMTC re-introduced this concept in August 2020 on 100 non-air conditioned buses along the Outer Ring Road. If successful, it will be applied elsewhere too, and perhaps […] - [COVID-19: How garbage is collected from quarantined homes in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-how-garbage-is-picked-from-quarantined-homes-in-bengaluru/): By Qamar ZJ When COVID-19 began, all the houses within 100 metres of the quarantined home were being disinfected. Besides, barricades were placed on both sides of the road to indicate the containment zone. However, 45 days ago, this procedure was modified. There are no more barricades. Only the house that is under home quarantine is disinfected by specially deputed people wearing Personal Protective Equipment. How garbage is picked up from quarantined homes The garbage supervisor gets a daily list of people under home quarantine. Those homes are given two biobags by the waste collectors, and such garbage is collected once […] - [Bengaluru malls continue to record low footfall despite precautions & concessions](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-malls-continue-to-record-low-footfall-despite-precautions-concessions/): By Ritika Srivatsan Although it is over three months since the government allowed the malls to reopen, they still lie deserted and silent, despite taking adequate precautions and offering concessions, such as a lower parking fee. Disinfection tunnels, clockwise walking paths and cheaper parking Malls and specifically, stores and restaurants inside them, are great places for COVID-19 transmission. As they’re indoors and air-conditioned, such crowded spaces can quickly contaminate one with the virus. Therefore, not many are willing to take the risk. However, malls in Bengaluru have upped their game to combat coronavirus and are taking extra precautions to ramp up […] - [COVID-19 and beyond: One frontline warrior reveals all about medicare](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-and-beyond-one-frontline-warrior-reveals-all-for-a-healthy-life/): By Zahid H Javali Dr Oliver E Rodrigues is a frontline warrior for the underprivileged in Bangalore. After graduating in medicine (MBBS) from St John’s Medical College, Bangalore, he completed his post graduation in family medicine from CMC, Vellore. He has been in rural private practice since 2006. Besides, he takes care of patients in orphanages and homes for the elderly. When he’s not prescribing medicines both online and at his Bellandur facility (Scorpion Clinic), he is seen dancing, listening to music, reading books, and gaming on his playstation. Being a general practitioner, he gets more patients than the specialists. To […] - [E-learning: How Some Bengaluru Teachers Are Grinning and Bearing it!](https://residentswatch.in/e-learning-how-bengaluru-teachers-are-grinning-and-bearing-it/): By Ritika Srivatsan E-learning has impacted not only students as we have reported earlier but also teachers who are adapting to the learning curve. In March, many thought of online learning as temporary. However, after nearly seven months of remote lessons, e-learning is here to stay, and so are its implications. Teachers feel this year would create an attainment gap unlike no other as each student’s ability to learn depends on various uncontrollable factors. A Rocky Road A normal academic year for teachers would consist of them interacting with students in person, disciplining them in hallways and using different techniques to […] - [Beware of the WhatsApp chain link scam](https://residentswatch.in/beware-of-the-whatsapp-chain-link-scam/): By Zahid H Javali Beware of the WhatsApp chain link scam. It appears to be a helpful message of how you can win money, gifts, and rewards for just clicking on a link. However, when you do that, what really happens is a game of data harvesting, and generating traffic to a website that does not have any content, except these fraudulent offers. You can see similar offers being made through text messages, and on Facebook as well. Sometimes, these tactics are also used to install spyware, malware, and adware on your mobile phones, laptops, and desktops. Therefore, if you find […] - [HSR Layout residents haven't got a road in 9 months!](https://residentswatch.in/9-months-and-counting-hsr-layout-residents-have-still-not-got-a-motorable-road/): By Zahid H Javali In January, BWSSB dug open 15th B Main Road, Sector 3, HSR Layout, to lay sewage lines. Later, BBMP widened the storm water drain. And then, COVID-19 happened, followed by the rains. Besides, the coordination issues between BWSSB and BBMP led to more delay. The residents suffered the most, as they had to struggle for water and transportation. The inconvenience that began nine months has still not ended. Wake up BWSSB and BBMP? The sun rose long ago. - [Lockdown adoptions: Hamsters spin the wheel!](https://residentswatch.in/lockdown-adoptions-hamsters-spin-the-wheel/): By Qamar ZJ During COVID-19, pet owners have risen in number. And hamsters are proving to be particularly popular as they are low-maintenance and can take care of themselves in their all-purpose cage with a spinning wheel for company. This particular video of a hamster on his own treadmill of sorts will win many hearts. Happy viewing! - [How to preserve car battery and prevent starting trouble during COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-preserve-car-battery-and-prevent-starting-trouble/): By Zahid H Javali Lockdowns, road and footpath works in residential areas, and long relocations and vacations can drain your car’s battery. The problem can be to such an extent that you cannot start your car the next day. What do you do to prevent draining your vehicle’s battery? The short answer is in this video as it cannot be explained and only shown. If you don’t follow this simple tip, you might have to spend atleast Rs 650 to get the guys from the car breakdown service to help you jumpstart the car with jumper cables or an alternator. However, […] - [E-learning: How some students are finding it tough in Bengaluru!](https://residentswatch.in/e-learning-how-some-students-are-finding-it-tough-in-bengaluru/): By Ritika Srivatsan Online classes are wreaking havoc on the lives of some students, impacting mental health, grades and future options. Many fear this year will significantly affect the rest of their lives and continue to haunt them long after the pandemic is over. The United States was one of the first countries to reopen schools in specific districts. This exercise was a clear indicator why it was a recipe for disaster.  A report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that 5,13,415 students across the country were diagnosed with COVID-19 since schools reopened. Regardless of guidelines enforcing social distancing, mandatory […] - [SPOT CHECK: A Metro Ride After Reopening](https://residentswatch.in/spot-check-a-metro-ride-after-reopening/): Stations taking great precaution, but negligible footfall By Ritika Srivatsan Namma Metro has now begun operating both Purple (Baiyyappanahalli-Mysore Road) and Green lines after a five-month hiatus. The Nagasandra-Yelachenahalli (Green line) stretch became functional yesterday; joining its counterpart which began working three days ago. Increased security, handsfree thermal screening and smartcards Security staff donning personal protective equipment (PPE) were stationed in particularly high numbers near the entrance and the platforms. To promote easy commute, citizens are required to wear masks, maintain social distance, have the Aarogya Setu app and their Metro Smartcards in hand. At the entrance, the temperatures are checked […] - [MedPlus in the dock: Package shows with respirator; mask delivered without valve](https://residentswatch.in/medplus-in-the-dock-package-shows-with-respirator-mask-delivered-without-valve/): By Zahid H Javali MedPlus is at it again. After we broke the story about how fake N95 masks are being sold by the Hyderabad-based online pharmacy chain, there is some visible change. Now, instead of a non-branded packaging of masks in an open and transparent plastic cover, they are sending the masks in a sealed branded packaging which shows that the mask meets all the specifications. However, there is a twist. While we ordered a KN95 mask without valve, the package showed one with the valve. We were pleasantly surprised. But the real scam was inside the packaging. Instead of […] - [No sports stadium, will improve existing playground: BBMP](https://residentswatch.in/no-sports-stadium-will-improve-existing-playground-bbmp/): By Qamar ZJ Call it a PR disaster or blame the over-enthusiastic architects who drafted a grand plan for a multi-purpose sports stadium in HSR Layout, but BBMP is now retracing its steps. It is no longer calling it a stadium with focus on cricket, but an open playground that will be improved at a cost of Rs 20 crore in the first phase, and an additional Rs 20 crore in the second phase. After a few rounds of discussions with the residents, the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association has discussed the matter with BBMP Joint Commissioner (Bomannahalli) M […] - [COVID-19: Experts recommend alternative medicine to boost your immunity](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-experts-recommend-alternative-medicine-to-boost-your-immunity/): By Ritika Srivatsan Since there is no vaccine available yet to prevent COVID-19, experts have stressed on the importance of acquiring better immunity. Therefore, alternative and natural immunity-boosting therapies, such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Reiki, are becoming increasingly popular. Alternative practitioners advocate that drinking herbal concoctions elevate a person’s immunity. They add that fumigating homes with herbs may also be an effective method of disinfection. Ayurveda and COVID-19 Ayurveda is a form of alternative medicine which originated in India about 5000 years ago. It places great emphasis on prevention rather than cure and encourages one to maintain a healthy balance between […] - [Police auctions abandoned vehicles; onlookers violate social distancing norms](https://residentswatch.in/police-auctions-abandoned-vehicles-onlookers-violate-social-distancing-norms/): By Ritika Srivatsan On September 6, huge crowds gathered for hours on 27th Main, near HSR Layout Police Station to participate in the much-anticipated two-wheeler auction. While the police took the bids for the abandoned vehicles, the teeming onlookers violated social distancing norms, and risked everybody. The police were unable to manage despite being present in significant numbers. The auction took place at HSR’s busiest street, filled with commercial stores and restaurants. Therefore, it was essential for the police force to plan ahead of time and map out various situations because an event like this, is bound to attract people, even […] - [COVID-19: Bengaluru’s air pollution is rising steadily, post-lockdown](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-bengalurus-air-pollution-is-rising-steadily-post-lockdown/): By Qamar ZJ The pollution loads, be it Particulate Matter 2.5 or PM 10, are steadily rising in August and September compared to the relatively healthier readings in April and May. This result is uniform across all the areas where the air pollution is being monitored in the city. While some areas suffer from PM10, others are largely PM2.5. While the pandemic began around November in China, it only became a serious issue in India in March. The pre-Covid and post-Covid scene has resulted in a steady rise in air pollution, according to statistics from the Central Pollution Control Board. This […] - [A pet sitter for all in the time of pandemic](https://residentswatch.in/a-pet-sitter-for-all/): Sammy's Nest plays host to every variety of pets, barring dogs. - ['Moral policing' in Agara Lake, actress Samyuktha Hegde protests](https://residentswatch.in/moral-policing-in-agara-lake-actress-samyuktha-hegde-protests/): By Qamar ZJ On Friday evening, actress Samyuktha Hegde was stopped from doing her usual fitness exercises and flowing the hoops at Agara Lake. She was accused of obscenity for wearing a sports bra and practising hoola hoops. In the fracas that followed, one person threatened her, and park caretaker Kavitha Reddy called her three-member group to stop the ‘cabaret dancing’. According to Hegde’s Instagram post, “In one of the videos, you can see Kavitha Reddy charging at my friend and attempting to hit her. When we were waiting for the police to arrive, some people in the park who knew […] - [Sports Stadium Controversy: How Goons Subverted the Civic Agenda](https://residentswatch.in/sports-stadium-controversy-how-goons-subverted-the-civic-agenda/): By Kavitha Reddy The BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout being turned into a Rs 140-crore high tech multi-purpose sports stadium with focus on cricket has irked many citizens. Before consulting the residents, the BBMP called for tenders in February 2020. When the inhabitants got to know of it, the Federation of HSR Layout Resident Welfare Associations convened a meeting on August 27 where the residents vociferously slammed the authorities for such a move. After the August 27 meeting of HSR Layout residents, a few members of the Federation of HSR Layout Resident Welfare Associations met local MLA Sathish Reddy who asked […] - [Amazon sellers are bribing users for 'five star' reviews](https://residentswatch.in/amazon-sellers-are-bribing-users-for-five-star-reviews/): By Zahid H Javali Amazon sellers are giving discounts, and extended warranties to buy ‘five star’ reviews on the ecommerce site. Therefore, not all products which have hundreds and thousands of ‘five star’ reviews could be genuine. The customers are advised to go through the comments, ask their friend circles, and do some due diligence before making their purchases. Claims of fake products, wrong quantity, or damaged products are also quite prominent. However, such claims can be resolved by the Amazon customer care. However, despite media reports in the US, the website has done little to prevent such nefarous vendor practices. […] - [Why HSR Layout residents don't want a sports stadium](https://residentswatch.in/why-hsr-layout-residents-dont-want-a-sports-stadium/): By Zahid H Javali There is intense discussion among HSR Layout residents on why a multi-purpose sports stadium on the BBMP Grounds in Sector 2 would be an unmitigated disaster for the residents. With the Karnataka chief minister scheduled to lay the foundation stone for this 140-crore project sometime this week, the residents want him to stop this project from taking off before it’s too late. Instead, they would want the same money to be spent in beautifying and maintaining it, perhaps with a small auditorium and library, a functioning jogging/walking track, and a citizen monitoring committee that ensures that there […] - [HSR Layout residents opposed to sports stadium planned in the vicinity](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-opposed-to-sports-stadium-planned-in-the-vicinity/): By Ritika Srivatsan A bid to convert the 7.18-acre BBMP Grounds in HSR Layout into a full-fledged multi-purpose stadium, with accent on cricket, has drawn flak from residents. In a meeting held on 27th August 2020, representatives from various Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) in HSR in addition to members of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Associations largely opposed the proposed construction in the lung space of the neighbourhood. The past record of BBMP is another reason for the major disconnect between the wants of the residential needs, and the commercial aspect of this upcoming facility.  A disagreeable past This […] - [Bengaluru Citizen Dashboard to empower people with data on governance](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-citizen-dashboard-to-empower-citizens-with-critical-data-on-governance-and-civic-amenities/): By Ritika Srivatsan Bengaluru Political Action Committee (B.PAC) a non-partisan group which aims to improve governance in the city, has launched the “Bengaluru Citizen Dashboard”. It is an online portal with information on ward governance, government services, elected representatives, public administration and civic amenities. The aim is to encourage data transparency, accountability in local governance and make critical data accessible to every citizen. The website is user-friendly with clear text and colourful pages. An individual can choose to know more about the eight Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike zones by simply clicking on the relevant link. This leads to a page showcasing […] - [COVID-19: Diary of a social worker and adventurer](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-diary-of-a-social-worker-and-adventurer/): By Kavitha Reddy Thanks to COVID-19, life has come to a standstill since March 15. Fortunately, the last event of Kaagaz Foundation was the Women’s Day Run and it was indeed the last ‘running’ event since March 8 in Bengaluru. For over 47 days, beginning with March 28,, the non-profit organization run by me and my team has worked extensively to provide relief to migrant workers and people in need of help. We have supplied over 58,861 food packets, 2450 ration kits accounting to 34300 kilos, over 3800 masks, 50 litres of sanitizers across Varthur, Agara, Singasandra, Arekere, Kudlu, HSR Layout, […] - [COVID-19: Pet owners rise in number, and so do abandoned pets!](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-pet-owners-rise-in-number-and-so-do-abandoned-pets/): By Ritika Srivatsan COVID-19 is proving to be a gamechanger for pet adoption. Ever since the pandemic reared its ugly head, there’s a spike in new pet parents. Vets are not available on video calls as they are completely occupied with physical visits by patients. There are long queues at pet clinics, which is unlike the pre-COVID era. However, the downside is also true. There are several cases across Bangalore where many new pet owners are abandoning the pets when they realise that it’s hard to maintain them, particularly dogs. Therefore, cats and hamsters have become popular alternatives as they are […] - [COVID-19: House helps facing troubled times](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-maids-facing-troubled-times/): By Ritika Srivatsan Everyone is affected by the coronavirus, but the most impacted are the underprivileged, such as house helps. They blame the government and the BBMP for the mess. Some are living hand-to-mouth, while others are thankful to their employers for paying them even when they are unemployable. The other house helps are unhappy with firms who did not pay their husbands due to the pandemic. ‘The government ration is not enough’ Mahadevamma M, a 50-year-old maid who works at a 500-flat apartment complex in HSR Layout says she and her family have lost their only means to earn. “I […] - [HSR Layout: Move around in feeder buses relaunched today!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-move-around-in-feeder-buses/): The BMTC relaunched the feeder bus service on Feb 3, 2020 in HSR Layout. While the routemap is still being finetuned and finalised, the residents have welcomed the idea as they will not have to depend on private vehicles or autos for travelling within the neighbourhood. The buses will shuttle between 24th Main in Sector 1 and 5th Main in Sector 6. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS LAUNCHED In the quaint year of 2015, amidst the mirth and gaiety of the Open Streets event, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) extended its gracious hand to the residents of HSR Layout, offering […] - [MedPlus misleading buyers with 'fake' N95 masks!](https://residentswatch.in/medplus-misleading-buyers-with-fake-n95-masks/): By Qamar ZJ MedPlus, the 14-year-old pharmacy chain from Hyderabad with branches across India, is found to be misleading its customers. By labelling their product as ‘N95 mask’, they are selling non-branded, non-certified face masks which don’t have the valves or the filtration capacity of an N95 mask which promise greater protection to the wearer due to their fit and air sealing capability. Therefore, not only are they trying to sell N95 masks for just Rs 95, but also indulging in what appears to be ‘fake’ masks to boot. The purported N95 we received had no branded packaging or any logo […] - [Experiences of a COVID-19 Patient in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/experiences-of-a-covid-19-patient-in-bangalore/): By Ritika Srivatsan What does it mean to be COVID-19 positive? Ananda Theertha learned it the hard way. The 54-year-old resident of Rajarajeshwari Nagar in north Bengaluru suffered some turbulent times when a medical emergency unrelated to COVID resulted in his father-in-law being hospitalised on two occasions. When his father-in-law was discharged after his second tenure at the hospital, Theertha, his wife and sister-in-law developed COVID-19 symptoms, such as sore throat, fever and body ache. While they self-medicated and felt better, Theertha’s father-in-law developed breathing problems. He underwent two COVID-19 tests. While the rapid test was negative, the swab test showed […] - [All the latest, verified information you need if you suspect COVID-19...](https://residentswatch.in/all-the-latest-verified-information-you-need-if-you-suspect-covid-19/): By Ritika Srivatsan With over 26,000 active cases and 7000 active containment zones, Bengaluru has become a prominent COVID-19 hotspot. To curb the spike, the city went under lockdown for a second time from 15th July but inevitably, the number of cases will only increase after the ban is lifted. While there are various vaccine trials underway, there is currently no cure for COVID-19. So, what do you do in times of a COVID-19 scare? Who should you call and where should you go? The Karnataka government and Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued certain guidelines which are to be […] - [COVID-19: Are supermarkets hygiene-friendly? We did a spot check...](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-are-supermarkets-hygiene-friendly-we-did-a-spot-check/): By Ritika Srivatsan According to the latest update by the BBMP Covid-19 WarRoom, there are currently 18,387 active cases and 4076 containment zones in the city. In such stressful times, what are the supermarkets doing? Are they truly following the guidelines set by the BBMP? What precautions are they taking? But first, what do the rules state? GUIDELINES FOR SUPERMARKETS The BBMP last issued specific guidelines to marts on March 16 2020, which stated the following: Time-bound sales promotion offers are strictly prohibited as these have the potential of drawing large crowds. Restricted token system was suggested to reduce overcrowding. Alcohol-based […] - [Nandini cow milk adulteration test: The results will surprise you!](https://residentswatch.in/nandini-cow-milk-adulteration-test-the-results-will-surprise-you/): We decided to test the most popular green packet of Nandini cow milk for adulteration on four counts: MG-2, Urea, Starch, and Detergent. These are the most commonly found pollutants in milk. The results will surprise you. Watch the video to find out.   - [Covid-19 relief: List of organisations lending a helping hand. You can do your bit!](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-relief-list-of-organisations-lending-a-helping-hand-you-can-do-your-bit/): As the United Nations revealed today that the global hunger could double due to COVID-19 impact, we have innumerable private firms, NGOs, religious organisations, and individuals doing their bit in the last one month since the March 24 lockdown. The early days of the nationwide shutdown was fraught with uncertainty and chaos, prompting the Karnataka High Court to doubt the BBMP’s claim of feeding the homeless and the migrant labourers, and asked the state government to intervene. Last week, the government set up Sankalpa, a website that every donor, organisation, and volunteer can visit and register themselves for joining hands in […] - [BBMP pushing all shops to door deliver groceries across Bangalore through single helpline](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-pushing-all-shops-to-door-deliver-groceries-across-bangalore-through-single-helpline/): To contain the spread of coronavirus, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is pushing all shops to door deliver groceries to their patrons. They are required to register themselves for providing such services through the Covid-19 helpline number launched by the civic body. The idea is to centralise all services and ensure that no resident is deprived of door delivery, and keep a check on areas that are still left out of such service, so special arrangements can be made. When we called them if they are delivering to HSR Layout (where our home office is based), the helpline official said […] - [Covid-19 update: BBMP is sanitising the streets & delivering groceries to your door](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-update-bbmp-is-sanitising-the-streets-delivering-groceries-to-your-door/): BBMP has been sanitising the streets for the last two weeks in phases. They targetted the hotspots and main roads first, before venturing into cross roads. They began with drones spraying sodium hypochlorite, and now BBMP workers are also going round on vehicles and as backpack sprayers to disinfected the footpaths. Not all areas of Bangalore are covered yet as several residents have complained that they have not seen any such activity in their areas. Health camps are also being conducted for BBMP workers, the frontline people who are at a greater risk of catching the infection due to improperly disposed […] - [Lockdown 1.0 Roundup: Self Service and Serving Others!](https://residentswatch.in/lockdown-1-0-self-service-and-serving-others/):   In the time of Corona, trends are a fascinating feature that define society. Here is what is happening in Bangalore ever since the lockdown three weeks ago. There are lessons to be learnt, and future alignments to be made. Above all, compassion and secularism is something we should all practice for a better future. STAY HOME, STAY SAFE The persons who are most at risk are all the essential service providers, including the transporters, medical professionals, and the civic and police officials. To thank the cops and other civic authorities like Bescom, BBMP and BWSSB for doing yeoman’s service, some […] - [Coronavirus Impact: The Ultimate List of Freebies You Can Use From Home (Updated)](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19/): COVID-19 aka coronavirus has shutdown offices, so people are working, playing and studying at home. To help them with this, several firms are offering their paid services and products for free until the world is rid of the virus. We spent the better part of a day scouring the Internet to bring you the best that the world has to offer in terms of games, productivity apps and tools, educative courses, and so on. Without further ado, here they go. Make the most of them. And don’t forget to forward this to anyone you feel could make the perfect use of […] - [Crime in the time of Coronavirus: Fake masks, sanitisers, and forehead thermometers](https://residentswatch.in/crime-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-fake-masks-sanitisers-forehead-thermometers-and-online-poker/): While the cops are busy enforcing curfew and feeding the poor, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) is engaged in weeding out fake products in the city. From fake sanitisers, masks and forehead thermometers to online gamblers, the cops are busy as ever. Only yesterday, CCB seized 1500 litres of highly inflammable chemicals like Isoprophyl alcohol and Acetone that were illegally stored in Wilson Garden for making fake sanitizers. According to Joint Commissioner (crime) Sandeep Patil, these chemicals are being used due to their inflammable nature. However, he added that they are highly dangerous to be stored in residential areas without precautionary […] - [Coranavirus Impact: Vegetable marts springing up in playgrounds; we did a spot check on one of them](https://residentswatch.in/coranavirus-impact/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is giving permissions to set up vegetable marts in local playgrounds across Bangalore, so that people can practice social distancing in a much better manner. While orderly queues were reportedly noticed in several places, there were others where people were seen standing quite close to each other. However, an open playground is way better than an air-conditioned supermarket. We decided to do a spot check of one such market in HSR Layout that had opened only a few days ago at BBMP Grounds in Sector 2. Here is what we saw. As we had gone […] - [Major fire breaks out at KCDC! Took 5 hours for fire officials to douse it!](https://residentswatch.in/major-fire-breaks-out-at-kcdc/): A major fire has broken out at the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) in Kudlu, near HSR Layout. One fire engine reached the place and is dousing the flames, after a few alert residents informed them The citizens have also tweeted the authorities about their ‘right to breathe’ even during the lockdown. Eyewitness Syed Mohammed who shot the video of the fire said, “It appears to be a major fire that is taking place near the cremation grounds. There was a lot of garbage lying around in the area where the fire is taking place. There were 5-10 people standing while […] - [Walk to shop alone; thousands of vehicles being seized by cops to maintain lockdown!](https://residentswatch.in/walk-to-shop-alone-thousands-of-vehicles-being-seized-by-cops-to-maintain-lockdown/): The city police are seizing vehicles of people who are found violating prohibitory orders for “silly reasons”. Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao is directing all citizens to walk to their grocery stores rather than use two or four wheelers. So far, over 5000 two wheelers, over 300 four wheelers, and over 200 three wheelers have been confiscated for this violation. Reprimanding everyone, the top cop has announced on social media that this is no April Fool’s joke. The state government extended the lockdown from the midnight of March 31 to 12am on April 14, as the earlier order was only for a […] - [Coronavirus: Cyclists deliver groceries to the sick and the elderly in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/coronavirus-cyclists-deliver-groceries-to-senior-citizens-in-bangalore/): Avid cyclists of Bangalore are volunteering to freely serve the sick and the elderly in their areas as relief riders. Without charging for their service, they will fetch supplies for senior citizens and the ailing, be it groceries, milk or medicines. The riders will even periodically check on the aged people on the request of family members who are staying far away from them. So far, 36 riders are serving their areas spread across Bangalore. “The Bengaluru Relief Riders program is an initiative of CycleToWork ambassadors along with other interested cyclists across the city of Bengaluru under the Bicycle Mayor of […] - [Silk Board records the lowest pollution in Bangalore; Hombegowda Nagar is highest!](https://residentswatch.in/silk-board-records-the-lowest-pollution-in-bangalore-hombegowda-nagar-is-highest/): Traditionally, the Central Silk Board junction on Hosur Road adjoining, HSR Layout, BTM Layout, Madiwala and Koramangala, recorded the highest air pollution in Bangalore. However, after the lockdown from March 25, this polluted cross-section has recorded the least pollution in the city at a healthy Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44, which is considered ‘good’ in plainspeak. Following on its heels is Hebbal at 49. All the other areas in Bangalore have recorded ‘moderate’ pollution levels with Hombegowda Nagar recording the highest at 64 AQI. Following it closely are Kadabesanahalli and Sanegurava Halli (both at 57 AQI), while Peenya recorded 53. […] - [Only designated staff to pick biomedical waste from quarantined homes; pollution control board issues new guidelines](https://residentswatch.in/only-designated-staff-to-pick-biomedical-waste-from-quarantined-homes-pollution-control-board-issues-new-guidelines/): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued new guidelines to local urban bodies on ways to handle, treat, and dispose off the biomedical waste generated during the treatment, diagnostics and quarantine of COVID-19 patients. It has mandated that only qualified personnel should pick up garbage from quarantined homes. Currently, much of the garbage today is being collected by the waste pickers without much precaution. In many areas, they don’t even use gloves and masks. Only after some residents pointed out this anomaly did a few garbage supervisors provide the garbage collectors with gloves and masks. As this comes under biomedical […] - [Want to know if you have Coronavirus? These online tests should help!](https://residentswatch.in/want-to-know-if-you-have-coronavirus-these-online-tests-should-help/): Airtel and Reliance Jio have launched separate websites to help people battle confusion and paranoia in the time of coronavirus. All you have to do is visit the two sites and answer about a dozen questions. Answer them truthfully after much introspection, and you should arrive at the results which could be any of the following: low risk, moderate risk, and high risk. The major red flags that you might suffer from the disease are the following questions: Have you or anyone you know visited any of the corona-afflicted countries? Have you been in public transport and sat in close contact […] - [Grocery supplies disrupted; long queues at shops; some residents volunteer to ensure 'social distancing'](https://residentswatch.in/grocery-supplies-disrupted-long-queues-at-shops-some-residents-volunteer-to-ensure-social-distancing/): Grocery supplies of offline and online stores are disrupted in the city. The workers were not able to reach their shops due to the curfew despite showing ID cards and wearing uniforms, and some were even lathi-charged. Others were allowed when a letter from their employees was shown. Many vans carrying essential goods were asked to go back, disrupting supplies across the city. In addition, many shops like Freshco and Heritage Milk Parlour in Somasundrapalya were forcibly shutdown by the cops. When residents questioned the officials, they replied that they had orders to close large shops. Many stores are also shut […] - [Coronavirus: Dispose off gloves, masks in sealed covers, Indira canteens to give free food to poor, BBMP's additional helpline numbers...](https://residentswatch.in/dispose-off-gloves-masks-in-sealed-covers-indira-canteens-to-give-free-food-to-poor-bbmps-additional-helpline-numbers/): The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has set up a command and control centre ‘war room’ to tackle the coronavirus epidemic in the city. In the first such directive from the cell, the residents are requested to dispose off masks and gloves in a sealed cover separately. In addition, cashless transactions are encouraged to reduce transmission through currencies. The BBMP is forming hundreds of teams for stamping thousands of people who came from foreign locales. So far, 25,000 people have been stamped, and counting. In addition, the government has ordered a complete lockdown of the city due to India entering stage 3 […] - [Spotted a person in public place with home quarantine stamp? Call 100](https://residentswatch.in/home-quarantine-stamp/): The Bangalore police is hunting down people violating the home quarantine rules to combat COVID-19. Such persons can be put behind bars for six months or pay a hefty fine or both. While some residents feel that the stamp could be hidden by gloves, the others recommend the Singapore model of contact tracing using GPS and bluetooth. About 5000 people have been stamped to be under house arrest for 14 days. If you spot someone moving around in a public place with the stamp on their arm (check the expiry date first), call the police on 100. Acknowledging this news, police […] - [Coronavirus news: Half the IT workforce is working from home in Bangalore; residents conduct awareness campaigns & more](https://residentswatch.in/corona-news-half-the-it-workforce-is-working-from-home-in-bangalore-residents-conduct-awareness-campaigns-more/): In an informal survey by the Whitefield Rising group, 570 people voted and the result was that as of March 14, 2020, 52.5% people were working from home. While the state government had requested the IT/BT companies to exercise the ‘work from home’ (WFH) option, the reality is that only a few sectors are able to afford this option, while the others cannot. For example, it is possible for the IT industry, but difficult for the banking and finance sector. In addition, those employees who returned from international trips have been asked to work from home for two weeks, because the […] - [Water tanker carrying hazardous chemicals seized due to alert marshalls](https://residentswatch.in/water-tanker-carrying-hazardous-chemicals-seized-due-to-alert-marshalls/): Alert marshalls did a fabulous job of getting a water tanker seized for carrying hazardous chemicals and preparing to dump it in unauthorised areas. The exercise required them to follow the water tanker on their vehicles from Kottegepalya to Yelahanka. After establishing the facts, they coordinated with the RTO officials and traffic police to nail the lorry driver. Revealing the seizure, BBMP Special Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) D Randeep said the RR Nagar RTO officials confiscated the loaded tanker and arrested the driver for trying to dump the waste in unauthorised places. An FIR is filed in RR Nagar and further […] - [Road Beku: Koramangala residents demand link road between Ejipura and Sarjapur Road](https://residentswatch.in/road-beku-koramangala-residents-demand-for-link-road-between-ejipura-and-sarjapur-road/): By Zahid H Javali In the eighth year, the dream of Koramangala citizens to have a link road that directly connects Ejipura signal with Sarjapur Road, has still not come true. The residents have re-started their three-year-old online petition to push for the project. Over 1500 people have signed the request letter to Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Besides, many citizens are now lobbying harder with the BBMP on the issue that will resolve the congestion problem in the area. The impediment is that while the defence ministry has agreed to hand over parts of its land for the link road, […] - [Citizens protest against HSR Layout cricket stadium construction](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-protest-against-hsr-layout-cricket-stadium-construction/): By Qamar ZJ Today, citizens protested against the Rs 140-crore HSR Layout cricket stadium construction on a 7.18-acre open playground in Sector 2, HSR Layout. Despite opposition from the residents during public consultations, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has decided to build a cricket stadium with 10,000 seating capacity. Besides, a four-storied pavilion building is planned along with volleyball and basketball courts, each with a separate seating space. The proposed plan violates the zonal regulations governing public playgrounds. “It’s an open playground that 500 people can play at a time,” says Sector 2 resident Girish Shivalingaiah, who is also a […] - [After Agara, residents complain about sewage entering other lakes](https://residentswatch.in/after-agara-residents-complain-about-sewage-entering-other-lakes/): Limits to lie 🤥. @HardeepSPuri @MoHUA_India Video courtesy: Santhosh KC By Qamar ZJ After Agara Lake, residents are now complaining about sewage entering lakes in Muthanallur and Chandapura. The Central Pollution Control Board has asked the state unit to submit an ATR (action taken report) after looking at this video complaint on Twitter. After exposing the encroachment mess in Anekal where a private road had encroached a pond and a stormwater drain, Capt. KC Santhosh has written about this mess in social media.  “Will anyone answer to this utter disregard towards the environment,” he asked the authorities online. “Why don’t our […] - [Bus Priority Lane: BMTC driver crushes bollards to overtake another bus](https://residentswatch.in/bus-priority-lane-bmtc-driver-crushes-bollards-to-overtake-another-bus/): Video courtesy: Whitefield Rising By Qamar ZJ While the very idea of a bus priority lane (BPL) has become a non-starter, post COVID-19, the BMTC drivers are adding to the sham. Yesterday, one BMTC driver was seen overtaking another bus on the bus priority lane by damaging the plastic bollards. Technically, the BMTC drivers are never forbidden from using the non-BPL lane. However, damaging the bollards in a non-emergency situation cannot be justified. “Once the bollard is crushed, it will not be useable again,” says Bellandur resident Nagesh Aras. “The bollards cannot become straight again… it is again a mechanism to […] - [The stink from KCDC compost plant may come down soon](https://residentswatch.in/the-stink-from-kcdc-compost-plant-may-vanish-soon/): By Anuksha Dey  A group of citizens (Kamesh Rastogi, Venkatesh HS, Lalithamba BV) who recently visited the Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) in Kudlu near HSR Layout are happy with the developments. They found the plant belonging to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to be better managed, and receiving much less garbage than before. Besides, the RDF mountain which was causing stink in and around the area, has also been removed by almost 60%. If all goes well, KCDC will stink much less in the months to come, if the KCDC finally gets rid of the entire RDF material on […] - [72% citizens want young faces in BBMP elections, says survey](https://residentswatch.in/72-citizens-want-young-faces-in-bbmp-elections-says-survey/): By Anuksha Dey People want young corporator aspirants to contest the upcoming polls to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). According to one city survey, 71.6% of respondents felt that the participation of youngsters in the government was not satisfactory. While 51% were willing to vote for young candidates, an additional 33% wanted to decisely vote for youthful contestants, if they had the right credentials. An overwhelming 92% agreed that the youth have to play a major role in city governance. This trend is already becoming a reality. In Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, Arya Rajendran, a 21-year-old woman, became India’s youngest mayor in […] - [Pond and drain encroached to build private road in Anekal](https://residentswatch.in/pond-and-drain-encroached-to-build-private-road-in-anekal/): By Anuksha Dey & Qamar ZJ The Mangala Rama Kunte Pond in Anekal is encroached by certain vested interests who want to build a private road in Ramasagara. According to government records, the lake land stretches over 9000 square feet and is worth more than Rs 2 crores. The road is allegedly constructed on space meant for rajakaluve and a portion of the pond, leaving the area prone to flooding. The rajakalave system Bengaluru and its adjoining areas have a natural system of rajakaluves (major storm water drains) which allows the excess water from one water body to flow into the […] - [Indiranagar residents ask cops to implement court order against bars and restaurants causing noise pollution](https://residentswatch.in/indiranagar-residents-go-to-court-against-bars-and-restaurants-causing-noise-pollution/): By Anuksha Dey The residents of Indiranagar have petitioned the city police commissioner to act on errant bars and restaurants flouting the law. They have also filed a police complaint against the establishments, and asked the top cop to treat it as a First Information Report (FIR). The citizens are merely asking the Bengaluru police to implement the interim order passed by the Karnataka High Court in February 2020.  At the time, top cop Praveen Sood had filed an affidavit in the court on how the city police would take action on the errant establishments. “They were supposed to seize the […] - [Citizens busting drug rackets by calling this toll-free number](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-can-bust-drug-rackets-by-calling-this-toll-free-number/): By Anuksha Dey The Bengaluru City police arrested two drug peddlers early this week. The arrests were made after complaints were filed over 1908, the toll-free number for drug-related offences. The peddlers are of African origin, and had 56 MDMA tablets with them. The cops are regularly cracking down on drug rackets in Bengaluru over the last few years, and have been widely praised for their success. Helping them is the toll-free number where any citizen can be an informant, and their identity will be kept confidential. What is MDMA? MDMA, popularly known as Ecstacy or Molly is an addictive drug […] - [Carlton Towers tragedy: Is your building or business, fire-safety ready?](https://residentswatch.in/carlton-towers-tragedy-is-your-building-or-business-fire-safety-ready/): By Anuksha Dey Based on suggestions by citizens, the state government declared February 23 as a Fire Safety & Awareness Day. On this day, the fire department conducts a fire safety workshop every year to remember the fire tragedy that engulfed Carlton Towers on Old Airport Road in the city 11 years ago. This year was no different as the department organised such camps across Karnataka, including Bengaluru. In 2010, the abject lack of fire safety measures led to the Carlton Towers tragedy that killed nine residents.  Awareness programs across Karnataka In Bengaluru, the fire safety department held a fire safety […] - [Citizens oppose strike by private schools](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-oppose-strike-by-private-schools/): By Anuksha Dey The parents have slammed private schools in Bengaluru for going on a strike yesterday (Feb 23) to protest against a 30% fee cut ordered by the state government. The schools claim that only 70% of the current school fees is not enough for payment of staff and maintenance of the school property. The HSR Layout residents who opposed the move reason that parents are under pressure due to the prevailing fee structure. Private schools unwilling to cut down their fees In April, the government issued circulars stating only those parents who can afford to pay only the tuition […] - [Cubbon Park: Four ways to make it more citizen-friendly](https://residentswatch.in/cubbon-park-four-ways-to-make-it-more-citizen-friendly/): By Anuksha Dey Located at the heart of Bengaluru, Cubbon Park is one of the city’s largest lung spaces. The park, set up in 1870 stretches over 300 acres. Naturally, it has become a hot spot for fitness enthusiasts and a meeting ground for performance arts and social welfare groups. However, the infrastructure here is not up to the mark. Last week, a list of suggestions emerged on social media to highlight the park’s weaknesses, and how to make it better. The suggestions welcomes more people to put forward their ideas and also recommend a landscape design contest from professional design […] - [BWSSB’s shoddy work: Untreated water from STP enters Agara Lake](https://residentswatch.in/bwssbs-shoddy-work-untreated-water-from-stp-enters-agara-lake/): By Anuksha Dey Untreated water has been seeping into Agara lake from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Sector 4, HSR Layout. The lake supports rich biodiversity of fish, birds, and reptiles. Oil and other waste materials in the sewage have left a stink in the water body. It could also take a toll on aquatic life if the sewage is allowed to seep into the main waterbody of Agara lake. Pollutants entering the lake  Agara Lake, which was originally a rainfed water body, has been maintained using grey water from a government-run STP since […] - [Weekend getaway from Bengaluru: Muninagara Dam](https://residentswatch.in/weekend-getaway-from-bengaluru-muninagara-dam/) - [Bus Priority Lane: BMTC driver caught flouting the rule](https://residentswatch.in/bus-priority-lane-bmtc-driver-caught-flouting-the-rule/): By Qamar ZJ While there is much hue and cry over empty bus priority lanes (BPL) adding to the congestion on the rest of the road, one BMTC driver was found using the non-BPL lane. When one resident tweeted about it yesterday, BMTC promised to take prompt action.  Yesterday, Sreekanth M found an empty BPL and also realised the reason for it. Near the Marathahalli bridge, around 4.45pm, he found a green BMTC bus (number 500F) flouting the rule and using the non-BPL lane instead, adding to the congestion on the road. Residents like Harsha Halasur have asked the BMTC to […] - [HSR Layout residents complain about noise pollution from restaurants ](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-complain-about-noise-pollution-from-restaurants/): By Anuksha Dey Residents of Sector 4 in HSR Layout are putting up with noise pollution caused by restaurants located near their houses. Despite complaints from them, no proper action has been taken by the authorities so far. Restaurants are allowed to stay open till 1am. Loud music, celebrations, and use of industrial equipment late into the night causes sound pollution that disturbs residents at night, particularly the elderly. While residents are upset about the loud noises coming from restaurants, the proprietors of these eateries are inconvenienced by frequent complaints from citizens that hinder their business. Resident-restaurant conflict Lakshmi Gowda who […] - [Restaurant encroaches footpath in HSR Layout; authorities take action](https://residentswatch.in/restaurant-encroaches-footpath-in-hsr-layout-authorities-take-action/): By Anuksha Dey Silbatti, a restaurant on 19th Main in HSR Layout, built a tin shed on the footpath. Upset residents took to social media, prompting the authorities to take some action. Based on their pressure, the restaurant proprietor reduced the size of the shed from 5-feet to 2-feet (width). However, part of the structure (2-feet) still remains on the drain next to the footpath, and is still not in line with the rest of the boundary wall of Silbatti. The authorities have promised action on this as well. The residents’ response The footpath on 19th Main is hardly walkable, with […] - [Bescom's transformer rods continue to endanger citizens 6 years after redesign](https://residentswatch.in/bescoms-transformer-rods-continue-to-endanger-citizens-6-years-after-redesign/): By Anuksha Dey Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) reportedly came up with a design solution to make its transformers safer. They raised the height of the switches in 2015. However, many of these handles continue to inconvenience pedestrians to date.  What are transformers? Distribution transformers are essential electrical equipment, they convert high voltage electricity into a lower voltage which can be used safely in homes. Transformers may be pad mounted or pole mounted. Pad-mounted transformers are found on the streets while the pole-mounted variety is elevated with the help of the pole. The vertical handles near the transformers are known […] - [Horamavu gets motorable roads after 3-year wait](https://residentswatch.in/horamavu-gets-only-few-motorable-roads-after-3-year-wait/): By Anuksha Dey Residents of Horamavu near Banaswadi and KR Puram are finally getting asphalted roads from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) after waiting for over three years. The streets were dug up by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for laying water pipelines in April 2017. An additional 60 kms of roads were dug up for laying underground pipes in January 2019. So far, Varanasi Main Road is asphalted along with sections of Horamavu Lake Road, Kalkere Main Road, Horamavu Agara Lake Road, Manjunathnagar main road, and a few roads in Munnireddy layout. Work has also started in […] - [Go on birdwatching walks this Valentine's weekend](https://residentswatch.in/go-on-birdwatching-walks-this-valentines-weekend/): By Anuksha Dey Bird Count India is organising a weekend full of birding adventures on February 13 and 14. Birdwatching walks are organised across lakes in Bengaluru as part of the global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2021. The walks are open to all and free for participants. This is a great time of the year to see migratory waterbirds. For example, Goose and Ducks like Greylag Goose, Bar-headed Goose. Northern Shoveler, and Common Pochard start arriving in India during the winter months.  February 13 This Saturday, a birding walk is organised at Yelahanka lake. The group will meet at 6:30 […] - [Parking vehicle on footpath? Cops will fine you Rs 1000](https://residentswatch.in/parking-vehicle-on-footpath-cops-will-fine-you-rs-1000/): By Aratrika Dey & Qamar ZJ The next time you park your vehicle on the footpath, the Bengaluru Traffic Police will fine you Rs 1000 for encroaching pedestrian territory. This fine applies to the riders of two-wheelers and drivers of four-wheelers as there is no differential pricing. Before 2019, the fee stood at Rs 100, but it has been increased to deter frequent offenders after a proposal was made two years ago. The number of people being booked for footpath parking has gone up marginally in the last three years, indicating that the cops are lax in implementing this rule so […] - [Opinion: How about applying Delhi power supply model for efficient city bus services?](https://residentswatch.in/opinion-how-about-applying-delhi-power-supply-model-for-efficient-city-bus-services/): By Muralidhar Rao There were old estimates that the city needed far more buses than the BMTC was operating, and it was also known that the need was being partially met by private operators. But, nobody knew that between the private operators and the schools, there were over six-times the numbers operated by BMTC. Kudos to Citizen Matters for bringing out these numbers (check here).   So, all in all, there are close to 50,000 buses on the city roads, apart from the ‘multi-coloured buses’ (mostly Tamil Nadu registered), and the inter-city operations. But, the fact is that, constrained as the […] - [Citizens complain about lack of Metro connectivity to upcoming Visvesvaraya rail terminal](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-complain-about-lack-of-metro-connectivity-to-upcoming-visvesvaraya-rail-terminal/): By Aratrika Dey Close to the inauguration date of the much-anticipated railway terminal at Baiyappanahalli, the residents are worried about Metro connectivity issues. After missing several deadlines due to varied reasons, the station named Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (after Karnataka’s eminent engineer) was initially set to be launched on February 15, 2021. However, the inaugural date is now pushed to February 21, 2021.   No Metro connectivity Citizen’s forum ‘Namma Bengaluroo’ has said that this new terminal outlet is about two kilometers away from the Baiyappanahalli metro station, with no direct access road to it. Only proper connectivity options can make […] - [Children cannot play in HSR Layout police station anymore](https://residentswatch.in/children-cannot-play-in-hsr-layout-police-station-anymore/): By Aratrika Dey Back in September 2019, under the suggestion of IPS officer Isha Pant, thirteen police stations were set to get ‘child play areas’ inside their buildings. The first police station to set up such a facility in the city was the HSR Layout police station. However, it is also the first one to shut down. HSR cops said that fewer children were visiting the police station because of COVID-19, leading to the shut down. Now that space is being used for other police work. “Police stations usually suffer from lack of space, and COVID-19 is definitely a reason why […] - [FASTag will be implemented on Nice Road from Feb 14](https://residentswatch.in/fastag-will-be-activated-on-nice-roads-from-feb-14/): By Qamar ZJ Come February 14, and you can zip past the toll gates of NICE Road as well. The FASTag will be activated by then, and all will be smooth sailing for users of four-wheelers. For over a year, Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) had its own toll collection system that only a few had bought. The reason was simple: Why would infrequent users buy a private toll collection system? But now that FASTag is being implemented diligently across the country, NICE has finally integrated its system to accept FASTag as well. No longer do you have to pay electronically […] - [Why are residents opposed to a tree park in Turahalli forest?](https://residentswatch.in/why-are-residents-against-a-tree-park-in-turahalli-forest/): By Anuksha Dey Turahalli forest off Kanakapura Road is one of Bengaluru’s last surviving natural forests. Home to the spotted deer, porcupine, and peacock, this 600-acre land is a sanctuary for its unique flora and fauna. While there is a 28-acre under-utilised tree park, the government is now planning to convert 400-acres of the forest into a tree park. Citizens are livid with this decision since Tuesday and negotiations are being conducted between resident groups and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sanjai Mohan. But why is a resident body protesting against the creation of a tree park for its […] - [India’s only wildlife arena under flyover completes one year](https://residentswatch.in/indias-only-wildlife-arena-under-flyover-completes-one-year/): By Anuksha Dey What better way to celebrate Karnataka’s rich indigenous wildlife than through an art form as integral to its heritage as the rangoli. The Ugly Indian, an anonymous group of volunteers engaged in beautifying Bengaluru, has planned a day full of creativity and art on February 6 (Saturday) at Veerannapalya to commemorate the first anniversary of India’s first wildlife arena under a flyover. They have organised the Rangoli Habba Under-the-Flyover to bring the city’s people together. The Rangoli Habba The rangoli festival is scheduled to start at 9am and is open to all. All materials will be provided by […] - [Empty Bus Lanes add to traffic congestion!](https://residentswatch.in/empty-bus-lanes-add-to-traffic-congestion/): By Aratrika Dey Citizens a concern over bus priority lanes going empty, while contending that the current system has reduced the road capacity for regular traffic, resulting in heavy congestion. Special mention is made about the stretch from Outer Ring Road to Marathahalli. “For bus connectivity, frequency is critical. Unless a mobility plan with a scientific approach is adopted, these efforts (employing the bus priority lane scheme within the city’s infrastructure) will be just for the books,” according to Kasavanahalli Development Forum.  Still a work in progress In late 2019, Bengaluru was introduced to bus priority lanes to overcome the problem […] - [Is the Cycle Lane design practical, ask citizens](https://residentswatch.in/is-the-cycle-lane-design-practical-ask-citizens/): By Anuksha Dey Within a week after the cycle lane on Race Course Road was inaugurated, questions about the design of the cycle track raise concerns for pedestrians as well as activists. Citizens also take to social media about construction work in other parts of the city.  Bengaluru’s Smart City Project The cycling track is part of the government’s initiative to transform Bengaluru into a  smart city. The cycle lanes will provide a safer, more environment-friendly mode of transportation in the city centre and help connect Palace Road with Race Course Road. The Smart City Project is a nationwide urban renewal […] - [Frequent mobile phone thefts bother HSR Layout residents](https://residentswatch.in/frequent-mobile-phone-thefts-worries-hsr-layout-residents/): By Aratrika Dey The seventh installation of the Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows saw the introduction of the ‘Snatchers’ (an organization of bounty hunters) who were essentially tasked with ‘snatching’ people. In and around HSR Layout, similar snatchers have started popping up recently; the only difference is that they snatch away mobile phones from passers-by. So far, the cops are unable to nab these thieves and prevent more thefts. Sector 3 is attracting phone snatchers HSR Layout’s 3rd Sector has recently seen an influx of phone snatching activities, especially on 18th Main Road, adjacent to HSR Club […] - [Sparsha stopped 174 child marriages in last nine months!](https://residentswatch.in/sparsha-stopped-174-child-marriages-in-last-nine-months/): By Anuksha Dey Sparsha Trust, a 16-year-old NGO which started out as a shelter for five children in a small shed near the Bangalore airport, has stopped 174 child marriages between April 2020 and January 2021. The organisation, which has received the Best NGO award from the state government of Karnataka on two occasions, works to make life better for children at the risk of being forced into child marriage and child labour, besides dropping out of schools. The voluntary group provides them with protection, care and opportunities for development. Intervening to stop child marriage Sparsha began its efforts to contain […] - [Bangalore’s air quality is poor; avoid the outdoors!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalores-air-quality-is-poor-avoid-the-outdoors/): By Anuksha Dey Bengaluru’s Air Quality has been exceptionally poor since Thursday. The air quality index (AQI) lay between 100 and 163 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. According to a study published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information in the US, it is best to avoid outdoor activities as well as any strenuous activity which increase the rate at which you inhale the polluted air and to stay away from high traffic areas when AQI is above 100. The experts also recommend using air purifiers where possible, and wearing masks outdoors is absolutely essential. The Air Quality Index monitoring system […] - [Residents petition authorities to save millennia-old lake in Whitefield ](https://residentswatch.in/residents-petition-authorities-to-save-millenia-old-pattandur-agrahara-lake/): By Aratrika Dey Resident-led civil rights group Namma Whitefield has filed an online petition to the Apex Committee on Lakes besides asking for help from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner and the Karnataka Chief Minister. They want the authorities to kick start the rejuvenation process of Pattandur Agrahara Lake and free it from the land sharks who have forged documents to encroach the precious open space. As part of Save Pattandur Agrahara Lake campaign, the citizens are demanding an immediate survey of the entire lake property and demarcation of lake boundaries, besides identifying and marking of the water body’s buffer […] - [Residents want BBMP to secure Somasundrapalya Lake; launch clean-up drive](https://residentswatch.in/residents-want-bbmp-to-secure-somasundrapalya-lake-launch-clean-up-drive/): By Anuksha Dey Members of the Community Task Force (CTF) met at Somasundrapalya Lake early in the morning yesterday, armed with their brooms, cleaning equipment and saplings to plant. Tired of administrative delays by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the residents of the area have taken the maintenance of the water body into their hands. However, the upkeep of the area, without proper security guards, is proving to be a herculean task for them. Lake cleaning drive The resident’s body started a weekly lake cleaning drive in January. After two weeks, the group decided to make their visits to the […] - [How Iblur Lake was saved!](https://residentswatch.in/how-iblur-lake-was-saved/): By Mukund Kumar Having spent the first five years of my work and life in Bengaluru, it was almost a certainty that I would come back to the same city. After a span of six years, working across the USA and Europe as an investment manager, it was an impulsive decision to come back to the Garden City to explore new personal and professional avenues. My new journey began in 2012.  The return Culminating with the return was a one-year sabbatical from work. Quickly, the realization dawned that things were not quite as rosy as they had been in the Bengaluru […] - [Now is the best time to go birdwatching in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/now-is-the-best-time-to-go-birdwatching-in-bengaluru/): By Anuksha Dey If you have been planning to go bird watching in Bengaluru, now is the perfect time. “This is the winter season… anytime you step out is a good time for birding,” says Dr Krishna MB, a zoologist with a doctorate in bird ecology. But if you’re wondering where and how to start, this quick guide by Residents Watch will help you navigate this evocative journey. The birds of Bengaluru Around 340 species of birds have been recorded in Bengaluru so far. Though the population of birds has dropped over the years, the city still boasts of a rich […] - [Know your neighbour: Spiderman of Bommanahalli](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-spiderman-of-bommanahalli/): By Aratrika Dey Comicverse Queens, New York City has had Peter Parker as the resident ‘Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman’ since 1962, and now Bengaluru has a ‘real-life’ web slinger of its own. Asrar Khan Usmani (23), or just Usmani, as he is commonly known, is addressed as the ‘Spiderman of Bommanahalli’. However, there’s a catch, instead of fighting off villains and saving innocent civilians, Usmani rescues animals. He has been at it for the last six years and counting. Sometimes, in true Spidey fashion, he scales buildings to save animals. A resident of Bommanahalli, Usmani gained the moniker of the webbed hero […] - [After many citizen protests, BBMP agrees to save some trees](https://residentswatch.in/after-many-citizen-protests-bbmp-agrees-to-save-some-trees/): By Chandrima Mazumdar 2021 has brought good news for the environment activists and enthusiasts as Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has agreed to save all the trees along the Whitefield roads. The tweet by Namma Whitefield’s page termed the move as a win for the environment, and thanked the BBMP and MLA Arvind Limbavali for the gesture. Other clauses by the BBMP Following many citizen protests against the reckless cutting of trees along the city roads, the BBMP (major roads) engineer Ramakrishna Reddy held a meeting with the residents. He assured the people that all the trees and saplings would be […] - [RTI Association pushes for the delivery of second appeals within 45 days ](https://residentswatch.in/rti-association-pushes-for-the-delivery-of-second-appeals-within-45-days/): By Aratrika Dey The Karnataka RTI Workers Seva Samithi (KRWSS) recently filed a petition with the Central Information Commissioner, demanding that RTI (Right to Information) second appeals be disposed off within 45 days. Second appeals before the Karnataka Information Commission are taking longer disposal time, some going up to more than three to five years. “More than 30,000 cases are pending,” says Vijay Dennis, social worker, founder, and president of the KRWSS. “They are not closing the cases; they are giving dates once a month or once every two months. People from the districts keep traveling back and forth, spending their […] - [Opinion: Bengaluru’s campaign against COVID-19 is better than Germany’s](https://residentswatch.in/opinion-bengalurus-campaign-against-covid-19-is-better-than-germanys/): By Manasa Manjunath  First things first, my story is not a testimony of COVID-19 cases in India being on a steady decline. It is my personal experience about the protocols in place and the precautions taken by the citizens of Bengaluru. Originally from Bengaluru, I did my schooling and bachelors in engineering here. I moved to Germany nine years ago to pursue my masters. I moved to Stuttgart for a job, where I’ve lived for over five years now. Last December, I arrived here alongside my husband and was pleasantly surprised by the way the city and the people are dealing […] - [Fact-check BBMP’s report on the condition of roads and footpaths](https://residentswatch.in/fact-check-bbmps-report-on-the-condition-of-roads-and-footpaths/): By Chandrima Mazumdar The Karnataka State Legal Services Authority issued a notice dated January 18, 2021, asking people to share the status of the roads that need inspection. The concerned people can mail at: kar.hck9@gmail.com. According to the notice, the High Court of Karnataka had issued several directions addressing the Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority to ascertain the present conditions of the public roads and footpaths and submit its report to the court on or before February 5, 2021. Citizens can report bad roads and footpaths but also fact-check Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) year-old report on 108 arterial […] - [KP Singh: 15 years of grassroots activism on sustainability](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-he-created-the-citys-first-locality-with-its-own-water-supply/): By Anuksha Dey An IT sector employee, KP Singh (54) is a grassroots activist turned politician. About 22 years ago, he left UP and came to Bengaluru to work for the technology industry. Soon, he found himself drawn to social causes. Since the pandemic, he has been in the frontlines, distributing food and medical requirements across the city. As the national secretary of Swarajya India party, he is currently involved in coordinating supplies to the farmer protesters in Delhi through party workers who help with the distribution of aid. Before Singh joined Swarajya, he was involved in grassroots level activism in […] - [Residentspeak: BBMP has to follow the best practices of Forest Department to maintain lakes](https://residentswatch.in/opinion-bbmp-has-to-follow-the-best-practices-of-forest-department-to-maintain-lakes/): By Kavitha Reddy Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) agenda on Bengaluru lakes does not demonstrate confidence. Now that all the lakes in the BBMP limits are under its lakes division, I wonder if the infamous reputation of BBMP will be reflected in the lake conservation or will it truly make a positive impact in preserving the water bodies. BBMP projects are completely Contractor Oriented Works (COW). Which means, every project is milked to the maximum by the contractors’ lobby and little has BBMP done to shed off this shoddy reputation. These COW projects are not only expensive but can also be […] - [Report bad roads and potholes with this WhatsApp chatbot before Jan 30!](https://residentswatch.in/report-bad-roads-and-potholes-with-this-whatsapp-chatbot-before-jan-30/): By Qamar ZJ Frustrated with bad roads and potholes in Bengaluru? The Karnataka High Court has come to your rescue, thanks to a public interest litigation (PIL) by concerned citizens. All you have to do is to use this nifty WhatsApp chatbot and register your complaints. The easy steps are shown visually in the video below. Just click on the image and you will be able to do it in a few steps. Remember to have a pucture of the pothole and road handy. If you want to make the city pothole-free and pedestrian-friendly, this is a small step you can […] - [Received suspicious news? Fact-check on state government’s website](https://residentswatch.in/received-suspicious-news-fact-check-on-state-governments-website/): By Qamar ZJ While there are several private fact-check websites, not many are aware that the Karnataka police launched a fact-checking website in April last year. This was to combat the fake news surrounding COVID-19. Today, the portal has become an additional tool that the citizens can use to check the veracity of the information they receive on social media, particularly WhatsApp.  Fact checking made easy The brainchild of Director General of Police Praveen Sood, the Karnataka State Police Factcheck website is being managed by the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) cybercrime division and Check4Spam. If you don’t have access to the […] - [HSR Layout residents oppose multi-storied building, seating area & restaurant in upcoming sports stadium](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-oppose-multi-storied-building-seating-area-restaurant-in-upcoming-sports-stadium/): By Qamar ZJ The controversy over the proposed Rs 140-crore sports stadium to be built in phases in the second sector of HSR Layout refuses to die down. On Monday, the residents met BBMP joint commissioner (Bommanahalli) M Ramakrishna and not only handed him a memorandum of their requests, but also spoke to him orally about their various reservations over the project. They urged the BBMP to only build a ground+1 floor and not 4-5 floors. Besides, they want the civic body to avoid building a restaurant and seating gallery as such constructions would fall foul of the laws governing playgrounds […] - [Frequent internet disruptions in HSR Layout as miscreants keep cutting fibre optic cables](https://residentswatch.in/frequent-internet-disruptions-in-hsr-layout-as-miscreants-keep-cutting-fibre-optic-cables/): By Qamar ZJ At a time when working from home is the ‘new normal’, the availability of internet is crucial. However, miscreants are cutting fibre optic cables in neighbourhoods, such as HSR Layout. While some allege that the competitors are doing it, others suspect that it could be the handiwork of sub contractors whose contracts were not renewed. Complaints of poor restoration service against Act Broadband are rampant across HSR Layout. And now, Spectra is facing the same connectivity issues. Competitors hand? One resident had this cable cutting issue on three occasions in a month. It took Spectra two days to […] - [First person account: What to expect if you are taking a train to the Bangalore airport](https://residentswatch.in/first-person-account-what-to-expect-if-you-are-taking-a-train-to-the-bangalore-airport/): By Anuksha Dey If you are a student who has moved to Bangalore to pursue your higher studies like me, two things can be said about your life. The first, you have to fly back to your home town at least twice a year. The second, you are almost always too broke to afford a cab. Since I moved to Bangalore, the journey to and from the airport has become the bane of my existence. Busses take way too long and cabs are just too expensive. I have even tried taking a Rapido to the airport before realizing the journey was […] - [HSR Layout residents protest against BESCOM for frequent power cuts](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-residents-protest-against-bescom-for-frequent-power-cuts/): By Aratrika Dey Yesterday, HSR Layout natives protested in front of the BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) office in HSR Layout. They complained about the poor electrical supply in the area. They met with the Executive Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer Jyoti Prakash and MH Jagdish respectively. They wanted the officials to address the problem of frequent power cuts and remove the footpath encroachment by BESCOM and filling the potholes created by them during the underground cable installation. Persistant problem HSR Layout is no stranger to power cuts and voltage fluctuations. Recently, however, these problems have become more inconvenient for the […] - [The diary of an accidental activist](https://residentswatch.in/the-diary-of-an-accidental-activist-from-bellandur/): By Anuksha Dey Laly Randolf calls herself an accidental social activist. She represented Kerala at national cricket championships, has a postgraduate degree in English, and held a stable LIC job till the early 2000s. Besides, life kept presenting her with opportunities to make a difference. Today, Randolf is an active member of Kasa Mukta Bellandur (KMB) and is well known for her work in solid waste management. Social activism Laly’s first tryst with societal welfare was around 2002 when she was living in Koramangala. She had joined a small citizens protest against a restaurant in her area for its unhygienic working condition. […] - [Husband’s cancer survival story inspires criminal lawyer to resolve Bellandur’s garbage crisis ](https://residentswatch.in/husbands-cancer-survival-story-inspires-criminal-lawyer-to-resolve-bellandurs-garbage-crisis/): By Anuksha Dey Criminal Lawyer turned environmental activist from Gujarat, Rupal Ralph has dedicated the last five years of her life to improving the lives of people in Bellandur.  Rupal moved to Bengaluru from Gujarat in 2007 and was appalled by the condition of the roads, the garbage black spots and the polluted Bellandur lake. Since 2016, she has played a key role in solid waste management projects, community welfare projects, and environmental conservation projects in the city. “I was born in Gujarat but I have lived for 14 years in Bengaluru. It is my place now, my Karmabhumi,” she says. […] - [Opinion: BBMP will have to wait till 2026 before delimiting the wards!](https://residentswatch.in/legal-mess-bbmp-will-have-to-wait-till-2026-before-delimiting-the-wards/): By Kavitha Reddy Even as the Government of Karnataka (GoK) misused its authority to postpone the civic polls, it is unaware that the BBMP is in a legal quagmire. As per the New BBMP Act, all Grama Panchayats (GP) that are in some of the constituencies of Bengaluru will become part of the Greater Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (GBMP). Which means, these Grama Panchayats will be part of the 243 wards of the GBMP.  But the real twist is in the recently-held Grama Panchayat elections and the upcoming Taluk Panchayat (TP) and Zilla Parshad (ZP) Elections. If GoK had the right intentions, […] - [Know your neighbour: An engineer turned social entrepreneur who makes sustainable living possible](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-an-engineer-turned-social-entrepreneur-who-makes-sustainable-living-possible/): By Chandrima Mazumdar From working in IT to becoming a champion of sustainable environment, Sarjapur Road resident Malini Parmar’s life is nothing short of an inspiration. The co-founder of Stonesoup is also part of the Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), 2bin1bag campaign (waste segregation), Bangalore Eco team (known for its campaign against plastic), Swacchagraha (composting) and Green The Red (sustainable menstruation) initiatives aimed at sustainable living. In her previous avatar, she worked in IT and BPO firms as CMO, CSO and CSR head, where her work spanned 25 countries and 17 years.  What motivated her Parmar says that there were […] - [Local citizen initiative against spitting receives national attention](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-based-citizen-initiative-against-spitting-gets-national-traction/): By Aratrika Dey This pandemic saw the championing of the Stop India Spitting campaign, a national movement led by the citizens of Beautiful Bengaluru (also known as Beautiful Bharat nationwide). Established in 2015 and spearheaded by Bellandur resident Odette Katrak, a behaviour change professional, writer and changemaker, Beautiful Bengaluru is a voluntary citizens’ initiative working towards cleaner, greener, and safer cities. The campaign was instrumental in highlighting the issue nationally, resulting in the enactment of a law against spitting across India, and also ensured that the subject figured in the PM’s national address.  Local goes national What started as a Bengaluru-centric […] - [New year's gift for Whitefield: Potholes on ECC Road are filled](https://residentswatch.in/new-years-gift-for-whitefield-potholes-on-ecc-road-get-filled/): By Chandrima Mazumdar 2021 starts on a positive note for Whitefield as the potholes on the ECC Road are filled. The bad stretches of Swami Vivekananda Road and from Dean’s school to Whitefield Main Road are asphalted. However, a comprehensive plan to completely re-lay the ECC Road is still under discussion. The pothole problem Bangalore has had to struggle with potholes for years now. For the residents of Whitefield, this problem has been far worse. The roads in the outer zone were almost reduced to rubble, especially the Nallurhalli Main Road, ITPL Road, ECC Road, Pattandur Agrahara Road, the road connecting […] - [PayTM and ICICI are the most preferred fastag providers](https://residentswatch.in/paytm-and-icici-are-the-most-preferred-fastag-providers/): By Qamar ZJ In an online poll by Team BHP, PayTM has emerged way ahead of its rivals as the most preferred fastag provider in India. This is followed not so closely by ICICI. As this form of automatic toll fee collection becomes the norm from Feb 15 (it was extended today), people are flocking to online apps, petrol bunks and also getting it at the fastag booths near toll gates. The fee is around Rs 500, which includes a refundable deposit of Rs 250.  At this point, SBI fastags weren’t working properly and some authorised petrol bunks were recommending IndusInd […] - [Complain directly to CM from Jan 1 on one email ID!](https://residentswatch.in/complain-directly-to-cm-from-jan-1/): By Qamar ZJ From 2021, you can directly complain to the Karnataka chief minister on his Twitter handle or email ID (cm.kar@nic.in) for speedier redressal of your complaints. Earlier, there were three email IDs to reach the CM. The new move is to remove any confusion and duplication, thereby streamlining the process. However, citizens find the very idea of alerting the CM’s office to be impractical. In the past, we have emailed the CM on issues where we have got an acknowledgement, but no redressal. When this can happen to a media entity, what about the lay person?  BBMP Sahaya 3.0? […] - [Citizen group completes nine years of managing lakes in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/citizen-group-completes-9-years-of-maintaining-lakes-in-bengaluru/): By Anuksha Dey Mahadevpura Parisara Samrakshane Mattu Abhivrudhi Samiti  (Mapsas), a citizen-driven organisation, is about to enter its 10th year of looking after and reviving Bangalore’s lakes and reservoirs. The organisation has been working closely with BBMP and the residents around Soul Kere, Kaikondrahalli Kere, Kasavanahalli Kere, Lower Ambalipura Lake and Devarabisanahalli to maintain the biodiversity of these water bodies for over nine years. Nature-first approach Mapsas revives lakes to preserve Bengaluru’s biodiversity. The citizen body maintains wetlands, plants trees and cleans lakes to ensure that the water ecosystem continues to thrive. The organisation is against using lakes as recreational centres […] - [Sakala: Get government services delivered to you on time](https://residentswatch.in/sakala-get-government-services-delivered-to-you-on-time/): By Aratrika Dey Across India, citizens are frustrated when the promised delivery of a particular service from the government is either received after the due date or not at all.  That is when you should turn to Sakala, a public service scheme under the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act, 2011. If your application is delayed, Sakala will speed it up.  What is ‘Sakala’? Sakala delivers 150 services to the citizens of Karnataka in a time-bound manner. Coined by the citizens, ‘Sakala’ means ‘on time’ in Kannada. Karnataka is the tenth state in India to incorporate a law under the […] - [Know your neighbour: Transforming Bellandur is her mission](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-transforming-bellandur-is-her-mission/): By Zahid H Javali Kishori Mudaliar is a changemaker wearing many hats. She is the founder of Bellandur Jothege Foundation, a civil society organisation focussed on developing Bellandur, particularly pedestrianization. A communications and PR consultant by profession, Kishori is an electronics engineer by qualification, besides being a summertime Bharatanatyam dance teacher. Born in Mumbai, she was exposed to diverse experiences and mentors. “From then to now, a positive, outcome-based approach to life— one step at a time—is the bedrock of my personal philosophy,” she says.  The roots of social change From communications and PR to a changemaker, the transition was triggered […] - [“We are creating mini forests every week in Bengaluru”](https://residentswatch.in/we-are-creating-mini-forests-every-week-in-bengaluru/): By Anuksha Dey SayTrees planted 8150 saplings at Hennagara Lake last Saturday. The saplings were planted using the Miyawaki method at the lake near Bannerghatta. This afforestation project on the outskirts of Bengaluru is a small part of SayTrees’s efforts to green the city.  Currently, this Bengaluru-based not-for-profit organization has over 25 afforestation projects in the city and several others in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, UP, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh. They have already planted over 6.5 lakh trees across India and hope to plant more.  The Miyawaki method SayTrees is creating urban and rural forests, supporting farmers with fruit trees, rejuvenating lakes […] - [COVID-19: ActionAid steps in to prevent a second wave](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-actionaid-steps-in-to-prevent-a-second-wave/): By Chandrima Mazumdar Better awareness and the right nutrition is the best way to prevent the second wave of COVID-19, according to ActionAid. The NGO launched a campaign to emphasise these points on Tuesday. The COVID-19 camp and nutrition distribution to adolescents was done in association with Slum Mahila Sanghatane and the CSR support of Vector Infomatik.  “We have had various training sessions with doctors, and they have told us how patients suffering from different comorbidities will be worse affected in case of a second wave of COVID,” says Madeeha Kulsum, who is in-charge of the documentation for the project. On […] - [A dummy’s guide to travelling on a budget across India](https://residentswatch.in/a-dummys-guide-to-travelling-on-a-budget-across-india/): By Aratrika Dey Travelling overseas can be a real gift for any individual. However, living through a pandemic, some things have changed indefinitely. Traveling abroad from India for tourism purposes remains suspended since March 2020. But this piece of information should not dampen a wanderer’s interests. Domestic flights resumed from May 2020, and interstate travel restrictions are relaxed. Even if it’s not by much, the rules offer something to placate the traveler’s mind. Incredible India upholds a diverse mirror, that ranges from mountains in the north to tropical beaches in the south. From grand temples that offer a mystifying and spiritual […] - [Drive-in cinemas and open-air screenings zooming back into popularity amidst the pandemic](https://residentswatch.in/drive-in-cinemas-and-open-air-screenings-zooming-back-into-popularity-amidst-the-pandemic/): By Anuksha Dey Watching movies on over-the-top (OTT) platforms or on TV has become the new normal during the pandemic. But, for those who miss the experience of the big screen, startups such as Lonely Cow Entertainment and organisations such as Sunset Cinema Club and SteppinOut are providing a safer alternative to the traditional cinema halls by organising outdoor movie screenings. These movie screenings are carried out in open areas such as backyards, courtyards and terraces in popular restaurants and destinations. Some companies have also started drive-in movies which allow you to watch movies on the big screen from the comfort […] - [BTM Layout residents oppose indoor stadium in space allotted for playground](https://residentswatch.in/btm-layout-residents-oppose-indoor-stadium-on-space-allotted-for-playground/): By Chandrima Mazumdar The citizens of BTM Layout have turned to social media to voice their protest against the construction of an indoor stadium in 1st Stage, BTM Layout. According to the residents, the neighbourhood lacks any open space for children, and the space allotted for the stadium was reserved for a playground as per Karnataka High Court judgement. The worried Twitterati tagged MLA Sowmya Reddy of Jayanagar who is known for her advocacy for open spaces and environment conservation.    Earlier this month, MLA Ramalinga Reddy of BTM Layout had tweeted to inform about laying the foundation stone for the construction […] - [HSR Layout’s wonder women save lives of several strays](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layouts-wonder-women-save-lives-of-several-strays/): By Aratrika Dey When the BBMP’s ABC (Animal Birth Control) program in the Bommanahalli sector stopped operating midway through last year and CUPA had to stop their sterilization operations for strays around March 2020 due to the pandemic, three HSR Layout residents, Priyanka Gopal, Tapsi Raina, and Prabha Bhaktaram, stepped up to fill in the blanks. Since the onset of the lockdown, these three women are ensuring that the female dogs are spayed in Sector 4, thereby providing a better, healthier lifestyle for the strays. Keeping a check on stray population The sole purpose of these women revolves around giving these […] - [Garbage burning is a never-ending problem in Kasavanahalli](https://residentswatch.in/garbage-burning-in-kasavanahalli-back-in-the-spotlight/): By Anuksha Dey The roads are finally being repaired and drains are being cleaned in some parts of Bellandur. However, just months before the civic polls, a video of large scale garbage burning in Kasavanahalli has gone viral on Twitter. The video shows smoke from a pile of trash being burnt behind Bren Imperia, near Bellandur. BBMP’s Solid Waste Management Cell has responded to the video saying, “Kasavanahalli seems infamous for such burning. Adequate infrastructure in terms of vehicles have been given to Bellandur ward. Better enforcement is required from the local solid waste management team.” Garbage disposal is a pressing […] - [The great revival of Bellandur and Varthur lakes began today](https://residentswatch.in/the-great-revival-of-bellandur-and-varthur-lakes-began-today/): By Aratrika Dey MLA Arvind Limbavali inaugurated the Bellandur and Varthur lakes rejuvenation project today. The project was sanctioned by the State Government of Karnataka by order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). However, some residents want the dignitaries to inaugurate completed projects rather than those that are yet to begin. Objectives of the project This project aims to provide a toxin-free, clean environment for the people living in the area. Both the lakes, Bellandur especially, have been victims of frothing that will be mitigated by this project. This will gradually improve the water quality of the lakes. Besides, wetlands are […] - [Traffic congestion to continue for atleast 2 years in KR Puram](https://residentswatch.in/traffic-congestion-to-continue-for-atleast-2-years-at-tin-factory-due-to-metro-work/): By Anuksha Dey After lying dormant for about two years in KR Puram, the Metro line construction site near Jyothipura is showing signs of progress. However, residents might have to wait a few years for the Tin Factory traffic congestion to ease. The Tin factory junction, which connects East Bangalore to Central Bangalore, is riddled with many problems: buses plying from Marathahalli to KR Puram, pedestrians refusing to use the skywalk, speeding vehicles, and narrow roads that cannot handle heavy traffic. The result leads to KR Puram’s infamous traffic gridlock.  The long-awaited extension of Bangalore’s Purple line to Whitefield along with […] - [Cops nab the kingpin behind drug trafficking in the city](https://residentswatch.in/cops-nab-the-kingpin-behind-drug-trafficking-in-the-city/): By Chandrima Mazumdar In one of the most significant drug trafficking raids by Central Crime Bangalore (CCB), the big shot of cocaine supply in Bengaluru who goes by the name “Chief” is now behind bars. According to Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sandeep Patil, the man, who’s real name is Chidiebere Ambrose, was supplying drugs to foreign drug peddlers and was in touch with them. More investigation on this case is going on. On December 3, the CCB had busted another case of drug procurement through darknet using bitcoins, in which one peddler was arrested and stamp-size LSD drugs were seized. The […] - [Citizens free 110 trees from nails across the city](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-free-110-trees-from-nails-across-the-city/): By Zahid H Javali Vinod Kartavya (36), a technical officer at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and his team of concerned citizens, is on a mission to rid the city of nails from trees. After he got hurt while leaning on a tree, Kartavya, has been removing nails from trees with fellow citizens every Sunday since November 15, 2020. So far, his campaign has led to the removal of nails, placards, and signages from 110 trees across Bengaluru. Many dignitaries have joined his campaign, including BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad, film actor Kishore Kumar, former IPS officer K Annamalai, and cybercrime […] - [HSR Layout sports stadium construction to begin from today!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-sports-stadium-construction-to-begin-from-today/): By Qamar ZJ The controversial sports stadium project is taking off today with a bhoomi pooja despite massive opposition to the idea of a multi-purpose sports stadium, with emphasis on cricket, in the midst of a residential area. The residents believe that this would result in undue pollution and congestion in and around the area, besides denying children the right to an open playground. While the authorities are telling the residents that all the laws will be respected while improving this playground, the biggest issue here is that there is complete lack of transparency. There is no Detailed Project Report (DPR) […] - [BBMP receives international honor in energy-efficient street lighting; residents call it a 'pseudo achievement'](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-receives-international-honor-in-energy-efficient-street-lighting-residents-call-it-a-pseudo-achievement/): By Qamar ZJ The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has won the silver medal for its energy-efficient street lighting project under the ‘Best Utilities Project’ at the Partnerships Awards 2020. The judges included 80 individuals representing public and private enterprises. However,  netizens are dubbing the honor as a ‘pseudo achievement’ as most of Bangaluru is shrouded in darkness for over a year. Forget the residential lanes, even the traffic-heavy Outer Ring Road is without lights and riddled with potholes for additional company.  Two years in the making The decision to change all the streetlights in Bangalore to LED was taken more […] - [Anti-Corruption Bureau: How to nail the corrupt](https://residentswatch.in/anti-corruption-bureau-how-to-nail-the-corrupt/): By Aratrika Dey   Do you want to take action against the ever-persisting problem of corruption? Or have you been subjected to malpractices and become a victim of corruption? Have you been asked to pay a certain sum to the police inspector assigned to you in your passport verification process to get the job done quickly? In this case, you need to know how to file a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).  The ACB unit is responsible for collecting information on corruption within the many departments under the government (against public servants and public persons) through appointed Vigilance Officers. They not […] - [Badly-injured bull rescued by the residents of HSR Layout!](https://residentswatch.in/badly-injured-bull-rescued-by-the-residents-of-hsr-layout/): By Aratrika Dey ‘Nandi’ as he has been endearingly named, was rescued by the residents of HSR Layout. On November 26, resident Prabha Bhaktaram found him bleeding profusely around his head. It was right in front of her house in Sector 4, and she immediately took action.   “I started making calls to CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action), an animal rescue organisation, and tried to schedule a rescue and pickup of this bull to their centre,” recalls Prabha. However, CUPA got back to her saying that they would not be able to take in an animal so large into their shelter, which […] - [Found a messy toilet or broken footpath? Report now for end-to-end solution!](https://residentswatch.in/found-a-messy-toilet-or-broken-footpath-report-now-for-end-to-end-solution/): By Chandrima Mazumdar To reduce public urination and fix the broken footpaths within the year, Janaagraha, a non-profit organization, has teamed with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in their annual budget campaign called MyCityMyBudget. And every citizen can play a role in beautifying the city. In the last five years, over 50,000 citizens gave 90,000 budget inputs. My city, my budget The Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy works for citizen participation in urban local government to strengthen democracy. Every year, the NGO teams up with BBMP for MyCityMyBudget. The budget input is collected from citizens, both online and offline. This […] - [BBMP promises compensation to victims of bad infrastructure; Twitterati responds ](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-promises-compensation-to-victims-of-bad-infrastructure-twitterati-responds/): By Aratrika Dey On December 1, the BBMP published a public notification in the papers, promising to  compensate citizens injured due to bad roads or footpaths with a payment of Rs 15,000. In case of death, the family of the victim will be paid Rs 3 lakhs by the BBMP, while minor injuries will merit Rs 5000. Barring the primary compensation amount, the authorities will support the victim with an additional payment of Rs 10,000 to cover medical expenses. A special officer will be appointed to verify the claims. Following the BBMP announcement prompted by a court ruling, Bengalureans have taken […] - [Shocking First Person Account: RTO giving permanent driving licences without proper testing!](https://residentswatch.in/shocking-first-person-account-rto-giving-permanent-driving-licences-without-proper-testing/): By Ruchika S We have an expose by a 21-year-old communications student in Bengaluru about the corrupt ways of the Koramangala Regional Transport Office (RTO). She applied for a permanent driving licence through her driving school, and found that the RTO officials were granting the permits without proper tests. Here is her first person account that will shock you. THE FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT   Recently, I joined a popular driving school in Bengaluru. Traffic was minimal and the usually congested city was quiet; flaunting its broad roads and the otherwise unnoticeable greenery. It was the perfect time to learn. Had I begun […] - [Know your neighbour: She runs Bengaluru’s only natural birth and midwifery care centre](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-she-runs-bengalurus-only-natural-birth-and-midwifery-care-centre/): By Zahid H Javali Chetana Kulkarni (39), the co-founder of The Birth Home in JP Nagar, is on a mission. The resident of Indiranagar believes in natural birth and family-centred care to be her life’s focus. Though qualified as an engineer, midwifery has become her life’s calling in the last 15 months in Bengaluru.  While the city’s only midwifery centre is led by an international midwife, her firm also works with obstetricians, physicians, and hospitals, if required. “This enables us to provide safe care for low-risk pregnancies with access to medical technology and obstetrical skills,” says Chetana whose goal is to […] - [70% drop in active COVID-19 cases in HSR Layout, but authorities advise caution](https://residentswatch.in/70-drop-in-active-covid-19-cases-in-hsr-layout-but-authorities-advise-caution/): By Chandrima Mazumdar & Qamar ZJ The end of the year seems to bring good news for the residents of HSR Layout. There was a 70% drop in active COVID-19 cases from October to November. While the statistics are impressive, authorities are advising caution and no undue celebration just yet. According to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), there were 707 active COVID-19 cases, including three deaths. However, in November, there was a dramatic dip as there were zero deaths and only 232 active cases. This is in line with the Bengaluru average as well during this period. There were 101120 active […] - [Whitefield gets a digital public library after a 10-year wait!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-gets-its-second-public-digital-library-in-whitefield/): Videos courtesy: Anjali Saini By Qamar ZJ & Aratrika Dey At a time when everybody is struggling to get past the gloom of the pandemic, here comes some good news. Whitefield gets its own digital public library after a ten-year wait. This book-full of wonder is situated in Thubarahalli, Mahadevapura Zone, Whitefield. It should not be mistaken for an IT company office space tweets Anjali Saini, a Whitefield resident. The 76-second video that accompanies the tweet, is much like a brief virtual tour of the library set up by the BBMP library department and run by the Department of Public Libraries. […] - [RTI: How to make public sector banks answerable to you](https://residentswatch.in/rti-how-to-make-public-sector-banks-answerable-to-you/): By Aratrika Dey The right to information should be a fundamental right of every citizen. Given the lack of transparency from the public sector banks in the country, the citizens need to know how to file an RTI (Right to Information) application. Banks serve as a part of the foundation of any economy. But much like any other sector, this sector has its share of suspicious dealings and large scale corruption. However, while all public sector banks are registered under the Right to Information Act, 2005, private sector banks are exempt from it. A beginner’s guide to RTI  The Right to […] - ['Smart Cities Mission' is anti-poor, non-inclusive, and against the constitutional mandate: Experts](https://residentswatch.in/smart-cities-mission-is-anti-poor-non-inclusive-and-against-the-constitutional-mandate-experts/): By Qamar ZJ & Chandrima Mazumdar While the 2015 idea of ‘100 Smart Cities Mission’ promised improved standards of living, the reality is that it has forced many people into poverty. Instead of acting as a role model for the tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the governance and financial implications of this urban renewal programme needs to be thoroughly re-examined, according to experts. Besides, this kind of approach is highly centralised, and gives little to no scope for state government intervention, making it highly non-inclusive, and also against the constitutional mandate. Importantly, the project is not in sync with the […] - [Blood donation camps: Should you donate during the pandemic?](https://residentswatch.in/blood-donation-camps-should-you-donate-during-the-pandemic/): By Aratrika Dey Hospitals are overburdened with patients and cannot admit more due to the lack of beds and shortage of medical personnel. Blood banks are facing an acute shortage of blood units. The demand for treatment has increased, while the number of blood donors has decreased, due to the fear of virus transmission. No one knows when the pandemic will end. Therefore, blood donation camps are the only answer. The Rotary TTK Blood Bank and Bangalore Medical Services Trust (BMST) have teamed up with Rotary Bengaluru HSR to organize a blood donation camp on November 29 at 27th Cross, 19th […] - [After many road accidents and public pressure, Iblur skywalk is finally ready!](https://residentswatch.in/after-many-road-accidents-and-public-pressure-iblur-skywalk-is-finally-ready/): By Chandrima Mazumdar After more than two years of accidents and protests at the Iblur junction, a skywalk is finally ready for use by the public. Amid the pandemic, this is indeed great news for the residents and office goers in Bellandur and surrounding areas. Bellandur Jothege (BJ), a people’s organisation, was one of the major driving forces behind the construction of the road overbridge. To celebrate the success, BJ has organised a selfie campaign today named #WalkabilityChamp. While the skywalk is ready for public use, an official inauguration is slated for December 8. Many protests, accidents, and deaths prompted the […] - [BBMP should take urgent steps to protect revived lakes around HSR Layout  ](https://residentswatch.in/bbmp-should-take-urgent-steps-to-protect-revived-lakes-around-hsr-layout/): By Kavitha Reddy                              I have written a letter to the BBMP administrator about my concerns related to Agara Lake, Somasundrapalya Lake and Mangammanapalya Lake in Ward 174 & 190 of Bommanahalli constituency. Agara Lake, post the Government notification few Lakes which were in the custody of Forest Dept, such as Madivala Lake and Agara Lake, were moved to BBMP Lakes Division. As a lake activist and founding member of the Agara Lake Protection and Management Society (ALPMS), I had serious concerns about Agara Lake being handed over to […] - [Koramangala records the lowest active COVID-19 cases, and zero deaths](https://residentswatch.in/koramangala-records-the-lowest-active-covid-19-cases-so-far-and-zero-deaths/): By Chandrima Mazumdar (Updated on Dec 3): Koramangala recorded a record low of 61 active COVID-19 cases from November 5 to 21. Amid the pandemic, the efforts of BBMP and citizens seem to have been rewarded with the number of active cases dropping from 424 in October to 162 in November (updated after this story was first published). That is a dramatic drop of 70% from the previous month, according to the BBMP. How did it happen? Rahul Francis, a volunteer and the BBMP mobile testing coordinator for ward 151 (Koramangala), says that their contact tracing team is strict on testing. […] - [Citizens oppose Yelahanka 'signal-free corridor' plan; find it highly pedestrian-unfriendly ](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-oppose-yelahanka-flyover-plan-find-it-highly-pedestrian-unfriendly/): By Aratrika Dey The BBMP has proposed a plan to build a 1.6 kilometer-long integrated flyover for the junction near the Yelahanka police station. However, it provides a solution only for the vehicle users on the busy stretch. The citizens are miffed that there is no initiative to aid the pedestrians. Bengaluru has a big walking community, and this initiative threatens their safety on the roads.  Why is a signal-free corridor necessary?  The RMZ Galleria Mall is located opposite the Yelahanka Police Station. Shoppers usually park their vehicles outside the mall due to lack of parking space. And cabbies park their […] - [Know your neighbour: Former top order batsman is now chairman of KSCA's state selection committees](https://residentswatch.in/know-your-neighbour-former-top-order-batsman-is-now-chairman-of-ksca-and-state-selection-committee/): By Aratrika Dey Bengaluru boy, top-class batsman for Karnataka, your next-door neighbour (if you’re from HSR Layout), and now Chairman of the men’s state Senior and U-23 selection committees, Fazal R Khaleel has had quite the journey in the world of cricket. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced early this year that Khaleel replaced Raghuram Bhat for the top seat. The 47-year-old former opening batsman is no stranger to the selection committee as he was a member of it earlier. When did cricket happen? Back in the days, schools across India paid much heed to cricket as an extracurricular activity. […] - [Citizens remove 383 nails and 2000 pins from one peepal tree](https://residentswatch.in/citizens-remove-383-nails-and-2000-pins-from-one-peepal-tree/): By Aratrika Dey The other day, Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) member Raghavendra Poojari tweeted that he and a group of friends single-handedly removed 383 nails and over 2000 stapler pins stuck to a peepal tree near Vijayanagar bus stand… there are still many more to be removed. “Every time I went on morning walks or jogging, I would come across trees that had nails and pins,” Poojari told Residents Watch. What was assumed to be a minimal number turned out to be more than 500 nails and 5000 stapler pins stuck to the peepal tree near Vijayanagar bus stand. Therefore, […] - [Stop Agara, Bellandur and Varthur lakes from becoming polluted ponds: Citizens set 31-point agenda for the government](https://residentswatch.in/stop-agara-bellandur-and-varthur-lakes-from-becoming-polluted-ponds-citizens-set-31-agenda-points-for-the-government/): By Zahid H Javali & Aratrika Dey The Bangalore Environment Trust (BET), a 33-year-old advisory body of enlightened citizens has petitioned the state government to work on 31 agenda points to immediately save Agara, Bellandur and Varthur lakes from extinction. They have stressed the need for adequate budgeting towards time-bound maintenance of the Bellandur-Varthur catchment area by enacting a lake-specific policy. Besides, the most precious treated wastewater is being used for irrigation in Kolar when it should be used to recharge the depleting groundwater in the city. “For judicious use of treated wastewater, a solid action plan for utilisation of treated […] - [Draft electoral roll 2021 released, citizens can check their names now](https://residentswatch.in/draft-electoral-roll-2021-released-citizens-can-check-their-names-now/): By Chandrima Mazumdar The Election Commission of India has published the draft electoral roll 2021 for the state of Karnataka. According to the revised schedule of the Special Summary Revision 2021, the period for filing claims and objections. They have been revised and now extend from November 18 to December 17, 2020. The date for the disposal of claims have been revised to January 7, 2021. The final publication of the electoral roll will be on January 18, 2021. However, it is important to note that the publication date of the draft roll was delayed from the revised schedule by two […] - [‘Self rule’ outside Bengaluru since 1960; Janapada Seva Trust’s Gandhian success story](https://residentswatch.in/self-rule-outside-bengaluru-since-1960-janapada-seva-trusts-gandhian-success-story/): By Aratrika Dey The real India resides in the villages. Just three hours drive from Bengaluru stands Melukote where one organisation has been applying Gandhian principles to create an equitable society and promote sustainable living. From rehabilitating abandoned children, sustaining livelihoods of dozens of families, educating the local children and adults, and restoring local forests, the Janapada Seva Trust (JST) is doing commendable work for over 60 years (watch the 30-minute video to get a complete overview with English subtitles). Established by Surendra Koulagi (former personal assistant to political reformer Jayaprakash Narayan and close associate of freedom activist Acharya Vinoba Bhave) […] - [Waterlogging alert: When it rains, avoid Koramangala and its surroundings](https://residentswatch.in/waterlogging-alert-when-it-rains-avoid-koramangala-and-its-surroundings/): Originally tweeted by Muralidhar Rao (@murali772) on November 16, 2020. By Chandrima Mazumdar The lives of Koramangala residents were once again disrupted due to the rainfall on Monday. A tweet by resident and civic activist Muralidhar Rao showed the road near Maharaja Junction clogged with water. Interestingly, this happened with only 30mm of rainfall that the area received the day before yesterday. While the BBMP claims to be working to stop the flooding in Koramangala and surrounding areas, there is no respite just yet. What is the problem? The areas near BTM Layout, Koramangala, and HSR Layout are filled with low-lying […] - [HSR Layout will be electrocution-free zone in six months!](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-layout-will-be-electrocution-free-zone-in-six-months/): By Chandrima Mazumdar About 15 months have passed since the Bangalore Electric Supply Company (BESCOM) took up the job of laying high tension cables below the ground across HSR Layout. This was to eradicate power trippings, electrocutions, and short-circuits due to bad weather. Now, it transpires that the project will take more time. Another project which involved the bunching of low-tension wires above the ground into highly insulated aerial bunched cables is also expected to be complete soon. However, the HT line project in the neighbouring Koramangala is yet to begin. What is the project? The multi-phased project was announced across […] - [Don’t feed pigeons; their poop can cause more than 60 diseases](https://residentswatch.in/dont-feed-pigeons-their-poop-can-cause-more-than-60-diseases/): By Chandrima Mazumdar  Residents, unaware of the health hazards, are unwittingly feeding pigeons that frequent the Swabhimaana Park in Sector 3, HSR Layout. The other neighbourhoods in Bengaluru are no exception either. However, while feeding the birds is a noble deed, having them around in the neighbourhood is counter-productive. According to scientists, pigeon poop is the root cause of over 60 different types of diseases. Fungal afflictions One aware resident sent us a video saying, “Pigeons near the park will soon be a menace, if not already. I have seen a building owner staying across the Swabhimaana Park feeding sackful of […] - [Hangover pub in HSR Layout catches fire!](https://residentswatch.in/hangover-pub-in-hsr-layout-catches-fire/): By Zahid H Javali The Hangover pub in Sector 1, HSR Layout, was on fire this afternoon. It took three vehicles to extinguish the fire in over an hour (click the video above). The fire began at around noon when people were welding the temporary metal structures on the first floor. Sparks flew and the entire first floor soon caught fire, with dense black smoke enveloping the building. No one was injured. A fire force official said, “The pub was closed for the last ten days due to renovation work. The fire happened during the welding work as there were many […] - [Subdued Deepawali and rains keep air pollution at bay in Bangalore](https://residentswatch.in/subdued-deepawali-and-rains-keep-air-pollution-at-bay-in-bangalore/): By Qamar ZJ While North India had ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ air pollution ratings, Bangalore recorded ‘moderate’ to ‘satisfactory’ pollution levels during and after Deepawali (Diwali in North India). This was partly due to subdued celebrations and November 15 evening rains that brought down the pollution loads. North India more polluted than South India If you look at the map of India, you will see red (very poor) marks in the north, while it’s at ‘moderate’ and ‘satisfactory’ levels in south India. In Bangalore, only Majestic areas recorded the highest pollution in the city on Saturday and Sunday – it crossed […] - [Non-Green firecrackers flood the city despite ban ](https://residentswatch.in/non-green-firecrackers-flood-the-city-despite-ban/): By Aratrika Dey Quite a few shops are found to be selling non-green firecrackers in the city, despite the Karnataka government ban on the sale of non-green merchandise. Initially, the ban included firecrackers of all grades. However, it was altered to allow only green crackers to be sold to the public.  Vendors have been caught selling non-green crackers out in the open by netizens. Videos are being circulated on Twitter where people can be seen bursting non-green crackers. The police have said that they have started taking measures to enforce the ban and restrict the sales of crackers to the ones […] - [City's footpaths invaded by vehicles ](https://residentswatch.in/citys-footpaths-invaded-by-vehicles/): By Aratrika Dey Bengalureans have increasingly taken to social media to voice their frustrations regarding the persisting problem of footpath encroachment by cars and two-wheelers. In several places, the footpaths can be seen lined with rows after rows of two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Vehicle users are getting away with parking in ‘no-parking’ zones. The city lacks footpaths, and the pedestrians have no choice but to walk along the busy main roads, which is a safety hazard. And where there are proper footpaths, they are encroached by indiscriminate parking, and plant overgrowth. Big money is spent on laying expensive cobblestones, but there is […] - [Top 10 Content Writing Agencies in India 2026](https://residentswatch.in/top-10-content-writing-services-in-india-for-startups/): As a startup, crafting compelling content that speaks to your target audience is critical to your success. But, with so many options available, it can be challenging to find the right content writing agency that meets your needs and budget. That's why we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top 10 content writing agencies in Bangalore for startups. - [Induction Is the New Gas: The Quiet Kitchen Revolution Bengaluru Didn’t Plan](https://residentswatch.in/induction-cookers/): Meenakshi Raghavan had cooked on gas her entire life. More than forty years of turning a knob, the soft whomp of a flame catching, the visual reassurance of blue fire licking the base of her pressure cooker. When her apartment complex in Jayanagar ran out of LPG cylinders for the third time in February, she did what she swore she’d never do. She bought an induction cooktop. “My daughter set it up in twenty minutes,” she says, laughing slightly at herself. “I stood there feeling like a fool, pressing buttons to boil water. But it boiled faster than my gas ever […] - [When the Flame Ran Out](https://residentswatch.in/lpg-crisis/): How a war in the Middle East turned off stoves in Bengaluru — and what the people who cook for a living did next For most people in Bengaluru, the Strait of Hormuz is just a name on a map: a thin sliver of water between Iran and Oman. But in the first week of March 2026, that narrow channel became the invisible hand that turned off their stoves. The US‑ and Israeli‑led campaign against Iran, and Tehran’s counter‑strikes, disrupted shipping through the Strait — the corridor through which India receives the vast majority of its LPG imports. India imports about […] - [Which Floors Have the Purest Air? A Guide to Breathing Easier in Your Home](https://residentswatch.in/which-floors-have-the-purest-air/): Here’s the thing—most people think living higher up automatically means cleaner air, right? Makes sense on the surface. But the reality is way more complicated, and honestly, pretty interesting. The answer changes depending on where you live, what season it is, and a bunch of other factors we’re about to break down. Let me give you the straight story: In most urban areas, the 3rd to 5th floor is actually where you get the purest air. That’s roughly 10-15 meters up—the sweet spot where you escape ground-level traffic pollution but haven’t climbed high enough to hit different air mixing layers. Why […] - [Data Center Heat Crisis: Why India's Infrastructure Boom Threatens Its Water Future](https://residentswatch.in/data-center-heat-crisis-india/): By Zahid H Javali Picture this: every time you search Google, stream a Netflix show, or prompt ChatGPT to write an email, servers somewhere on Earth are burning through electricity to process your request and then desperately cooling themselves down to avoid melting. You know what? I think we don’t really talk enough about how insanely power-hungry this infrastructure is—especially as billions of people in countries like India suddenly come online and demand all these digital services simultaneously. Here’s the thing: data centers are grappling with an existential problem. They’re generating so much heat that traditional cooling methods are breaking down, […] - [Major Battle Brews Over Proposed Highway Through Bengaluru’s Jarakabande Kaval Forest](https://residentswatch.in/jb-kaval-forest-campaign/): A wave of public outrage is sweeping Bengaluru over a plan to build an 8-lane highway right through the Jarakabande Kaval Reserve Forest, one of the city’s last lungs. Residents and environmentalists are going all out to stop the project, warning of severe and potentially irreversible damage to Bengaluru’s natural and social fabric. Forest on the Chopping Block The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) wants 25 acres of the Jarakabande Kaval Reserve Forest for the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), now rebadged as the Bangalore Business Corridor. Construction of this 73.5-kilometer highway would eat up 7.91 hectares of protected forest and destroy more […] - [The AI Job Revolution: Why Your Sales Rep Could Be Replaced Before Your Surgeon](https://residentswatch.in/ai-vs-humans/): Generative AI is reshaping roles in communication-intensive fields more profoundly than in hands-on professions. When Alice, a veteran enterprise sales executive, logs into her CRM, she finds Copilot drafting outreach emails, summarizing client data, and even auto-generating proposals. Meanwhile, Dr. Nguyen spends four hours in the OR performing complex neurosurgery that demands split-second judgment and hands-on precision. Intuitively, one would expect generative AI to first threaten surgery, not sales. Yet, real-world usage data from Microsoft Copilot tells a different story. Sales Roles: Front and Center for AI Impact A comprehensive analysis of 200,000 anonymized Copilot conversations from January–September 2024 shows that […] - [Saiyaara Phenomenon: How Two Newcomers Shattered Bollywood's 25-Year Romance Drought](https://residentswatch.in/saiyaara-in-bollywood/):   In an industry where even superstars struggle to guarantee success, Saiyaara has emerged as Bollywood’s biggest surprise of 2025. The romantic drama starring complete newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has not only rewritten box office history but exposed a glaring gap in Bollywood’s approach to launching fresh talent. With ₹251.50 crore worldwide collection in just one week, Saiyaara has achieved what seemed impossible in today’s star-driven market: creating a massive hit with two unknown faces. More newcomer success in 25 years – a drought that speaks volumes about Bollywood’s risk-averse mentality and changing audience preferences.       Breaking […] - [Insurance Industry Crisis Threatens Millions as Coverage Collapses](https://residentswatch.in/insurance-crisis/): Fifty million Indians lost life insurance coverage in 2025—the largest single-year drop on record—as the country’s insurance industry faces an unprecedented crisis driven by microfinance sector collapse and rising claim denials. India’s insurance sector is experiencing its most severe contraction in decades, with catastrophic implications for millions of families who thought they were protected. The crisis stems not from external shocks like pandemics or economic downturns, but from fundamental structural problems within the industry itself. The Shocking Numbers The scale of the coverage loss is staggering. India’s top four private life insurers—HDFC Life, SBI Life, ICICI Prudential, and Bajaj Allianz—saw their […] - [🚨 Is AI Running Out of Steam? Why the Era of Giant Leaps Might Be Slowing Down](https://residentswatch.in/ai-future/): Remember when every new AI model felt like science fiction come to life? From GPT-2 to GPT-4, we watched machines go from amusing autocomplete engines to eerily humanlike assistants. But lately… things feel a little quieter. GPT-4 is still impressive, sure. But GPT-5? Still not here. So, what’s going on? Is AI still rocketing forward — or have we quietly hit the brakes? Let’s talk about why some of the world’s top researchers, investors, and engineers are starting to ask a once-unthinkable question: What if AI’s growth is actually slowing down? Despite a historic decade of explosive progress, artificial intelligence may […] - [Is Perplexity the Future of Search? Apple Thinks So](https://residentswatch.in/perplexityai-and-apple/): If you’ve been following the tech rumor mill lately, you’ve probably heard the whispers: Apple is reportedly mulling over a $14 billion acquisition of Perplexity AI, the buzzy startup that’s been making waves in the generative AI space. While nothing is official—Apple hasn’t even reached out to Perplexity’s management, according to Bloomberg—the mere possibility has set Silicon Valley abuzz. Is this the right move for Apple? And what would it mean for the future of AI, search, and the iPhone ecosystem? Let’s break it down. The Context: Apple’s AI Catch-Up Game First, some context. Apple, for all its design prowess and […] - [India's BEST Diagnostic Labs REVEALED! (You Won't Believe #4)](https://residentswatch.in/best-diagnostic-labs-in-india/): If you’ve ever had to book a blood test or a full-body checkup in India, you know the drill: endless options, confusing packages, and a nagging worry about whether your results will be accurate and on time. As someone who’s spent years consulting for healthcare brands and talking to real patients, I can tell you—choosing the right diagnostic lab isn’t just about price or proximity. It’s about trust, technology, and the little things that make a stressful experience a bit easier. So, which diagnostic labs in India actually deliver? Let’s break down the top players—Dr. Lal PathLabs, Apollo Diagnostics, Thyrocare, Orange […] - [New Earths Found! Is Alien Life Just Around the Corner?](https://residentswatch.in/new-earths/): What if the next big discovery in science isn’t on Earth—but orbiting a star just a few light-years away? For decades, the search for alien life has felt like science fiction. But now, astronomers are zeroing in on a growing list of planets that could actually support life—and some of them are shockingly close to home. Thanks to powerful new telescopes and a flood of fresh data, scientists have identified dozens of “second Earths” orbiting distant suns. These worlds aren’t just numbers in a database; they’re real places where oceans might shimmer, atmospheres could swirl, and—just maybe—something is alive and watching […] - [Bengaluru at the Crossroads: Citizens Fight to Save City from Billion-Rupee 'Vanity Projects'](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-city-development/): A growing coalition of concerned Bengaluru residents has launched a campaign against what they describe as “opaque, unplanned, and unsustainable infrastructure projects” being pushed by the Karnataka government without proper public consultation or environmental consideration. The citizen-led initiative, which began in December 2024 through a partnership between Jhatkaa.org and CIVIC, aims to redirect taxpayer funds from controversial developments like the proposed sky-deck, tunnel road, and elevated corridors toward more pressing needs: making Bengaluru climate-resilient and improving public transport and civic amenities. “These projects will drain the public exchequer for years to come,” explains campaign coordinator from Jhatkaa.org. “At a time when […] - [Amazon’s Fake Review Detectors: Can You Trust ReviewMeta or FakeSpot?](https://residentswatch.in/amazons-fake-review-detectorscan-you-trust-reviewmeta-or-fakespot/): Let’s be honest: if you’ve shopped on Amazon in the last few years, you’ve probably wondered, “Are these reviews for real?” Maybe you’ve seen a $20 Bluetooth speaker with 5,000 glowing five-star reviews, or a vitamin supplement with a suspiciously poetic fanbase. Enter ReviewMeta.com—a tool that promises to cut through the noise and help you spot the fakes. But does it actually work? And how does it stack up against rivals like Mozilla’s Fakespot (which we last heard is going to be winded up soon)? Let’s dig in. The Promise: ReviewMeta’s Approach ReviewMeta’s pitch is simple: paste an Amazon product URL, […] - [India vs Pakistan: Which Supreme Court Truly Wields Justice? The Answer Will Surprise You](https://residentswatch.in/supreme-court/): In a world where justice can be a mirage and power often bends the scales, two of South Asia’s most powerful courts are under the microscope. One is celebrated for bold reforms; the other for fearless verdicts—yet both face piercing questions about their integrity. When the stakes are national stability and the lives of millions, how does a country’s highest court measure up? The Supreme Courts of India and Pakistan have long stood as towering institutions in their respective democracies, often stepping into the political arena to defend—or, at times, reshape—the constitutional order. But which of these apex courts holds more […] - [Bangalore's Air Crisis: Why India's Silicon Valley is Gasping for Breath](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-air-quality/): Bangalore, once celebrated as India’s tech hub and a city of gardens, is now grappling with a grim reality: its air is becoming as toxic as its traffic jams. With India ranking as the fifth most polluted country in the world and six of the top nine most polluted cities globally located within its borders, Bangalore’s air quality is raising alarm bells. But how did the city get here, and what does this mean for its future? The Damning Report The 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir paints a stark picture of India’s air pollution crisis. While the country saw […] - [How Dubai Nearly Went Bankrupt: The Crisis That Shook the World](https://residentswatch.in/dubai-financial-crisis/): In 2009, Dubai, the city of dreams and architectural marvels, faced a nightmare that shook its glittering facade. Known for its towering skyscrapers and man-made islands, Dubai’s meteoric rise was fueled by borrowed money and unbridled ambition. But when the 2008 global financial crisis hit, the emirate’s real estate market collapsed, leaving it drowning in billions of dollars of debt. On the brink of financial ruin, Dubai turned to its oil-rich neighbor, Abu Dhabi, for a $10 billion bailout. This is not just a story of ambition gone wrong—it’s a cautionary tale for the world, offering lessons in debt management, economic […] - [How the World’s Richest Nations Avoid Income Tax—and What India Can Learn From Them](https://residentswatch.in/income-tax/): Imagine living in a country where you keep every penny of your paycheck—no income tax, no deductions. Sounds like a dream, right? For nations like the UAE, Monaco, and the Cayman Islands, this is reality. These tax havens thrive without taxing their citizens, relying instead on oil, tourism, and financial services. But could a populous, diverse country like India ever adopt such a model? With its vast resources and untapped potential, India might just have the tools to rewrite its economic playbook. Let’s explore how these nations manage their wealth and whether India can follow in their footsteps. What if your […] - [How Block Bookings Are Changing the Game for Indian Cinema: The Untold Story](https://residentswatch.in/block-bookings/): Ever wondered how some films rake in “record-breaking” collections on opening weekends, even when theaters seem half-empty? The truth might surprise you—it’s not always the audience driving those numbers. In the glitzy world of cinema, where perception is everything, box office numbers can make or break a film’s reputation. But what if those jaw-dropping figures aren’t entirely organic? From Bollywood’s corporate-backed ticket buys to Tollywood’s fan-fueled frenzy and Sandalwood’s strategic hype-building, the practice of bulk bookings has quietly reshaped the way films are marketed and consumed. Let’s dive into this fascinating trend, uncovering how it started, who’s behind it, and why […] - [Is Bixby Spying on You? The Privacy Risks Samsung Doesn’t Want You to Know](https://residentswatch.in/bixby-spying-on-you/): Samsung’s Bixby assistant promises convenience, but at what cost? While it’s marketed as a helpful AI companion, privacy experts have raised red flags about its always-on listening feature, extensive data collection, and unclear data-sharing practices. From recording your voice to tracking your location, Bixby gathers more information than you might realize—and some of it could end up in the hands of third parties. With growing concerns about how this data is stored, shared, and used, many users are questioning whether the trade-off for convenience is worth it. Is your personal information truly safe with Bixby? Here’s what you need to know. […] - [Why the World Trusts Indian Generic Medicine, But India Doesn’t](https://residentswatch.in/generic-medicine/): Imagine a world where life-saving medicines are affordable, accessible, and trusted by millions—yet the very same drugs face skepticism in their country of origin. This paradox defines India’s generic pharmaceutical industry. Globally, Indian generics dominate, supplying 40% of the U.S. market and transforming healthcare in developing nations. They’re hailed as game-changers, slashing costs and saving lives. But back home, these same medicines are often dismissed as unreliable, plagued by quality concerns and regulatory lapses. How can a nation that powers the world’s pharmacies struggle to win trust within its borders? The answer lies in a tale of contrasts, challenges, and untapped […] - [India’s OTT Wars: Mergers, Collapses, and the Battle for Streaming Supremacy](https://residentswatch.in/ott-wars/): India’s OTT landscape is a battlefield where giants rise, alliances form, and once-thriving platforms vanish into obscurity. From the game-changing JioCinema-Disney+ Hotstar merger to the fall of pioneers like ALTBalaji and MX Player’s surprising Amazon acquisition, the industry is in constant flux. As regional content, sports streaming, and bundled subscriptions dominate the scene, smaller players struggle to survive in this cutthroat race. What led to the collapse of platforms like Voot and BigFlix? How are Airtel Xstream and JioCinema reshaping the future of entertainment? Dive into the dramatic evolution of India’s OTT ecosystem and discover who’s winning the streaming wars. JioHotstar […] - [India Civic Summit 2025: A Day of Insight, Action, and Inspiration](https://residentswatch.in/india-civic-summit-2025/): What happens when over 150 changemakers, urban experts, and active citizens come together to tackle the most pressing challenges facing Indian cities? At the India Civic Summit 2025, held on February 8 at the Bangalore International Centre, the answer was clear: bold ideas, hard truths, and a renewed sense of purpose. With the theme Citizen Action for Climate-Resilient Cities, the summit wasn’t just a gathering—it was a call to action for everyone who dreams of more sustainable, inclusive, and livable urban spaces. From hard-hitting critiques of climate policies to practical workshops on civic tools like RTI, the event by Oorvani Foundation […] - [Free Digital Calculators Revolutionize Decision-Making for Small Businesses and Skilled Professionals](https://residentswatch.in/free-digital-calculators/): Small businesses and skilled professionals now have a powerful new ally in their decision-making process. Write Wing Media has launched a suite of 13 free digital calculators designed to simplify complex decisions in content marketing and immigration planning. These tools aim to eliminate guesswork, offering data-driven insights that can save time, money, and resources. A Game-Changer for Small Businesses and Professionals For many small business owners, navigating the complexities of content marketing—budgeting, ROI projections, and SEO strategies—can feel overwhelming. Similarly, skilled professionals pursuing permanent residency often struggle with understanding eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and processing timelines. Write Wing Media’s calculators are […] - [Bengaluru Weather & Air Quality Update: How to Stay Safe and Comfortable](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-weather/): Bengaluru, known for its pleasant weather, is increasingly grappling with air pollution challenges. Recent data from AQI highlights the importance of planning your day around air quality levels to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants. On January 20th, 2025, the AQI ranged from a minimum of 90 at 6:14 PM to a peak of 154 at 11:14 PM, with pollution levels categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” during certain hours. Best Times to Step Out: • Afternoon: 2 PM – 7 PM• Early Morning: 1 AM – 4 AM During these windows, AQI levels are generally lower, making it safer for outdoor […] - [Bangalore's Best New Year Spots: Top Places to Visit](https://residentswatch.in/new-year/): Did you know Bangalore has over 500 New Year’s Eve events every year? This shows how lively the city’s celebration scene is. As 2024 comes to an end, get ready for a mix of attractions and places to visit. Bangalore has everything from big hotel parties to unique outdoor events. The city is full of excitement as midnight approaches. Places like Comfort Inn Insys Hotel and Hoot Cafe And Brewery are planning big parties. Looking for the best spots in Bangalore for New Year’s Eve? You’ll find a blend of old charm and new style. The city has something for everyone, […] - [Top 7 Christmas Destinations Near Bangalore for 2024 - Best Places to Visit in December](https://residentswatch.in/christmas/): Did you know nearly 70% of Bangalore’s residents plan to leave the city for Christmas? We’ve found the top 25 Christmas spots near Bangalore for 2024. These places, all within 600 km, mix holiday joy with stunning views. From misty hills to quiet beaches, ancient temples to mysterious ruins, these spots promise unforgettable moments. Whether you want a romantic break or a fun family trip, we’ve got you covered. Swap the city life for peaceful spots and make magical Christmas memories. So, pack your bags for an amazing December holiday. These weekend getaways near Bangalore are ready to welcome you with […] - [Mastering the Asterisk: Usage Tips & Tricks](https://residentswatch.in/asterisk/): Unlock the secrets of proper punctuation with our expert tips on how to use an asterisk effectively in your writing. Ideal for readers in India. - [Perfect Eyeliner: A Beginner's Guide to Flawless Application](https://residentswatch.in/eyeliner-tips/): Discover the art of perfect eyeliner with our step-by-step guide. Master how do to eyeliner effortlessly and elevate your eye makeup game. - [Is It Worth Going to IKEA? Explore Benefits & Tips](https://residentswatch.in/ikea/): Discover if a trip to IKEA is a good investment for you, offering insights on cost-effectiveness, product range, and shopping experience. - [Can Anyone Learn How to Sing? Unlock Your Voice!](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-sing/): Discover if you have the potential to learn how to sing with our friendly guide. Embrace your musical journey today, no matter where you're from! - [Crack the Rubik's Cube Puzzle – Easy Steps for You](https://residentswatch.in/rubiks-cube/): Unlock the mystery of how to solve a Rubik's cube with our clear, step-by-step guide. Transform frustration into triumph today! - [Bangalore Independence Day: Top Places to Visit](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-independence-day/): Did you know Bangalore, India’s tech hub, welcomes 13 million visitors every year? This August, it’s ready for Independence Day 2024. The city welcomes patriotic travellers with open arms. Looking for a long weekend or a day trip? Bangalore has lots to offer for this special day. You’ll find everything from iconic landmarks to family-friendly spots. The city is full of places to celebrate India’s freedom. Exploring Bengaluru, you’ll dive into a mix of history, culture, and nature. The city’s attractions are perfect for celebrating freedom and making memories that last. Celebrating Independence Day in India’s Silicon Valley Bangalore, known as […] - [India's New Govt MUST Do These 48 Things to Save the Nation (Number 47 Will Surprise You!)](https://residentswatch.in/india-growth-plan/): Come June 2024, any government that comes to power in India should be pro-poor and pro-development. But it’s not just about the manifesto mentioned by the Congress or the BJP, or any of the regional parties. Here is our wishlist of what the new central government should do to resolve many of the issues in India.  The 49-Point Plan of Residents Watch For New India 1. Electoral Reforms for Inclusive Representation: Introduce electoral reforms to facilitate participation of economically disadvantaged individuals in the electoral process. Implement the concept of “One Nation, One Election” to reduce election costs and streamline the electoral […] - [Tired of City Problems? This Summit Has Solutions You Need](https://residentswatch.in/civic-summit/): By Team RW Active citizens, community leaders, and those committed to building brighter urban futures will converge at the India Civic Summit 2024 on March 23rd at IAT, Queens Road, Bengaluru. Hosted by Citizen Matters and Oorvani Foundation in celebration of their respective 15th and 10th anniversaries, this one-day event promises inspiring stories, actionable strategies, and recognition for those driving impactful civic change in Bengaluru. The India Civic Summit will feature dynamic sessions designed to foster discussion, experience-sharing, and explorations of the innovative solutions transforming our cities. Just a few of the visionary voices you’ll encounter include urbanist Ashwin Mahesh, civic […] - [Bengaluru Residents Petition Against Proposed Tunnel Project](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-tunnel-project/): Bengaluru, India: A petition by a concerned citizen is urging the Karnataka government to abandon plans to build a 3-kilometer tunnel road between Mehkri Circle and Hebbal Flyover, citing numerous concerns about its necessity, cost-effectiveness, and potential negative impacts. More than 500 people have signed the petition so far. Petitioners argue that the tunnel is unnecessary: The existing road is already wide and includes service roads and underpasses, making it relatively efficient. The planned project overlaps with several upcoming public transport initiatives, including a Metro line and a suburban railway, which are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion by 2027. Building […] - [Bengaluru Faces Worsening Water Crisis, Over 1,500 Sign Petition Demanding Action](https://residentswatch.in/water-crisis-in-bengaluru/): Bengaluru, India: Over 1,500 residents have signed an online petition demanding that authorities take immediate action to address the city’s worsening water crisis. In the meanwhile, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is deploying additional resources to address the city’s water shortage. BWSSB Chairman RP Manohar has stated they are deploying 68 tankers, adding 18 more to their existing fleet, sinking more borewells, repairing RO water plants, and hiring 200 private tankers to bridge the gap. However, Manohar emphasized that the long-term solution lies in the completion of the Cauvery V Stage project, expected by the end of April. […] - [Why is HSR Layout famous: A Guided Journey in HSR Layout Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/why-is-hsr-layout-famous/): Welcome to HSR Layout, Bengaluru’s vibrant neighborhood that offers a plethora of experiences waiting to be discovered. Why is HSR Layout famous? Join us on a guided journey through HSR Layout, as we explore the best places to visit, eat, shop, work, and experience the unique lifestyle and habitat this neighborhood has to offer. From its rapid emergence as a premier hub for startups to its diverse culinary options and convenient proximity to major tech parks, HSR Layout has something for everyone. Get ready to uncover hidden gems and popular attractions in this go-to place in Bengaluru. Key Takeaways HSR Layout […] - [Discover The Best One Day Trips Near Bangalore for 2024](https://residentswatch.in/one-day-trips-near-bangalore/): Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is known for its bustling IT hub, cosmopolitan culture, and vibrant nightlife. But there’s another reason why people across the country are drawn to it – the delightful array of one day trips near Bangalore. The strategic location of Bangalore, amidst serene shills and thrilling wildlife, offers a plethora of destinations perfect for a quick escape from the city drudgery. These idyllic spots, easily an hour or two’s drive from the city, can help revitalize your senses and quench your thirst for adventure or relaxation. This article demystifies the best one-day trips near Bangalore that […] - [Discovering the Delicious Food Culture of Bangalore: Some Must-Try Street Foods](https://residentswatch.in/food-culture-of-bangalore/): Explore the diverse and delicious food culture of Bangalore with these 10 must-try street foods, including idli, vada, and dosa. Indulge in the local cuisine of Karnataka! - [Explore the Rich History and Culture of Bengaluru, Karnataka](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-history-and-culture/): Bengaluru, the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka, is a melting pot of traditional heritage and modern innovation. In this article, we will delve into the captivating facets of Bengaluru, ranging from its historical significance to its technological prowess and natural beauty. Facts about Bangalore What are the historical facts about Bengaluru? Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, has a rich historical legacy dating back to the 6th century AD. It was initially part of the Ganga Kingdom and later became a prominent hub during the Chola reign. The city’s historical significance is evident from its architectural marvels and ancient […] - [Discover why Bengaluru is the Best Indian City to Live in Karnataka](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-as-a-city/): Cosmopolitan allure, rich history, technological advancements, and a multicultural tapestry – Welcome to Bengaluru, the ‘Silicon Valley of India.’ It is the third most populous city in India (13.6M) with a per capital GDP of Rs 5.73 lakh and a startup score of 64.23. Located in the state of Karnataka, the Silicon Valley of India stands out as an Indian city that seamlessly harmonizes tradition and modernity, offering its residents an unmatched quality of life amidst its sprawling gardens, grandiose palaces, thriving nightlife and burgeoning tech industry. Bengaluru’s socio-economic buoyancy coupled with its hospitable climate have resulted in its recognition among the […] - [Debunking UTI Myths: Can UTIs Go Away Without Antibiotics?](https://residentswatch.in/uti-myths/): A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition that affects the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, leading to an infection. UTIs can cause discomfort and may lead to serious complications if left untreated. Understanding UTIs What is a UTI and its causes? A UTI is primarily caused by bacteria such as E. coli entering the urinary system. The bacteria can travel up the urethra and into the bladder, leading to an infection. In some cases, the infection can progress to the kidneys, resulting in a more […] - [Elevate Your Craft with Personal Writing Coaching Services](https://residentswatch.in/elevate-your-craft-with-personal-writing-coaching-services/): Improving your writing skills is crucial for a successful career in journalism, content creation, or even personal blogging. However, it’s a challenging process, and seeking professional guidance can be a game-changer. Consider personal writing coaching services – a modern solution to sharpen your skills and take your writing to the next level. Meet Zahid H Javali – a senior journalist (publisher/editor of Residents Watch), writer, and content strategist from Bangalore, with years of comprehensive experience in the industry. He offers personal writing coaching services to individuals worldwide. Through Zoom or Google Meet, you can gain tailored guidance from an industry expert […] - [Best Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support Devices of 2024](https://residentswatch.in/best-carpal-tunnel-wrist-support-devices-of-2024/): ​Carpal tunnel is a condition that can cause pain and numbness in the hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of bone and ligament at the base of the hand. The median nerve and tendons run through this passageway. When the passageway becomes narrower, it puts pressure on the median nerve. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers. There are many ways to treat carpal tunnel. One way is to wear a carpal tunnel wrist support. This […] - [Best US Immigration Services: Find Top-Rated Green Card Application Writers Near You](https://residentswatch.in/best-us-immigration-services-find-top-rated-green-card-application-writers-near-you/): Are you or a loved one in need of top-rated immigration services and green card application writers? Look no further! Finding the best immigration help near you can make all the difference in navigating the complex and often confusing process of immigration. As an immigrant, investing in the expertise of an immigration lawyer and/or green card application writing service is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving your immigration goals. Whether you are seeking to obtain a green card, adjust your immigration status, or pursue U.S. citizenship through naturalization, having a […] - [Top 10 Best Content Marketing Agencies and Content Creation Companies in India 2024](https://residentswatch.in/top-10-best-content-marketing-agencies-and-content-creation-companies-in-india-2024/): As we step into the year 2024, it is essential to highlight the top 10 best content marketing agencies and content creation companies in India, revolutionising digital marketing strategies. Among the best, adept in social media marketing and providing leading content, is the renowned Write Wing Media. Their intricate understanding of website content has made them an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their digital presence. All these companies are leaders in optimising the use of digital content and stand out for their content marketing services. They have mastered combining traditional and digital marketing, contributing significantly to the digital marketing […] - [Top 8 Book Formatting Services for Your Interior Book Design Needs!](https://residentswatch.in/top-8-book-formatting-services-for-your-interior-book-design-needs/): Looking for professional book formatting services? These top 7 services can help you achieve a professional look for your book format. - [Escape the city and connect with nature at the Art of Living centre](https://residentswatch.in/escape-the-city-and-connect-with-nature-at-the-art-of-living-centre/): The Art of Living (AOL) centre on Kanakpura Road in Bangalore is a beautiful and serene oasis that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the ancient practice of yoga and meditation. - [How to upgrade an old iMac](https://residentswatch.in/how-to-upgrade-an-old-imac/): If you bought an iMac in 2013, did you know that it became a vintage system in 2020, according to Apple? After seven years, Apple refuses to service your system. So what do you do? - [Tendulkars of Bangalore!](https://residentswatch.in/tendulkars-of-bangalore/): The Achiever's Cricket Academy on Sarjapur Road in Bangalore is an important resource for young cricket enthusiasts - [The Dangers of Being a Lineman: Watch How He Bravely Fixes an Electricity Pole](https://residentswatch.in/the-dangers-of-being-a-lineman-watch-how-he-bravely-fixes-an-electricity-pole-in-hsr-layout/): From climbing towering poles to dealing with live electrical wires, these workers have one of the most hazardous jobs out there. - [Don't Let a Lost YouTube Channel Hold You Back: Recover It With These Steps](https://residentswatch.in/dont-let-a-lost-youtube-channel-hold-you-back-follow-these-steps-to-recover-it/): In this quick video, we'll walk you through the steps you can take to try and regain control of your lost YouTube channel and get back to creating content. - [Experience the Beauty of Bangalore's Somasundrapalya Lake in Timelapse](https://residentswatch.in/experience-the-beauty-of-bangalores-somasundrapalya-lake-in-timelapse/): Welcome to our timelapse journey through Bangalore’s beautiful Somasundrapalya lake! In this video, we’ll take you on a visual tour of this stunning natural attraction, capturing the changing moods and seasons of the lake in fast-forward motion. From the tranquil stillness of early morning to the bursting orange rays of the evening sun, you’ll see it all in this mesmerising timelapse video. Sit back and relax as you experience the beauty and charm of Somasundrapalya lake like never before. Let’s get started!   - [Say Goodbye to Dirty Chimney Filters with These Simple Tips](https://residentswatch.in/say-goodbye-to-dirty-chimney-filters-with-these-simple-tips/): Welcome to our guide on how to say goodbye to dirty chimney filters! If you use your kitchen chimney regularly, it’s important to keep its filters clean to ensure that your home stays safe and warm. Over time, chimney filters can become clogged with soot and debris, which can reduce their effectiveness and even create a fire hazard. In this video, we’ll show you some simple tips and techniques for cleaning your chimney filters and keeping them in top condition. With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your chimney running smoothly and efficiently all year long. Let’s get […] - [Yesvantpur Railway Station hyperlapse](https://residentswatch.in/yesvantpur-railway-station-hyperlapse/): Today, we’re excited to share with you a hyperlapse video of the Yesvantpur railway station in Bangalore. This bustling transportation hub is a key stop on many trains travelling throughout the region, and it’s a fascinating place to watch the comings and goings of both people and trains. In this hyperlapse video, we’ve captured the frenetic energy of the station and condensed it into a short, visually stunning film. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a unique perspective on the world, we think you’ll enjoy this video. So sit back, hit play, and let the sights and […] - [5G sucks... data!](https://residentswatch.in/5g-sucks-data/): Here is how you can save money on your 5G connection. 5G is a great way to get blazing fast speeds that rival even a good wifi connection—but it can also be kind of expensive if you don’t know how to tame it. If you’re on a Samsung phone, disable ‘intelligent wifi’ connections and keep an eye out for these two modes: ‘Switch to better Wi-Fi networks’ and ‘switch to mobile data’. But why do we need to disable these settings? Because the phone will default to mobile data if your wifi speed is lesser than your mobile data—and what’s worse, […] - [Bangalore Rains: How The City Came To A Standstill!](https://residentswatch.in/bangalore-rains-how-the-city-came-to-a-standstill-in-september/): By Team RW To watch a complete timeline of the various flooding issues plaguing Bengaluru/Bangalore, follow us on Twitter. No area was untouched by the flooding on the night of Sept 4, 2022. The aftermath continued on Sept 5 and beyond. The city was submerged, particularly the city’s arterial roads. Goes to show the mammoth waste of money, corruption, lethargy, lack of vision, and inept civic planning by the municipal body and state government. The reasons are many: encroachment of lakes, drains, roads and footpaths. Lack of vision and proper planning by the BBMP and BWSSB. And the credit for this […] - [Content marketing is the new oil in business](https://residentswatch.in/content-marketing-is-the-new-oil-in-business/): By Zahid H Javali Content marketing is indeed the new oil in business. Want to scale up your existing business? Need help with lead generation for your startup? Require quality content writers you don’t have to manage? Write Wing Media will do all of that for you. I began this content writing and content marketing services firm in 2007 to help online businesses find their communication mojo.  Let me explain.  You are a new YouTuber who is paying no attention to the handful of comments for your videos. That’s the first mistake that every businessperson does too. You can’t chase business […] - [Minsk Square traffic island issue resolved finally!](https://residentswatch.in/minsk-square-traffic-island-issue-resolved-finally/): By Qamar ZJ Finally, after much push and pull, the Minsk Square traffic pile-up issue due to a projecting traffic island has been resolved by the folks at Bangalore Metro. The work that began a month ago has now been fully completed, thanks to citizen’s pressure.  Built in 2014, the traffic island on Cubbon Road has been a sore point for far too long. With increasing vehicle density, it had become worse. While the citizens observed the anomaly in 2017, they did not know whom to approach to resolve the issue. Last year, Citizens 4 Citizens (C4C) found that the problem […] - [Invited: Proposals that engage neighbourhoods in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/can-you-engage-your-neighbourhood/): India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), a non-profit, is accepting proposals from interested Bangaloreans who can engage their neighbourhoods. Under their Project 560, they specifically want you to focus on memories, experiences, and imaginations. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2021.  To get the gist of the idea, here is their spiel: “That somberikatte | the man from the North who brought dhoodh pedha to your area | the haunted house near the tree | the road that was renamed twice | your grandmother’s love story | the lake that vanished | a housing plan that never took off | […] - ["Give us walkable footpaths"](https://residentswatch.in/give-us-walkable-footpaths/): Over 260 residents of Bengaluru have signed an online petition for safer streets in Bengaluru. For years, citizens have been demanding pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods. Thanks to broken footpaths, lack of proper drains, and not pruning overgrown trees along pavements, many citizens have been injured, and some have even died due to this civic apathy. According to the city traffic police, pedestrians made up 37% of the deaths from road crashes from 2017 to 2020. Bad roads and footpaths are particularly tough to navigate for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and the differently abled. According to city police data, the elderly make up […] - [MLA blocks citizens from raising issues in civic forums](https://residentswatch.in/mla-blocks-citizens-from-raising-issues-in-civic-forums/): By Qamar ZJ Citizens are complaining that CV Raman Nagar MLA is hijacking ward committee meetings, and destroying ward governance and citizen participation. The residents are not being allowed to air their grievances and issues, and instead are being thrown out of WhatsApp groups for raising genuine issues for resolution. Condemning this brazen and illegal action by the MLA, the residents are demanding withdrawal of MLAs from ward governance. Although citizen participation is mandated by the Indian Constitution, the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act (KMCA) and the BBMP Act, activities such as subvert justice and equality. Ward committee meetings was one such […] - [Want to go solar? Download this tool kit](https://residentswatch.in/want-to-go-solar-download-this-solar-toolkit/): Did you know that in a survey by BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company), about 1.4 lakh rooftops in the city have the potential to generate 2.5 GW of solar power? Well, you could be one of the recipients if you plan to go solar. While your intention is noble, but you don’t know how to get all the information you need to get started, the good folks at Jhatkaa have released a free downloadable guide to get you started. The handy guide contains all the information you need. From info on the composition of a solar PV system to the application […] - [UGC acts on sexual harassment allegations in Christ University](https://residentswatch.in/ugc-acts-on-sexual-harassment-allegations-in-christ-university/): Over 2600 concerned citizens have petitioned online to get Christ University to act on sexual harassment allegations on campus. Within a month after the online statement, the University Grants Commission (UGC) asked the institution to file an Action Taken Report on the allegations. Despite media reports, the university did nothing for three months. That’s when the citizens decided to alert the UGC about their online campaign against Christ University. Within a month, the governing body took action by asking the institution to come clean on the issue.  The moral policing allegations gathered momentum on social media when students shared their trauma […] - [Manyata Tech Park flyover controversy](https://residentswatch.in/manyata-tech-park-flyover-controversy/): By Qamar ZJ In a month’s time, one lakh-odd employees of Manyata Tech Park on Outer Ring Road (ORR) will have direct entry and exit ramps to their office due to the signal-free flyover access from Hebbal to Hennur. However, this will be at the expense of the local residents. The Embassy Group had illegally demolished the descending and ascending ramps to Veerannapalya flyover and Nagawara flyover during the construction, which has cut off access to residents of Coffee Board Layout, Dasarahalli, Mariyannapalya, Thanisandra, Nagawara, Fraser Town, Govindpura, Veerannapalya, LR Bande, Sultanpalya and several parts of RT Nagar. Therefore, the residents […] - [Uniform transport authority to end city's traffic woes!](https://residentswatch.in/uniform-transport-authority-to-end-citys-traffic-woes/): By Qamar ZJ Following petitions from citizens, the Department of Land Transport (DULT) has put up the transport unification policy for public feedback. The next request by the residents is to have the BMLTA Bill tabled during the winter session of the Karnataka legislature.  Says Mitali from the Jhatkaa.org team that petitioned DULT: “The BMLTA Bill solves the issue of lack of coordination among multiple transport agencies and departments like the BMTC, BMRCL, KRIDE, BBMP and Transport Department among others, who cater to the transport and mobility needs of the city. Each of these agencies function independently, and there is a […] - [Metro median obstructing traffic at Minsk Square](https://residentswatch.in/metro-median-obstructing-traffic-at-minsk-square/): Minsk Square near Cubbon Park is obstructing traffic. The median on Cubbon Road is pointing too much to the right (in video), causing traffic jam to all the traffic coming from the other roads. While the Citizens 4 Citizens group and the traffic police has requested for the removal of the protruding arm of the median, the Bangalore Metro Corporation Limited (BMRCL) hasn’t yet obliged. The quicker they do it, the better it is for smoother traffic movement in this essential central business district of Bengaluru. This video is the best testimonial of this. A must-watch.   - [A good samaritan](https://residentswatch.in/a-good-samaritan/): Thamar SM offers free education and counselling to the underprivileged. - [Have feet, will run!](https://residentswatch.in/have-feet-will-run/): With over 150 members, the running group is going great guns. With a slew of training and networking methodologies, they keep people stay on course. - [HSR Toastmasters Club](https://residentswatch.in/hsr-toastmasters-club/): Are you a body with a mind or a mind with a body? That's something you will have to explore by yourself or better still, join the HSR Toastmasters Club. - ['I conquered myself'](https://residentswatch.in/i-conquered-myself/): HSR resident Chitra Praneeth shares her fascinating story of climbing Mt. Everest. - [Mahantesh's magic touch](https://residentswatch.in/mahanteshs-magic-touch/): The partially-blind social worker is the founder and managing trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which was awarded the Special UN Consultative Status in 2015. - [Three Bangalore writers go offtrack to find themselves](https://residentswatch.in/bangalorewriters/): Check out Mind Blogs 1.0, a book of non-fiction that captures the slice of life experiences of Residents Watch editor Zahid H Javali. - [A book inspired by a Bangalorean's life](https://residentswatch.in/a-book-inspired-by-hsr-residents-life/): Community Catalyst is a novel inspired by the life experiences of senior bureaucrat and Sector 6 resident Bharat Lal Meena. Here's an excerpt from it. - [Before you call a snake catcher, read this!](https://residentswatch.in/before-you-call-a-snake-catcher-read-this/): By Zahid H Javali Snake catchers are quite busy this summer, and particularly due to the sporadic rains. The number of snakes being seen in people’s homes and compounds routinely go up during this season. The rains force the species out of their holes. It’s also the mating season for some species, such as the cobras.  “I almost died,” says Nirmala Govindarajan, an author and social sector documentarian, residing in JP Nagar. A few days ago, a 12-day old baby cobra slithered into her house when she had opened the front door while having breakfast. “The snake must have entered the […] - [Has Covaxin given magnetic powers to this Bellandur resident?](https://residentswatch.in/has-covaxin-given-this-bellandur-resident-magnetic-powers/): By Zahid H Javali Watching two videos of Indians getting magnetic powers after taking the Covishield vaccine, a resident of Bellandur (KPC Layout) in Bengaluru discovered a similar capability in her this afternoon. Jyothi KM (42), a software engineer-turned-homemaker was pleasantly surprised when she stuck Apple watch, spoon, knife, and fork on her arm. She also took a video and posted it online, much to everyone’s surprise. “While some could not believe it, they realised the truth when I sent them the video evidence,” Jyothi told Residents Watch. “I also went on a video call with one of the journalists who […] - [Garbage burning in HSR Layout; marshals swing into action](https://residentswatch.in/garbage-burning-in-hsr-layout-marshals-swing-into-action/): By Zahid H Javali This evening, the park’s caretaker set fire to the dry leaves inside Swabhimaana Park in Sector 3, HSR Layout. While he has been doing this every day despite complaints from the residents, today was quite large-scale. Smoke entered the houses of everyone residing near the park. People were seen wearing masks to ward off the smoke. Residents Watch captured the burning on camera and tweeted to all the BBMP officials. Soon, garbage marshals swung into action, extinguishing the fire, and warning the caretaker who had set fire to the dry leaves. The BBMP Solid Waste Management Cell […] - [Bull dies due to plastic consumption; HSR Layout residents launch anti-plastic campaign](https://residentswatch.in/bull-dies-due-to-plastic-consumption-hsr-layout-residents-launch-anti-plastic-campaign/):   By Anuksha Dey In December 2020, Residents Watch wrote about Nandi, an injured bull who was saved by conscientious animal lovers of HSR Layout. Five months later, Nandi died, and the post mortem revealed that it was due to 40 kilograms of plastic that it had ingested over the course of many years. This has prompted the residents to launch an awareness campaign on the dangers of plastic. Says one resident who did not want to be named: “Please don’t throw plastic on the streets; give it to the BBMP guys who collect them from door to door. If you […] - [A food park for the birds coming up in Bangalore during the pandemic](https://residentswatch.in/food-park-coming-up-in-bangalore-to-feed-the-birds-during-the-pandemic/): By Anuksha Dey Capt. Santhosh KC (retd) is working on creating a food garden for birds amidst the pandemic. Known to many in Bengaluru as the water warrior fighting to stop the tanker and sand mafia in Anekal, the activist is setting up the food park in Brickfield Villas, Anekal. The lung space will be home to guava, pomegranate, custard apple, ramphal, sapota, jamoon, fig and rose apple trees. The food park is to have eighty saplings out of which seventy have already been planted. Why create a food park? The former army officer, who has been working with the restoration […] - [Residents demand more vaccines in Covid-prone Mahadevapura & Bommanahalli](https://residentswatch.in/residents-demand-more-vaccines-in-covid-prone-mahadevapura-bommanahalli/): By Anuksha Dey Despite being a Covid-19 hotspot in Bengaluru, the other areas are getting more vaccines than Mahadevapura (which includes Bellandur) and Bommanahalli (which includes HSR Layout). This has upset residents as the percentage of vaccines allotted to these zones are lower than the percentage allotted to the rest of Bangalore. While the government has withheld the vaccination drive for people between the ages of 18 and 45 years to devote more resources to the older age group, residents demand a more scientific way to vaccinate the people across the city.   Disparity in vaccine allocation BBMP’s bulletin shows that while […] - [Hobbyist magician helping you get vaccinated through Telegram channel](https://residentswatch.in/hobbyist-magician-helping-indians-get-vaccinated-through-telegram-channel/): By Anuksha Dey Mass vaccination is the way forward to get over the second wave of COVID-19. However, getting a slot on the Co-Win portal is quite a struggle, and not everyone is successful. With no official information on the slot updates, it’s easy to miss the vaccine availability. Here is where Philip Tiju Abraham, a 35-year-old Bengaluru-based software architect and hobbyist magician, has created a software tool that notifies Telegram channel users of the available vaccine slots on the Co-Win portal. Last week, the Whitefield resident created a number of public telegram groups that give real-time updates on the availability […] - [1026 trees to be chopped for Metro on ORR; environmentalists want public notice after lockdown is lifted](https://residentswatch.in/1026-trees-to-be-chopped-for-metro-on-orr-environmentalists-want-public-notice-after-lockdown-is-lifted/): By Anuksha Dey The Bangalore Environment Trust (BET) has requested the Deputy Conservator of Forests to re-issue the public notice for Phase 2A of the Outer Ring Road Metro. The circular states that BMRCL has applied for a permission to remove 1026 trees to make way for the train tracks, and wants all objections from citizens before May 10. BET said that it was not feasible to respond to the public notice during a lockdown. What is ORR Line Phase 2?  Phase 2A of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) metro line will connect Central Silk Board to KR Puram. The route […] - [Include EpiPens onboard airlines: Citizens](https://residentswatch.in/include-epipens-onboard-airlines-citizens/): By Anuksha Dey Indu Sen, an Anaesthesiolgist from Chandigarh, India launched a petition to include an epipen in the first aid kits in aircrafts. Close to 8,000 people have signed the online appeal demanding an injectable allergy medicine that anybody can use to save lives onboard. “If you get an allergic reaction to something you eat on a flight, the staff might not be able to save you, food allergies can be fatal,” says Indu.  Epipens are devices that allow allergy patients to administer their own injections of epinephrine, a life-saving drug. The device is widely used in the US, and […] - [Finally, Kasavanahalli and Haralur main roads will be widened, but...](https://residentswatch.in/finally-kasavanahalli-and-haralur-main-roads-will-be-widened-but/): By Anuksha Dey After a year’s wait, the groundwork for the widening of Siddapura Road and Haralur Main Road in Kasavanahalli has begun. However, land acquisition still remains to be completed and the project may get delayed further due to the 14-day lockdown.  Plans to widen Siddapura and Haralur Main Road The road widening project, announced in 2020, is part of BBMP’s Revised Master Plan 2015 which recommends widening of all the major roads, according to the IRC standards to prevent traffic jams. However, the project was delayed due to complications in land acquisition. The project scheduled to begin around April-May […] - [Covid-19: How you could volunteer from home and help the patients](https://residentswatch.in/covid-19-how-you-could-volunteer-from-home-to-help-the-patients/): By Anuksha Dey Step One, a volunteer-led telemedical foundation in Karnataka, is reaching out to Covid patients across 18 states and union territories. The organisation consists of volunteers from all walks of life: doctors, nurses, medical students, counsellors and tele warriors, marketing and tech professionals. They are all donating their time to make a difference during these pandemic times. And so can you. Just sign up to be a volunteer with Step One by filling up the application form on projectstepone.org. How Project Step One started The initiative was started by Rajavendra Prasad, who helped co-found Quickill (now Practo). Prasad teamed […] - [Over 1200 Covid beds available in Bengaluru today!](https://residentswatch.in/over-1200-covid-beds-available-in-bengaluru-today/): By Zahid H Javali The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has a real-time dashboard to give the status of bed availability in the city. Today, as of 3.30pm, there were over 1200 beds available in various locations across the city. This comes on the heels of a visit by Gaurav Gupta, BBMP Commissioner, who had reprimanded private hospitals for not allocating 50% of their beds under the government quota for Covid-19 patients.  Real-time dashboard on bed availability It is indeed heartening to see the BBMP’s website with such detailed information on the bed availability. According to today’s data, most beds are […] - [Bellandur & HSR Layout recording consistently high incidents of COVID-19](https://residentswatch.in/bellandur-hsr-layout-recording-consistently-high-incidents-of-covid-19/): By Anuksha Dey Bengaluru currently has 24,600 active covid positive cases. Most cases detected in the last 10 days are concentrated in Bengaluru South (20%), followed by East (16%) and West (16%), according to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). At the ward level, Bellandur, HSR Layout, Shanthala Nagar, RR Nagar, Doddanekundi and Horamavu have shown a consistently high number of Covid cases in the last one month. One BBMP official said the high incidence could be because of the higher concentration of apartments in these areas. While BBMP does not reveal the total number of cases per ward, it mentions […] - [Signal-free corridor on Old Airport Road soon](https://residentswatch.in/traffic-free-corridor-on-old-airport-road-soon/): By Anuksha Dey The work at Kundalahalli underpass has finally restarted after a delay of six months. The road tunnel is part of a project to create a signal-free corridor on Old Airport Road that will facilitate easier access from Vellara Junction to Hope Farm. The project was previously stalled due to land acquisition problems. However, with 18 of the 27 properties now acquired, the construction work has resumed. Project unfinished for over two years The construction of the Kundalahalli underpass project began in March 2019. Though part of the road near the Kundalahalli gate was dug up, the construction could […] - [Why are spot-billed ducks mysteriously dying at India’s ‘model lake’?](https://residentswatch.in/why-are-spot-billed-ducks-mysteriously-dying-at-indias-model-lake/): By Anuksha Dey On April 5, Jothi Viknesh, a Zumba instructor who happened to be on a walk at Kaikondrahalli Lake, Sarjapur Road, uploaded a video on Youtube that took Bangaloreans by shock. The video showed Jothi trying to save a spot-billed duck that was struggling to breathe near the water body. The visuals showed more than five dead ducks in the murky waters of the lake, and the massive amount of sewage that was flowing into it. Interestingly, all the bodies seemed to be of spot-billed ducks, while the other water birds appeared to be unaffected.  Raising awareness about sewage […] - [KCDC stink continues; residents upset with BBMP’s false promises](https://residentswatch.in/kcdc-stink-continues-residents-upset-with-bbmps-false-promises/): By Anuksha Dey The residents’ right to breathe continues to be compromised in and around HSR Layout as the stink from Karnataka Compost Development Corporation (KCDC) refuses to die down. The BBMP had promised to address the problem within six weeks, but there is no sign of that yet, angering the residents further.  In late February, members of the Kudlu, Hosapalya, Harlur, Somasundarapalya and Parangipalya Residents Welfare Association (KHHSP RWA) were assured that the stench from KCDC would stop after six weeks. Their reason: The Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) material would be cleared by then. Today, over a month later, residents […] - [Bengaluru records hottest day in 4 years](https://residentswatch.in/bengaluru-records-hottest-day-in-4-years/): By Anuksha Dey Yesterday, Bengaluru recorded its hottest day in four years, and it’s no April Fool’s joke. The mercury level soared to 37.2°C. Temperatures continue to be high as the city recorded its highest minimum temperature (23.1°C) this morning. The temperature on Thursday was merely 0.1°C short of the all-time high of 37.3°C recorded on 29th March, 1996. Clearly, Bengaluru came close to matching the highest temperature record set in 15 years ago.  Temperatures in Bengaluru cross that of Chennai? The meteorological department forecast a heatwave in Chennai yesterday. It is predicted that the wave will last up to the […] - [How a road is asphalted in Bengaluru](https://residentswatch.in/how-a-road-is-asphalted-in-bangalore/): By Qamar ZJ How does the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) asphalt a road in Bengaluru from the ground up? This video shows you a five-hour job in just over nine minutes. However, what you will see are the various procedures that go into making of an asphalted road.  A long waiting game If a road is completely dug up and needs to be relaid, the procedure is long-drawn compared to road re-laying work. First, the mud is levelled with bulldozers and other machines, big and small. Second, the pipelines (sanitary, gas, water) are fixed if they are broken due to […] - [Good Measure Foundation: Empowering women to become financially independent](https://residentswatch.in/good-measure-foundation-empowering-women-to-become-financially-independent/): By Anuksha Dey 2020 was a hard year for businesses across India. However, for 47-year-old Madhu Ahuja, the year provided her with an opportunity to follow her lifelong dream of working in the social sector. She is helping women become financially independent by teaching them new skills for free, and is even paying some of them for their time spent in educating themselves.  “We were on the brink of closing down Grapevine (a cafe in HSR Layout that closed shop last year), I was looking for an NGO to donate all my baking equipment when I realised I could use it […] - [Opinion: Why IB should cancel May 2021 exams in India](https://residentswatch.in/opinion-why-ib-should-cancel-may-2021-exams-in-india/): By Gokulananda Nandan  Being an IB educator and examiner, I request IB to cancel the May 2021 exam in India as the students will be the most impacted for no fault of theirs. In many schools, the pupils have suffered loss of learning due to the technological instability of online classes, which has resulted in lack of confidence among the learners, and less contact time between them and the tutors while completing their internal assessments. I acknowledge that IB has been in discussion with schools about the situation, and the preparation of students for the exam. However, some institutions have been […] - [Mobile towers: Is the telecom website conveying the true picture of radiation levels?](https://residentswatch.in/mobile-towers-is-the-telecom-website-conveying-the-true-picture-of-radiation-levels/): By Zahid H Javali After much hue and cry from activists and citizens, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched a website in 2017. Named Tarang Sanchar, it tells you the various mobile towers installed in your neighbourhood and whether the EMF radiation is within permissible limits. We checked the radiation levels of ten cell towers in HSR Layout, and found that every one of them was compliant. To do this, we had to fill our name and email ID, and could only access the data once we verified with the OTP received in our email. However, there is a caveat here. […] - [Residents halt erection of mobile towers near HSR Layout](https://residentswatch.in/residents-halt-erection-of-mobile-towers-near-hsr-layout/): By Qamar ZJ For the last one week, the residents living in Somasundrapalya near HSR Layout, protested the installation of illegal mobile towers in their neighbourhood. To make matters worse, the lawyer of Indus Towers insisted that they can carry out the work without permission from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). It took many precious hours and days for the residents to get a letter from the civic body that the installation is illegal until all the requisite permissions are obtained. Once the cops received this letter, they halted the work.  Much action When the residents realised that a tower […] - [Weekend getaway from Bengaluru: Vani Vilasapura Dam](https://residentswatch.in/weekend-getaway-from-bengaluru-vani-vilasapura-dam/): By Qamar ZJ Vani Vilasapura Dam, about 3-3.5 hours drive away from Bengaluru, is a veritable weekend getaway. You can go in the morning, have breakfast on the way, reach the dam, and be drawn to its expansive natural landscape of mountains and river Vedavathi.  The scene is straight out of a picture postcard, and you will be surprised that it’s just a few hours away from the madding crowds of the city. Just remember that there aren’t any good eating or lodging places around the dam. It’s strictly a day visit place.  However, due to Covid, entry is restricted to […] - [Kasavanahalli residents stop illegal digging of roads but…](https://residentswatch.in/kasavanahalli-residents-stop-illegal-digging-of-roads-but/): By Anuksha Dey  Illegal digging of roads in Kasavanahalli to lay optic fibre cables (OFC) by Tata Sky,  Airtel and ACT Fibernet were stopped by the residents of KCC Layout and Tulasi Layout last Friday. However, the workers returned within a week to dig up the same roads. While the OFC agencies have received permission to lay cables in just a few roads, digging is being carried out indiscriminately in the neighbourhood, often at the cost of destruction of roads, infrastructure and underground pipelines in the area. Illegal laying of OFC Members of Bellandur Development Forum and residents of KPC Layout […] ## Pages - [Videos](https://residentswatch.in/videos/) - [Privacy Policy](https://residentswatch.in/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy for Residents Watch At Write Wing Media, accessible from https://residentswatch.in, one of our main priorities is the privacy of our visitors. This Privacy Policy document contains types of information that is collected and recorded by Write Wing Media and how we use it. If you have additional questions or require more information about our Privacy Policy, do not hesitate to contact us. This Privacy Policy applies only to our online activities and is valid for visitors to our website with regards to the information that they shared and/or collect in Write Wing Media. This policy is not applicable to […] - [Subscribe](https://residentswatch.in/subscribe/): Subscribe to Residents Watch, the hyper-local news channel on Bengaluru neighbourhoods, such as HSR Layout, Koramangala, Whitefield, Bellandur, Indiranagar, and more. An average article cost ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 16,000, depending on the time taken, and the number of people involved.  Please do subscribe as subscriptions can sustain hyper-local journalism, better neighbourhoods, and also keep you well-informed.   - [Write for us](https://residentswatch.in/write-for-us/): Write for us. Residents Watch invites citizens and citizen journalists to write guest columns, submit story pitches, and news tips. Email us if you want to: Submit a column for publication Offer a news tip or story idea Freelancers Residents Watch is open to working with freelancers who can report on neighbourhood news in the city. If you would like to freelance for us, contact us with the subject line: Want to Freelance For You. Contributors/Op-eds Residents Watch accepts contributions, photos, and op-eds for publication from local citizens, business leaders, urban planners, and public officials on neighbourly issues. These will have […] - [Authors](https://residentswatch.in/authors/): Qamar ZJ Qamar writes for Residents Watch. Anuksha Dey Anuksha interned with Residents Watch. Chandrima Mazumdar Chandrima was an intern with Residents Watch. Aratrika Dey Aratrika interned with Residents Watch. Nirmala G Nirmala writes on various issues in Bengaluru. Ritika Srivatsan Ritika was an intern with Residents Watch. Tara Banu Tara reports on Bengaluru’s many neighbourhoods. Safiya Sayeed Safiya was an intern with Residents Watch. Zahid H Javali Zahid H Javali is the editor of Residents Watch.     - [Donate](https://residentswatch.in/donate/):   Cause Sustain hyper-local journalism and better Bengaluru neighbourhoods Why donate? To be better informed about neighbourhood happenings, and also create change through local media pressure. Why Residents Watch? Since 2012, Residents Watch is reporting on local civic issues and helped in spreading awareness about issues that were many times addressed by the authorities due to the increasing media pressure. While some stories immediately prompted action from the authorities, other stories also appealed to the rest of the media fraternity in Bangalore who made the issue known city, and even nationwide. How much should I donate? Anything you please. An average […] - [Advertise](https://residentswatch.in/advertise-with-us/):   The future is online. And therefore, we are the only hyper local news channel on Bengaluru neighbourhoods like HSR Layout, and expanding to Indiranagar, Whitefield, Koramangala and Bellandur, among others. Therefore, it pays to advertise with us. Your advt will reach lakhs of people as our news stories are sprinkled across various social media with thousands of followers. Contact us for the detailed tariff – it ranges from Rs 1500 to Rs 60000, depending on the weekly, monthly or yearly package. There are options for promotional articles as well.   This nifty, regular news channel has everything a resident needs […] - [About Us](https://residentswatch.in/about-residents-watch-2/): Hi there! Welcome to the neighbourhood. We’re Residents Watch, and we’ve been around the block a few times. We’ve been your monthly neighbourhood magazine since 2012, but now we’ve gone digital. From hyper-local journalism, we’ve now pivoted to cover everything that matters to communities worldwide: global events, diverse individuals, universal civic concerns, and security issues. We connect regions across borders from Dubai to Bangalore, exploring topics ranging from health to finance and everything in between! Our team comprises passionate journalists who understand different cultures intimately. Residents Watch has been recognised for its efforts by Google (alongside big names like Tehelka, Scroll, […] ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/residentswatch.in/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)