Commercial firms on narrow, residential roads in HSR; BBMP looks the other way!

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commercial violations
Commercial firms on narrow, residential roads in HSR; BBMP looks the other way! 1
15th B Main, 21st Cross, Sector 3
Commercial firms on narrow, residential roads in HSR; BBMP looks the other way! 2
16th Main, 22nd Cross, Sector 3

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 officials to take immediate action or risk suspension or worse for dereliction of duty.

The Hall of Shame list is as follows:

  • Gopi Technologies, 16th Main Road, 22nd Cross, Sector 3
  • Braceport Dentistry, 15th B Main, 21st Cross, Sector 3
  • The half a dozen preschools on 16th Cross between 14th and 15th Main.
  • A spa on 11th Cross, 17th B Main, Sector 4
  • The list is endless… We will continue to add names to this list as and when our readers send us the details.

ROLE OF MEDIA AND CIVIC ACTIVISTS

The only way the BBMP is made to do its job is when the residents protested and forced shutdowns or the local media like us took it up and began a consistent campaign, be it for bad roads or restaurants operating in basements which is a fire hazard. The residents shut down a rooftop pub that was coming up in Sector 4, a restaurant in Sector 1 and a proposed mall in Sector 3. When this channel highlighted a shed coming up on 19th Cross in Sector 3, it was eventually demolished by the site owner after the BBMP officials surprisingly refused to give permission for commercial use. Similarly, they demolished another shed in Sector 5 as it was another violation.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

We urge the residents to first understand the law about not having commercial outlets on roads that are 40 feet and less. After all, the owners of commercial establishments in HSR Layout are either residing somewhere here or outside HSR, but very much in India. Therefore, it’s important that they know the law. Just because there is one illegality does not mean they can violate the law. As one resident put it so succinctly: “Those who violate the law are nati-national. I would even brand them as terrorists.” Right indeed, because commercial outlets cause noise, and air pollution in addition to parking problems and generating far too much waste, in addition to stressing the narrow sanitary lines, cauvery water connections and electricity loads.

This should not to be confused with people who work out of homes. They are by themselves and do not employ anybody to add to the stresses of commercialisation that we mentioned earlier. In fact, if half the people in the world work out of home, the roads will be far less congested and the pollution will come down automatically. So we should thank people who work from home. They are doing their bit for the environment.

APATHETIC GOVT AGENCIES

The worse part is that the BBMP does not take any action, despite being alerted about it. When one resident asked a civic official to take action, the person said that the residents have to write a letter to them. Why is that? So they are targetted by the commercial establishment? When this news channel writes about illegalities in HSR Layout, the BBMP officials give out our editor’s name. It’s as if we are the law here and they are obeying our dictat. Clearly, the BBMP officials have no will or courage to follow the letter of the law. Some residents have no problems being identified as the complainants, but it’s unfair to corner a few civic activists when they are fighting a larger public cause.

QUESTION OF PRIVACY

Recently, residents elsewhere in Bangalore petitioned the BBMP to take complaints from them without revealing their names to anyone. They wanted the civic agency to maintain their confidentiality. We would add that this should apply to the cops as well. But both the agencies blatantly violate the privacy rules and blurt out the person or people responsible for their legal action, complain residents.

The question is why should either the BBMP or the cops give away names of complainants when the illegalities are a public offence, not private. One cop confided that they are too small to go against the larger commercial interests, particularly when every other individual is ‘highly connected’. Therefore, they blurt out names of resident welfare associations, the media and civic activists to make a stronger case. Such is the delivery of justice in society today.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW?

Therefore, dear reader, if you spot a commercial establishment on a 40 feet road, take a picture, WhatsApp it to us (+919880585748) with the right address and we will add that name to this list, so the BBMP is forced to take action on them. Do not forget to inform us when the civic agency indeed takes action and shuts down the illegal outlets. In addition, it’s also important that you complain to the relevant agencies, so that your complaints are officially recorded as well. For BBMP cases, download the BBMP Sahaaya mobile app or visit the website of BBMP Sahaaya and register your complaint without registering yourself. Remember, each of us can make a better world. Just blaming the netas, the business people and the officials will not do. We are as much to blame for doing nothing about the illegalities all around us. As one resident put it: “Break away. Stand up for what is right, and all will be well in this world.”

KCDC stink is unbearable in Somasundrapalya and just bearable in HSR! What can you do?

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kcdc
kcdc

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 is being turned over at KCDC, or the rain gods have smiled. So if you sense a horrible smell, the moment you step out of your homes in the evenings, you know it’s the KCDC to blame.

Fighting for the closure of the plant for over three years, the residents living in the immediate vicinity of the plant, in Kudlu, Somasundrapalya, Hosapalya and Sector 2 of HSR Layout, are planning to relocate. Efforts to reach out to the ruling government, both past and present, have resulted in everything but closure. The daily tonnage was brought down from 500 to 100 tonnes, but the stink remains, and so does the ground water contamination.

The residents are not just complaining of nausea, skin and throat allergies, but also persistent headaches due to the stink for over three years. Spraying lemon grass is doing little to contain the smell. KCDC’s efforts to compost within a contained facility failed several times. Additional expenses to make it a scientifically-run establishment did not work either. Instead, it polluted the nearby Somasundrapalya Lake that it also encroached for its operations. Now, the encroached area is being given back to the BBMP by the KCDC, so that the lake can be rejuvenated.

Over a year ago, MLA Sathish Reddy had proclaimed on social media that the KCDC plant will be shutdown soon. Before that, Rajeev Chandrashekar had made his appearance, just before the general elections, and promised all help. But nothing so far even though the BJP is in power now. Left with no other option, the residents have filed a Public Interest Litigation in court.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

In the meanwhile, the BBMP and social activists are educating people about the benefits of home composting, so plants like KCDC need not exist. Only the dry waste can be collected from homes by the BBMP, which again is recycled by entities like ITC. The kitchen and other wet waste can be turned into compost using several simple solutions available in the market. They are called by different names, but you could just search for ‘composters’ and you will come across enough products to choose from. Go through the reviews and pick the one that works best for you.

To get a practical demonstration of all the home composting solutions at home, head to Swachagraha Kalika Kendra in Sector 4, behind the petrol bunk near HSR flyover. They have a separate section meant to teach you on just this subject.

 

Free carrybags have to be provided by shops: Bata India in the dock!

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carrybags
carrybags

 

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 carrybag.

The court’s justification went something like this, and it is important for us to note why Bata was fined. The court judge said that the consumer used a carrybag that sported the Bata logo and gave free publicity to the company. In addition, the bag was essential to packing of the shoes, and therefore it was wrong for the store to charge the customer separately for it.

The consumer court has ordered Bata India to give away carrybags without charging a dime to all their patrons across the country. In this case, the court ordered Bata to pay back Rs 3 and Rs 3000 as compensation for the stress and Rs 1000 as costs. In addition, Bata India was fined Rs 5000, an amount that had to be remitted in the Consumer Legal Aid Account of the court.

Therefore, the next time you step out to shop, know your rights. You don’t have to pay for the carrybag. And if the shops in the malls or standalone stores charge you, file a case in the consumer forum. Also remember that the carrybags cannot be plastic. They have to be paper or cloth bags.

Consumer Court orders Dreamz Infra to refund Rs 12.5 lakh to buyer for faking documents

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sachin naik dreamz GK
Consumer Court orders Dreamz Infra to refund Rs 12.5 lakh to buyer for faking documents 3
Disha Chowdhary and Sachin Naik

 

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 were fake. Heeding to the advice, Veenish cancelled his booking order with Dreamz.

In court, he alleged that the company agreed that the documents given to him about their project called Dreamz GK Saakaar were false. However, he also contended that the builders refused to give back his money. What’s more, they apparently threatened him with dire consequences if he does not stop asking for a refund.

Left with no other option, Veenish approached the Bangalore Second Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum. Hearing his arguments and finding enough proof to fault the company, the court ordered Dreamz Infra India to repay Veenish’s money in addition to Rs. 10,000 as penalty.

However, whether he will get his money remains to be seen as Dreamz Infra is mired in controversy for the last two years. So far, over 18,000 people have come forward to accuse the company of cheating them of their money ranging from Rs 1 lakh-60 lakh. And it is not just Dreamz Infra (set up in 2011) that the founder Sachin Naik is accused of. He allegedly scammed people under the name of two other companies, TGS Construction set up in 2013 and Gruha Kalyan in 2014. Sachin Naik is also known by other names: Sumanth Kumar Das and Yogesh Choudhary.

Said to have high-level political links, Sachin apparently escaped for years before 1000 victims came together under the banner of Ekadanta Association and conducted four separate protests outside the CID office early this year. Chargesheeted and arrested, Sachin is out on bail, and so is his former wife Disha Chowdhary. However, his other wives Mandeep Kaur and Mazumdar Shathaparni are still absconding, according to police sources.

Naik and the others are accused of forgery, cheating and violating the provisions of the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishment Act 2004.

 

EVENTS: Collection drive, tree plantation, cultural evening & more on Oct 2

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tree plantation hsr layout
EVENTS: Collection drive, tree plantation, cultural evening & more on Oct 2 4


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 UTSAV
If 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. Or you can give the money when you are handing over stuff.

The collection drive is on Oct 2 and Oct 3 between 4pm and 6pm at:

  • Nagarjuna Greenridge apartment, 19th Main, Sector 2. For details, call Anju at 95355-09933.
  • Mahaveer Seasons club house, next to Shop On, 24th Main, Sector 2. Contact Lalitha at 94480-63776.

TREE PLANTATION & CULTURAL EVENING
Swabhimaana Tree Park in Sector 3 on 15th B Main, 21st Cross is hosting a tree plantation drive at 7am on Oct 2. The same day at 5pm, there is a cultural evening organised by the residents to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.

Another tree plantation drive is being organised by the Bandepalya Police at Shubhodini School Grounds near Bandepalya police station in Sector 3. The chief guest will be Isha Pant, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East). The event will happen between 9am and 11am.

HSR Layout to get a skywalk in Sector 4!

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skywalk hsr layout
HSR Layout to get a skywalk in Sector 4! 5

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 tender announcement in the papers two months ago. This goes to show the extent of cluelessness that our elected representatives possess.

In any case, it’s a good thing that the long-awaited skywalk will soon come up in the area, complete with escalators and staircases. The idea was abandoned with the announcement of the Metro. However, now that the Metro is going to take many more years, the skywalk has been sanctioned. In addition, there are ways to let both the skywalk and the upcoming Metro co-exist. It’s just the height and alignment of the metro and skywalk.

Now the residents want to know when the skywalk in Sector 5 will come up. This is the planned one at the end of the BDA flyover on Outer Ring Road. The project hit a hump when IMA scam surfaced as they were the primary sponsors of the skywalk.

Aamir Khan’s real-life Phunsukh Wangdu will be in the neighbourhood this weekend!

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sonam wangchuk phansukh wangdu
Aamir Khan's real-life Phunsukh Wangdu will be in the neighbourhood this weekend! 6
Aamir Khan's real-life Phunsukh Wangdu will be in the neighbourhood this weekend! 7


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 meaningful conference. Take your kids along.

Register here.


Walkathon 5K
Closer home, NH Narayana Hospital is organising this run this Sunday (Sept 29) at 6am. If you want to walk for a healthy heart, this is what you should on your day off from work.

The location is the hospital in Sector 3 opposite HSR Club off 22nd Cross, 18th Main. Register now by calling 88849-49797 or 95139-65190. This event is organised to commemorate World Heart Day that falls on Sept 29. It’s all for the heart. Be there.

Pharmacy and home looted in Sector 2, gold stolen in Sector 5

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burglaries hsr layout
Pharmacy and home looted in Sector 2, gold stolen in Sector 5 8

 

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 burglaries
Rupa, a resident of 24th Main, left home at 1030am on August 29. When she returned on September 2 at 5.30am, she found that the main door was broken. In the pooja room, Rs 500 cash and Rs 3.5 lakh worth gold items were stolen.

A week earlier, on August 24, Anu Sinha and her husband Madhu ND, left their home in Sector 5 at 11am. They had locked their house to visit their native place in Chikmagalur. Anu asked her brother Dr Aman Sinha to keep a watch on her house while they were gone. On August 25 at 10.30pm, Dr Aman visits the house only to realise that someone had entered the house from the balcony door of the first floor house. They had allegedly broken the bedroom door and made away with gold jewellery.

In all the cases above, the HSR Layout cops have registered a case of theft (IPC 380), house-trespass (IPC 454) and house-breaking (IPC 457).

The cops advise that cash and expensive items should be kept in bank lockers to avoid these situations. In addition, installing CCTVs, motion-activated sensors and informing your neighbours to remain vigilant can help.

Builder flouts joint venture agreement and threatens victim

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real estate hsr layout
Builder flouts joint venture agreement and threatens victim 9

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 away plots to the owner.

The site owner filed a petition in the court over this matter. Not able to digest this, builder Ramesh Babu allegedly took Balaji on a site visit to the contested area and threatened him with dire consequences if Balaji does not withdraw the court case. Ramesh allegedly surrounded Balaji with 6-7 other people, mouthed expletives and hit him with his hand.

On September 9, 2019, the HSR Layout cops registered a case of criminal intimidation (IPC 506), intentional insult (IPC 504), wrongful restraint (IPC 341), voluntarily causing hurt (IPC 323) and unlawful assembly (IPC 149).

A Cycle Day in every sector. Interested?

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cycle day hsr layout


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.