DID YOU KNOW? Somasundrapalya & HSR 5th Main junctions manned by Electronic City traffic cops!

hsr layout traffic
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 Layout junction, the cops said that they are short of staff, and they would rather tackle the bigger bottlenecks of Somasundrapalya Main Road and 5th Main junction near Salarpuria apartments. In addition, they said that the narrow stretch of road that meets MG Palya Road is the biggest problem. “Even a single four wheeler cannot take a U-turn here without obstructing traffic for a long time. The problem is with the curvature and width of the road itself,” said one cop manning the 5th Main junction.
 
Here is how they were seen managing the traffic last night. Their biggest complaint is that the users are always in a hurry and don’t listen to them on many occasions. “The tanker drivers are the biggest culprits. One person died on 27th Main Road in Sector 1 last week because of one such person. They drive fast even on roads that demand slow-moving traffic.”
 
JURISDICTIONAL CHAOS
While all the sectors of HSR Layout are managed by the crime branch of HSR Layout in a clear-cut fashion, the traffic police, however, had a stranger problem earlier. Sectors 6 & 7 were managed by the Madiwala cops. Later, it was streamlined to include all the sectors of HSR Layout. Similarly, the Bandepalya Police Station is in Sector 3 of HSR Layout, as they did not find a convenient place in their own jurisdiction, or so they claim. Similarly, the entire stretch of MG Palya Road, from Somasundrapalya Road junction to Hosur Road junction is managed by the Electronic City traffic cops, while Iblur is managed by the HSR cops.

 

Residents complain of cell reception issues in HSR

hsr layout cell reception
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.”
 
 
Residents complain of cell reception issues in HSR 1
 
 
“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 up and wonder if I have switched off the cell or my phone’s battery is dead. I get to know that they called when I get missed call notifications.”
 
When users complained to Airtel, they said that they would promise to fix it within a few days, but nothing actually happens. The story repeated itself with Vodafone as well. As for Jio, you can’t do much about it as all the phones are being routed through the internet. And only phones with Volte can use Jio, and even then, call drops, and reception quality is pathetic.
 
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is doing its best to remedy this situation for many years now. Things are improving in some areas but going from bad to worse in others. Lets hope that things get better, because we at Residents Watch believe that when hope floats, magic happens.

 

BWSSB to penalise residents letting rainwater into sanitary pipes

hsr layout bwssb
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 the storm water drains. It is also prohibited to connect the sewage outlet of the house to the storm water drains. It should go to the sanitary pipe underground. Anybody violating these laws will be fined without mercy.
 
Reacting to this news, resident Narayani Das had this to say: “Can the BWSSB then ensure that the storm water drains, especially on Somasundrapalya main road from the circle to Shobha daffodil are desilted to allow the free flow of water, and also put back the slabs properly, so that all the shop owners on that road do not throw waste which clogs all these drains?”
 
If you feel this news is important and needs to be shared, hit that ‘share’ button and get many more people involved. Knowledge is power., and ignorance of the law is no excuse.
 
BWSSB to penalise residents letting rainwater into sanitary pipes 2
 

 

Want to turn a Govt school, into a model institution? You can do your bit

Somasundrapalya Govt School
Want to turn a Govt school, into a model institution? You can do your bit 3
Want to turn a Govt school, into a model institution? You can do your bit 4
Want to turn a Govt school, into a model institution? You can do your bit 5
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 reach Lalithamba at 94480-63776.

 

It’s a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park

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 over the course of the next few days. Each deserve a separate story of their own. In the meanwhile, if you want to know the history of Agara Lake and how it came to be in such a fabulous state, perhaps you should read the detailed story by Residents Watch here.
 
 
It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park 6
 
 
 
It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park 7
Ample parking space on Service Road
 
 
It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park 8
 
 
 
It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park 9
 
 
 
It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park 10
 
 
 
It's a mela like atmosphere at Agara Lake Park 11
 

 

SBI on do’s and don’ts of banking transactions

SBI on do's and don'ts of banking transactions 12
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 or strangers trying to engage you in conversation
  • Look for extra devices attached to the ATMs that looks suspicious
  • Inform the bank if the ATM/Debit card is lost or stolen, immediately, report if any unauthorised transaction
  • Check the transaction alert SMSs and bank statements regularly
  • If cash is not dispensed the ATM does not display “cash out” please report to the Bank on the number mentioned in the Notice Board
  • Immediately check your phone for SMS for debit amount
Don’ts
  • Do not write your PIN on the card, memorise your PIN number
  • Do not take help from strangers or handover your card to anyone for using it
  • Do not disclose your PIN to anyone, including bank employees and family members
  • Do not allow the card to go of your sight when you are making a payment
  • Avoid speaking on the mobile phone while you are transacting