RW March 2018 Wrap: Residents victory, kids open letter, RWA trends, Rainwater harvesting, donation & more

Smita Kulkarni shortlisted for ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’
HSR resident Smita Kulkarni was shortlisted by the Namma Bengaluru Foundation for the ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ award for 2018. She didn’t win, but the nomination was award enough. The co-founder of Stonesoup is all about offering sustainability products and services. Smita and her partner Malini Parmar consult individuals and organisations on sustainability in addition to selling home and community composting kits, menstrual cups, cloth diapers, cloth sanitary pads and raising eco-awareness in schools through talks and fun events on sustainable living. No wonder, they were nominated in the right category. Coincidentally, two other HSR residents were also nominated this year: Pinky Chandran of Radio Active 90.4 MHz whom we profiled in the November 2017 issue and Residents Watch editor Zahid H Javali. That’s nearly 10% of nominees from HSR this year from among 41 finalists.

Kid writes letter to top cop
The one-way rule is being constantly violated at Rockview junction at the end of 27th Main Road in Sector 2. Six-year-old Yashvi and a resident of HSR Layout has written an open letter to the Police Commissioner to fix the problem.

SLS Springs is water-sufficient
Stumped by the abbreviation, RWH? Well, Rain Water Harvesting has reaped rich dividends for SLS Springs, the apartment complex in Somasundrapalya. Says resident Varughese Cherian: “We did RWH in 2015. No tankers for us since we implemented it, except on occasions like motor break downs. Any one planning to invest in RWH is welcome to visit SLS Springs. We will be happy to share our experience.” With summer staring in our face, those who have done RWH will benefit from it. The others will have to rely on tankers.

Disturbing trend among RWAs
We have noticed one disturbing trend among resident welfare associations (RWA). Whoever owns a site becomes a member of the association. Which is fine. But imagine that person owning a site in every other sector of HSR and also contesting for RWA elections in every sector? They could be part of core committees or even office bearers in multiple sectors. This should not happen. We would urge all the Sector RWAs to adopt a resolution to ensure that this does not happen. The members can only contest if they are residents of that area. Just owning a site will not do to contest for elections. When there is no sense of belongingness, the larger public good is sacrificed at the altar of their greed for positions. “This is true. I fully endorse this view,” says RS Murthy, founder and past president of Sector 2 RWA. Dr SB Kittur of Sector 3 RWA agrees. “Site owners should not be eligible to become RWA members. Residents who are having their own houses in HSR should be eligible to become RWA members. All sector RWAs should adopt this rule.”

Pigs continue to roam the streets
Despite hiring contractors for the purpose, the BBMP is inept at catching pigs. The menace continues unabated. Resident Sridhar Ramu says, “Pigs are a common sight at all places… this is alarming and it is frustrating to see that no tangible action has been taken.”

Residents donate clothes
Several residents of Somasundrapalya and HSR Layout donated items to the Goonj warehouse at Kudlu gate recently. Says Lalithamba BV: “Goonj is really doing a great job of creating resources with materials we have given. Their godown collects items, segregates and then creates a family pack for rural people to use. The rural pack consists of two pairs of pants, sarees, kids clothes and so on. They also give stationary and books to children. They are generally short of sarees which they end up buying. So they ran a campaign called ‘Saree for Dignity’ to receive and distribute more sarees to rural women.” If you would like to join more such campaigns by Goonj and do your bit, visit: goonj.org.

Workshops on student safety
The Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) is conducting BSafe, a Safe School Program in HSR Layout schools, both government and aided. If you want to volunteer for it, you can contact Lalithamba BV (94480-63776). The objective of the program is to conduct free workshops for parents and teachers about the child safety act and its implementation in schools in addition to organising workshops for children about safety in government and aided schools. The target is to reach out to at least 6000 kids over time. “All the parent, teacher and children workshops will be different,” says Lalithamba. “All you would need is to meet us to understand both the programs and meet a few school principals to spread the word and help us reach out to more stakeholders and children. You will get a certificate for your volunteer-ship.”

Water crisis is real
Resident KK Puravoor was shocked to see the programme ‘India’s Water Crisis’ on National Geographic Channel and urges the residents to adopt all water harvesting and water saving tips required to prevent an apocalyptic future. “The documentary discusses the problem of water crisis in the country… its origin, severity, and the effects of polluted water and a few solutions,” says KK. “It states that by 2025, India will face a major water crisis, with ground water depleting in all the major cities and at a time when even money can’t buy tanker water. This will be the single biggest problem to paralyse the nation after seven years. I would recommend everyone to watch it and spread the awareness of water crisis.”

RW drive against corruption
Make the most of Residents Watch’s anti-corruption and anti-harassment drive in HSR Layout. If any of you or your friends have been troubled repeatedly by HSR govt officials, be it BBMP, Bescom, BWSSB or BSNL, give us the full story with proof and we will publish it in Residents Watch. We will name, shame and have them punished for their crimes. Just remember that they should be presently working in the Bommanahalli zone. Mail all your complaints with proof to: residentswatchmag@gmail.com.