Praja Suddi - Issue 8

The call by the Peoples Campaign for Right to Water to oppose the visit of 16 American corporations to Bangalore next week, as part of the US Water Trade Mission, led to an objective analysis of the entire question of the so-called 'privatisation' of water, even as some relevant data on water was made available.

Campaign Against Privitization of Water

Water - Facts that we should know

On Feb 2, BMTC had invited members of Praja apart from other supporters who had conceptualised the idea of Bus Day, at the annual Bus Day celebrations in Bangalore on Wednesday. Transport Minister R Ashok has spoken to KSRTC officials on starting the service. “We felt that Bus Day should be gradually introduced across the State. Mysore will be the first city after Bangalore to implement Bus Day”, he said. He added that Hubli-Dharwad was also being considered for Bus Day.

BMTC Celebrates 1st Annivarsary

Though the Commuter Rail System for the city found mention in the state budget, the lack of any in the Rail budget caused considerable disappointment amongst Prajagalu.

Commuter Rail mentioned in the Karnataka State Budget by CM

CRS is not in the railway budget of 2011-12

The practices of BESCOM and the Electrical Inspectorate, vis-a-vis power supply to housing apartment complexes, came in for some critical appraisal.

Who is responsible for transformer maintenance?
 

A lively observation and discussion progressed on the topic of how the long distance passengers arrivaing in Bengaluru are at the mercy of 'Autos'. It once again highlighted how the administration and planners have not yet waken up to the urgent need to address the last mile connectivity issues and options. Members discussed without any barbs the culture of 'auto-raaj'.

How will I reach home after arriving in Bengaluru?

A lively debate on possible solution to de-congesting BTM layout, by diverting 'through-traffic' is brought to light , while it also caught the interest  of Praja memebrs for the traffic problems and solutions thereof pertaining to the Electronic City and at the Mekhri circle.

Decongesting BTM Layout

Electronics City Entrance Gate

Traffic Signal Times Changed at Mekhri Circle 

A question got to be raised as to why only government doctors, and not any registered medical practitioners, should be authorised to issue medical certificates for eligibility for driving licence.

Driving License Medical Certificate