News aggregator

Rejuvenated lake foams up with new problems  Bangalore Mirror

Take note of traffic restrictions in 2 areas  Bangalore Mirror

BBMP marks longest period without elected council  Deccan Herald

Ahead of US visit, Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar gives officials 15 days to fix potholes in Bengaluru  The Indian Express

Chennai is known for its rich cultural heritage, booming economy, and vibrant social life. However, the city faces a significant issue with the rampant proliferation of unauthorised advertising hoardings, or ‘flex’ banners. These banners are erected without permission from civic authorities. Despite existing regulations and penalties, this problem persists, leading to accidents and fatalities. This situation underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement and increased public awareness.

What are ‘flex’ banners?

These banners are used for various purposes, including political campaigns, advertisements, religious events, and personal celebrations. Their low production cost and ease of use make them an attractive option for those seeking quick and inexpensive publicity. However, these banners pose significant risks to public safety and environmental health.

Read more: Why Chennai has not been able to get rid of illegal street hoardings

Firstly, these banners are often erected without proper structural support, making them susceptible to collapsing or being blown away by strong winds. When they fall, they can cause severe injuries or even fatalities to innocent pedestrians and motorists.

There have been a few tragic accidents in Chennai and other cities caused by illegal hoardings in the recent past. Most of these details are available on the internet. While many such incidents go unreported, here are a few notable ones:

• September 12 2019: Subhasri Ravi (23) passed away in Chennai after a hoarding erected on a road divider fell on her, while she was riding her scooter.
• January 31 2018: Thirty-year-old Rangaraj died in Coimbatore because of a hoarding crash
• October 2017: M Anitha, a college student passed away in Tirunelveli.

Effect on the environment

Secondly, there is also the environmental impact to consider. Flex banners are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a non-biodegradable material that contributes to environmental pollution. According to the National Institutes of Health, PVC is considered as “the most environmentally damaging plastic and one of the most toxic substances for inhabitants of our planet.” The disposal of these banners is problematic, as they often end up in landfills or are burned, releasing harmful chlorine-based toxins into the air.

Most of the banners are put up by political parties and advertising agencies. Pic: Balaji Srinivasan.

And lastly, the unchecked proliferation of flex banners mars the aesthetic appeal of Chennai. Historical landmarks, heritage buildings, and public spaces are often obscured by these advertisements, detracting from the city’s charm. This visual pollution not only affects residents’ quality of life but also hampers tourism, as visitors find the cluttered cityscape unappealing.

Legal history

Despite multiple orders passed by the Madras High Court and many government orders (GOs) from the Tamil Nadu government to prevent these banners, they continue to be put up unabated.

In 2021, after the death of a 12-year-old boy from Villupuram while attempting to set up an illegal flag post, the Madras High Court directed the state government to create rules to ban illegal flag posts, banners and flex boards.

Read more: No more flexibility over flexes: Will BBMP finally sort out advertising mess in city?

In December 2018, the Court directed political parties not to erect flex boards or hoardings that could inconvenience motorists and other commuters. Following a rebuke from the Court in September 2019, both the DMK and AIADMK pledged to comply with the laws regarding the placement of banners and cutouts.

Yet, these banners keep coming up. Here are the key reasons why:

• Corruption and bribery
• Political pressure
• Resource constraints of the civic authorities
• Lack of government will to tackle the menace.

A multi-pronged approach is necessary

Awareness campaigns must be conducted to educate the public about the dangers of the unauthorised flex banners and the legal implications when they are erected without permission. This can be done via social media, local newspapers and public service announcements.

In addition, involving the community is crucial to combat this menace. Residents can form neighbourhood watch groups to monitor and report unauthorised banners. Additionally, community leaders and influencers can play a significant role in advocating for a banner-free city.

The media can play a vital role in highlighting the dangers of unauthorised flex banners and holding authorities accountable for enforcement. Investigative journalism can expose instances of corruption and negligence, putting pressure on the Government to act.

Apart from taking action against offenders, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) must take steps that could potentially benefit them as well. By properly identifying public hotspots, they can erect infrastructure for the display of the advertising banners and charge people to use them. This will improve the urban aesthetics and help curb this menace.

Despite regulations and penalties in place, the continued proliferation of these banners highlights the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness. Fatalities, such as Subhasri’s death, serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by these unauthorised structures.

Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort involving government authorities, law enforcement, community members, and the media. By working together, Chennai can reclaim its urban landscape and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.

Residents can call the GCC number 1913 to report any illegal hoardings or flex banners in the city.

Also Read:

• Should Bengaluru have advertisement hoardings?
• Steps to make Chennai footpaths safe and comfortable for pedestrians

The post Illegal hoardings in Chennai remain unchecked, raise accident risk appeared first on Citizen Matters.

Road Hazards Persist at Dairy Circle, Bangalore: Ongoing BWSSB Work Causes Traffic Woes  The Vocal News

Recent incidents of stray dog attacks have raised concerns about the safety of the elderly and children. On August 28th, a 76-year-old woman allegedly died in a ferocious stray dog attack in Jalahalli. 

In another incident last month, a 40-year-old woman in Banaswadi was bitten by a stray dog. The video of this incident went viral on social media. As reported in the media, BBMP East Zone Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry) Mallapa Bhajantri said that they received information about the dog bite from another resident of Banaswadi, but have no details about the injured woman. 

The Assistant Director also said that they asked the complainant to provide more details about the injured woman and the incident, but they have not been provided with the same. It is the responsibility of the citizens to provide the details of the injured and the nature of attack to the helpline number for speedy resolution.

The Assistant Director added that as a precautionary step and due procedure, the dog will be caught and kept in observation for 10 days before being released. 

Read more: Pawsitive co-existence: Why street dogs can be your best friends too

The need for a reasonable discourse

Many neighbourhood WhatsApp groups are abuzz with discussions about local stray dogs. With some labelling them as ‘dangerous’. But are dogs truly a ‘menace’? The answer to this question requires a reasonable discourse. Some residents have suggested “There are many stray dogs around the playground, and they often chase walkers. Those who feed and protect these dogs should consider adopting them and taking full responsibility.”  But this is not always a practical solution, a more nuanced approach is required, taking into consideration the welfare of both people and stray dogs. 

BBMP Animal Husbandry department advisory 

In Bengaluru, the Animal Husbandry department is primarily responsible for managing stray dogs and overseeing the city’s Meat Production and Processing Centre. The department also supervises mutton, fish, chicken, and egg shops, as well as cold storages and other establishments, to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. In a recent Instagram post, they shared precautions and steps to raise public awareness about dog behaviour and what to do in case of dog bites.

1. Do not relocate dogs or separate mother and pups, as this will increase aggression.
2. Allow feeding or feeding dogs in your street at least once a day to reduce aggression from hunger.
3. Do not allow children or senior citizens to walk or play without adult supervision.
4. Do not scream or run seeing the dogs, this will make them chase you.
5. Do not look directly into the eye of a dog. If you are surrounded by multiple dogs, then stand still and let them sniff so you don’t panic.
6. Dogs are aggressive while mating. Do not try to separate them or hurt them.
7. Do not touch a sleeping or an injured dog. Always call an experienced person to rescue dogs.
8. Do not abuse or torture dogs in any manner. This will make them defensive.
9. Call the BBMP helpline immediately at 1533, and report the bite. The respective zonal point of contact will reach out to you.
10. Wash the wound under running water and clean it with soap thoroughly apply Dettol or Betadine on on the wound
11. Go to the nearest Primary Health Center (PHC) or a government hospital to get anti-rabies vaccination immediately.
12. Please complete the course of any tablet suggested by a doctor to manage pain and to heal quickly.

Post shared by the Animal Husbandry Department to create awareness to avoid dog bites. Pic: BBMP Animal Husbandry Department/Instagram

Read more: How to deal with street dogs in Bengaluru

Steps to take if you witness someone getting bitten

• They should ensure that the person bitten is attended to immediately and that they call the helpline 1533 and report the incident with details 
• Witnesses should not go close to the dogs, throw stones, beat them, or try to distract them in any violent way 

(This is not an expert opinion. While this is recommended, the circumstances of each incident may be different and may call for specific actions that are difficult to generalise.)

In a previous article ‘Pawsitive co-existence: Why street dogs can be your best friends too’ published on Citizen Matters, the author summarised this complex issue: 

“The issue of street dogs is a complicated one. Street dogs find themselves at an intersection of socio-economic issues. A problem exists and it grows. There is no instant solution. The only way out of this is looking at solutions that are primarily ethically sound and compassionate.”

Also read:

• Stray dogs and the Animal Birth Control programme in Chennai
• How Vadodara managed to sterilise 80% of its street dogs
• How to deal with rabid dogs in your area

The post BBMP advisory on understanding dog behaviour and precautions for dog bites appeared first on Citizen Matters.

Bangalore Metro | BEML To Deliver 3 More Metro Coaches To BMRC On This Valentine Day  Metro Rail News

No resolution in sight  Bangalore Mirror

BBMP begins land acquisition for road widening in Bengaluru  The Times of India

DKS warns officials of action if Bengaluru is not pothole-free  The Hindu

Over 2 lakh Ganesha idols immersed across Bengaluru  The Hindu

Bengaluru auto woes: Driver who slapped woman arrested, police crackdown on 5,000 others for violations  The Financial Express

Heavy rains affect lives pan India

Heavy rains made the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issue an orange alert in four states – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa on September 7. A yellow alert was earlier issued for Punjab, Delhi-NCR, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, western Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern India,

Since August 25, there were at least 40 deaths and 55,000 displaced across 25 Gujarat districts. On September 3, the highest rainfall of 156 mm from 6 am to 6 pm was recorded in Valia, Bharuch. About 29 lost their lives in floods in Telangana.

Heavy rains also hit parts of Hyderabad. There was flooding in many areas, while officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) started to clear a few stagnation points. The IMD issued an orange alert for Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and surrounding regions.

In Haryana’s Panchkula, on September 3, storms disrupted road traffic and rail movement. Himachal Pradesh experienced severe rainstorms, causing landslides and road closures. A monsoon trough is currently over Jaisalmer, Udaipur and western Vidarbha, extending towards the Bay of Bengal and leading to the formation of low-pressure areas.

In Chennai, the Water Resources Department started to clean the waterways flowing through the core parts of the city. It started the annual exercise to de-weed and clear floating waste from the waterways. But there was a delay in starting the northeast monsoon preparedness exercise this year.

Source: Livemint, The Hindu, Business Standard, Economic Times

Read more: Warnings overlooked: Mumbai floods intensify despite reports and recommendations

Ganeshotsav rules, violations

ENT consultants appealed to citizens and authorities to check that noise levels do not exceed permissible limits. On August 30, the National Green Tribunal (western zone) noted that permissible noise levels under Noise Rules, 2000, have been routinely violated. It directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to conduct real-time noise monitoring at many locations and limit the capacity of loudspeakers at mandals.

The Ganeshotsav festival made the Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) deploy 82 ambulances in Pune district to ensure dedicated medical teams during emergencies. Sources said that MEMS gave comprehensive first responders’ training for volunteers, arming them with first-aid kits and enabling them to respond immediately to calls.

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, although the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) had specified in 2018 that the maximum height for Ganesha idols should not exceed five feet, the height as well as the environmentally harmful use of Plaster of Paris today violates the rules. Although one-stop centres have been set up in the municipal sub-division revenue offices to grant public permissions, currently there are no clear guidelines regarding the height or the number of days the idols can be kept installed.

The Karnataka government issued a circular insisting that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)-certified prasadam should be distributed. In Shivamogga city, the police were on full guard, following violence during the Eid Milad procession in October last year. In coastal Karnataka, the police were on red alert – of 481 pandals granted permission, 73 were classified as sensitive and two highly sensitive and had special security arrangements.

Source: The Indian Express, Bangalore Mirror

See more: Tips for an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi

Air quality improvements: Surat leads the way

Surat bagged top honours for air quality improvements at the “National Clean Air City” Awards at a national workshop celebrating the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies” in Jaipur. It was followed by Jabalpur and Agra, in the category of cities with population of over 10 lakh.

Among cities with population between three lakh and 10 lakh, Firozabad (UP), Amravati (Maharashtra) and Jhansi (UP) were ranked at the top.

Raebareli (UP), Nalgonda (Telangana) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) topped the list in the category of cities with populations under three lakh.

These honours were awarded as part of Swachh Vayu Survekshan”, an initiative by the environment ministry to assess how well cities have implemented the activities approved under the city action plan under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Meanwhile, a Greenpeace report has raised alarm over air quality in south Indian cities. The report titled ‘Spare the air’ found that PM10 levels in Mysuru, Puducherry and Bengaluru were 4-5 times above admissible levels as per the WHO guidelines. PM2.5 levels in cities like Mangaluru, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Kochi, Amaravati, and Chennai were six to seven times higher than WHO limits.

Source: NDTV. Hindustan Times

Tier II and Tier III cities drive seasonal hiring

India’s boom story has shifted the focus today on the growth of Tier II and Tier III cities.

A survey conducted by Valuvox on behalf of Indeed, among 1,137 employers and 2,543 jobseekers and employees, has shown that businesses have ramped up seasonal hiring by 20% compared to last year. It has increased by 18-20% in metro cities while smaller cities have seen a rise of 22-25%

Pune’s west skyline. Pic: Wikipedia/Ujjawal.Gayakwad, CC BY-SA 4.0

The rise in internet penetration and digital adoption in these regions have given a boost to e-commerce, retail, and logistics companies which in turn has fuelled the demand for a flexible, seasonal workforce in these cities. The key roles in which hiring is taking place are delivery executives, warehouse workers, logistics coordinators and in-store sales and customer care executives..

Source: The Economic Times

Read More: Our cities are struggling; what do BJP and Congress manifestos promise them?

Suraksha Smart City sees surge in PMAY bookings

At Suraksha Smart City, a 362-acre township in Vasai (E), there have been 6,500 bookings under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in three months, from March to May 2024. It hopes to add a topline of Rs 1,450 crore from record bookings.

The rise in PMAY bookings has been attributed to the decision to revise eligibility for the EWS, enabling inclusion of those whose annual household income was up to Rs 6 lakh in MMR. This has led to broadened access to homeownership, with a number of buyers securing bank loans for the 1BHK units, each priced at around Rs 22.50 lakh. They can also avail of a direct government subsidy of Rs 2.50 lakh and stamp duty of only Rs 1,000 under PMAY.

For timely delivery, Suraksha is using advanced techniques, such as precast technology with 3D casting to accelerate construction and streamline labour management.

Source: Business Standard

Lack of physical activity hurting girls in cities: Report

A national survey conducted in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, UP and Odisha has shown that Indians lead far less ‘active’ lives than what is recommended according to the norms of the World Health Organisation. Moreover, urban inactivity rates are almost twice as high compared to what is observed in rural areas. The survey was conducted by Dalberg Advisors, Asia Pacific along with a not-for-profit organisation Sports and Society Accelerator.

According to WHO recommendations, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity daily, and children and adolescents 60 minutes, in order to mitigate health risks, anxiety and depression. The report also stressed the importance of integrating this into schools and educational institutes, as 67% of students surveyed said their schools did not have any sporting equipment. 21% said their school did not have a playground.

Girls in cities seem particularly affected by the trend, because of the low proximity to public spaces and perceived threats to safety. The average Indian woman too spends three quarters of her ‘active’ time in household chores and caregiving.

Source: The Times of India

Also read:

• Jakkur lake: The story of an urban ecosystem
• Invisible champions: How waste pickers reduce the burden on Chennai’s landfills
• How the people of Kannamangala are setting an example in sustainable waste management

The post City Buzz: Ganeshotsav commences | Surat leads in air quality improvement… and more appeared first on Citizen Matters.

Liquor Sale Ban, Traffic Restrictions Today In Bengaluru: Here’s Why  India.com

BBMP identifies 462 moving tankers, 41 lakes for Ganesh idol immersion  The Hans India

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike chief directs razing of five illegal floors  The New Indian Express

City’s double-decker dream cut short again  Bangalore Mirror

BMTC conductor forces student off bus over Tamil Aadhaar card  Deccan Herald

462 mobile tanks, 41 lakes designated for Ganesha idol immersion  The Hindu