Bruhat blunder
Govt misses golden opportunity
Bruhat blunder
By Gayathri Nivas
Whichever party wins in the BBMP election, it will inherit a bankrupt city corporation.
After former prime minister H D Deve Gowda uttered a more than four-letter-word against Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa for allegedly conceding undue land demands of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise for Gowda’s not so pet project — the NICE expressway and infrastructure corridor — it is the turn of Governor H R Bhardwaj, who accused the state government of ‘maladministration’ and ‘neglect of duty’. The constitutional head of state made the not very nice utterances in respect of Bangalore city’s traffic bottlenecks and slow paced infrastructure development, at a conference on e-governance and digitisation of government earlier this week.
Whether Gowda rightly or wrongly used the yuck word has been debated enough and the issue laid to rest after the JD(S) patriarch made a public apology to the chief minister. Hence, the governor’s latest barb needs examination.
The Yeddyurappa government has completed 18 months in office and is into the 19th month. Meanwhile, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike or city corporation, has completed three years without an elected council. During this three-year Opposition-free run of the corporation, Yeddyurappa was deputy chief minister holding finance portfolio under the previous JD(S)-BJP coalition regime and later became the chief minister, keeping the charge of Bangalore city to himself. During this period, at least two state budgets and two corporation budgets have been adopted. But no funds transfer worth its name, from the state coffers to the civic body, had taken place. Nevertheless, the corporation took up Rs 800-1,000 crore worth of works, which were paid for from the huge property tax money it generated after lifting a two-year freeze on tax collection. The corporation had temporarily stopped accepting tax as it wished to graduate from a voluntary or self-assessment method to a capital gains-based method, which met with some resistance.
Empty coffers
At least Rs 6,700 crore worth of outstanding bills, on going works and works already allotted to contractors through work code are still to be financed. And the corporation kitty is ostensibly empty, if the contractors, who went on a strike recently demanding clearance of their dues, are to be believed.
For the record, Yeddyurappa can be adjudged the richest chief minister of all his immediate predecessors as his government has received funds from the World Bank, from the Central government under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), besides the tax monies. But there is hardly any concrete gameplan to justify the huge spending or ensure planned development of nearly 600 sq km of newly added areas, which upgraded the corporation from plain Bangalore to Bruhat Bangalore or Bigger Bangalore.
The state government frittered away a golden opportunity to turn the new Bangalore areas into an urban model worth emulating. The lack of an overarching plan has resulted in sporadic development of the city at the whims and fancies of the more influential city MLAs, who are putting the cart before the horse. For instance, before laying sanitary and water supply lines, roads have been tarred, which will not only necessitate their inevitable digging at a later date but also cost precious funds for relaying them. Kerbs built with long lasting stones have been uprooted to be replaced by concrete slabs of limited lifespan.
The five new layouts envisaged are begging for attention. With housing building activity yet to takeoff, the government can freely lay roads, flyovers, identify waste dumps and create other amenities. But inaction is conspicuous. Similar is the case of the traffic signal-free corridors proposed, barring a few stretches — again the handiwork of a few ruling BJP MLAs close to the powers that be.
Debt and neglect
A slew of projects worth a whopping Rs 22,000 crore has been cleared by the state Cabinet a couple of months ago but there are no funds to foot them, it is said. Conveniently, the government kept the tenders called for these projects in abeyance after some questions were raised regarding the post haste manner in which the financial bids were opened, ostensibly to overcome the poll code of conduct, which took effect on January 15. The chief minister, in a magnanimous gesture, said the new elected council could take up the tendering and blamed the Opposition for the delays which would entail in implementing critical infrastructure projects.
Well said chief minister but whichever party is elected to power, it will inherit an unenviable heirloom of debt and neglect. And if there is one word that is meaningless in politics, it is speculate. Almost all politicians speculate all the time, gameplanning ahead for likely, and unlikely, outcomes. And if it is an election year, they are at it with full fury. The latest theme for speculation? Will the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike election happen on February 21 or not.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
BWSSB proposes tax rebate on RWH filters
BWSSB proposes tax rebate on RWH filters
You are here: Home » City » BWSSB proposes tax rebate on RWH filters
BWSSB proposes tax rebate on RWH filters
S Lalitha, Bangalore:
Faced with a deluge of letters and calls from public appealing for some kind of subsidy or loans to be made available for those opting for Rain Water Harvesting (RWH), the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has proposed relaxation of Value Added Tax (VAT) for a key component used in the installation of the RWH structures.
The move is intended to motivate the public to opt for RWH before the May 27 deadline.
This was decided at the high-level meeting of the BWSSB officials on Wednesday. BWSSB Chairperson B Ramamurthy has sent a proposal in this connection to the Urban Development department late in the evening, sources said.
At present, nearly 12.5 per cent VAT is being charged on the cost of the filters, which is a key component in the RWH structures, an official specified.
“With the number of people opting for RWH in existing 40 x 60 buildings far disproportionate to the actual number, we are attempting some kind of incentive for house owners to harvest rainwater,” the source said.
Vital component
The filter, the most vital component in the RWH apparatus, is used to remove dust and other solid matter present in water.
There are three types of filters presently used in the different types of RWH methods: a pop-up filter, a rainy filter and a sand filter.
Elaborating on the market rates for the products, Vijay Raj, proprietor of a leading filter concern, Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems, said that the cost of a pop-up filter works out to Rs 2,700, inclusive of tax. “If the VAT charges can be done away with, it would cost only around Rs 2,400 and could offer some relief to the purchasers,” he said.
The Rainy filter costs Rs 5,000 and the discount could bring down the price to Rs 4,400, he added.
Sand filters work out to be much cheaper and they are usually designed by the people at their homes, Raj said.
The BWSSB is also calling for Expression of Interest from manufacturers of filters, said a source. This would enable the department to put out a price list of filters to the consumers, he said.
DH News Service
You are here: Home » City » BWSSB proposes tax rebate on RWH filters
BWSSB proposes tax rebate on RWH filters
S Lalitha, Bangalore:
Faced with a deluge of letters and calls from public appealing for some kind of subsidy or loans to be made available for those opting for Rain Water Harvesting (RWH), the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has proposed relaxation of Value Added Tax (VAT) for a key component used in the installation of the RWH structures.
The move is intended to motivate the public to opt for RWH before the May 27 deadline.
This was decided at the high-level meeting of the BWSSB officials on Wednesday. BWSSB Chairperson B Ramamurthy has sent a proposal in this connection to the Urban Development department late in the evening, sources said.
At present, nearly 12.5 per cent VAT is being charged on the cost of the filters, which is a key component in the RWH structures, an official specified.
“With the number of people opting for RWH in existing 40 x 60 buildings far disproportionate to the actual number, we are attempting some kind of incentive for house owners to harvest rainwater,” the source said.
Vital component
The filter, the most vital component in the RWH apparatus, is used to remove dust and other solid matter present in water.
There are three types of filters presently used in the different types of RWH methods: a pop-up filter, a rainy filter and a sand filter.
Elaborating on the market rates for the products, Vijay Raj, proprietor of a leading filter concern, Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems, said that the cost of a pop-up filter works out to Rs 2,700, inclusive of tax. “If the VAT charges can be done away with, it would cost only around Rs 2,400 and could offer some relief to the purchasers,” he said.
The Rainy filter costs Rs 5,000 and the discount could bring down the price to Rs 4,400, he added.
Sand filters work out to be much cheaper and they are usually designed by the people at their homes, Raj said.
The BWSSB is also calling for Expression of Interest from manufacturers of filters, said a source. This would enable the department to put out a price list of filters to the consumers, he said.
DH News Service
There’s a takeover plot | | | Indian Express
There’s a takeover plot | | | Indian Express
There’s a takeover plot
Y Maheswara Reddy First Published : 22 Jan 2010 05:18:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 22 Jan 2010 07:23:34 AM IST
THE residents of B Narayanapura, Akashnagar and the surrounding areas in the KR Puram Assembly segment had seen a glimmer of hope when local politicians assured them that a 15-acre government land in the area, which was being used as a garbage dumping yard, would be converted to a park.
These residential areas came up on private lands many years ago. The landowners, who formed the layouts and sold their sites for building houses, did not make a provision for a park back then. The concerend authorities also did nothing to ensure that a provision for a park was kept while permitting the landowners to convert the revenue land for residential purposes.
But the promises for a park seem to be fading. One can see encroachers slowly eating up the land and politicians aiding and abetting the process.
Some people have been bold enough to remove the stones marking the boundary of the land and build a temple there. Some politicians are also allotting land for select people.
Looking at the temple and the temporary shelters that have come up, it looks like it is easy to encroach upon this government land.
“There are some vested interests.
They encourage people to put up temporary shelters after collecting a few thousands from the homeless,” says Kodanda Reddy, former vicepresident of Mahadevapura City Municipal Council, which was brough under the fold of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) a few years ago.
Many residents have brought these developments to the notice of local MLA Nandeesh Reddy. They said that the MLA has promised to do the needful.
“The temporary shelters are likely to grow into a slum. Then, it will be difficult for the BBMP to clear the slum after a few years because it will become a votebank for political parties,” said a resident.
Some residents, who stay close to this vacant land, complain of the unhygienic atmosphere. “The stench that emanates from the garbage is making our lives miserable. We cannot even invite guests to our houses due to the odour. It would be a relief for us if the vacant land is converted into a park or even if a government hospital or school is constructed there,” suggested Rathnamma, a housewife.
It was said that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has a plan to construct a ground-level water tank here but the locals are opposing it. The BWSSB has even put up a board for this purpose.
However, an assistant engineer of BWSSB claims that BBMP is yet to hand over the land to them. “There was a plan to construct a groundlevel water storage tank at the place.
The BBMP is yet to hand over the land to us,” says Made Gowda, Assistant Engineer, BWSSB. MLA Nandeesh Reddy was not available for comment.
maheswarareddy@expressbuzz.com
There’s a takeover plot
Y Maheswara Reddy First Published : 22 Jan 2010 05:18:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 22 Jan 2010 07:23:34 AM IST
THE residents of B Narayanapura, Akashnagar and the surrounding areas in the KR Puram Assembly segment had seen a glimmer of hope when local politicians assured them that a 15-acre government land in the area, which was being used as a garbage dumping yard, would be converted to a park.
These residential areas came up on private lands many years ago. The landowners, who formed the layouts and sold their sites for building houses, did not make a provision for a park back then. The concerend authorities also did nothing to ensure that a provision for a park was kept while permitting the landowners to convert the revenue land for residential purposes.
But the promises for a park seem to be fading. One can see encroachers slowly eating up the land and politicians aiding and abetting the process.
Some people have been bold enough to remove the stones marking the boundary of the land and build a temple there. Some politicians are also allotting land for select people.
Looking at the temple and the temporary shelters that have come up, it looks like it is easy to encroach upon this government land.
“There are some vested interests.
They encourage people to put up temporary shelters after collecting a few thousands from the homeless,” says Kodanda Reddy, former vicepresident of Mahadevapura City Municipal Council, which was brough under the fold of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) a few years ago.
Many residents have brought these developments to the notice of local MLA Nandeesh Reddy. They said that the MLA has promised to do the needful.
“The temporary shelters are likely to grow into a slum. Then, it will be difficult for the BBMP to clear the slum after a few years because it will become a votebank for political parties,” said a resident.
Some residents, who stay close to this vacant land, complain of the unhygienic atmosphere. “The stench that emanates from the garbage is making our lives miserable. We cannot even invite guests to our houses due to the odour. It would be a relief for us if the vacant land is converted into a park or even if a government hospital or school is constructed there,” suggested Rathnamma, a housewife.
It was said that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has a plan to construct a ground-level water tank here but the locals are opposing it. The BWSSB has even put up a board for this purpose.
However, an assistant engineer of BWSSB claims that BBMP is yet to hand over the land to them. “There was a plan to construct a groundlevel water storage tank at the place.
The BBMP is yet to hand over the land to us,” says Made Gowda, Assistant Engineer, BWSSB. MLA Nandeesh Reddy was not available for comment.
maheswarareddy@expressbuzz.com
Where the streets have no drain | BBMP | Sri Ayyappa Temple | Indian Express
Where the streets have no drain | BBMP | Sri Ayyappa Temple | Indian Express
Where the streets have no drain
Y Maheswara Reddy First Published : 21 Jan 2010 06:06:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 21 Jan 2010 07:18:19 AM IST
BANGALORE: Ensuring a proper drainage system is considered essential while laying roads. However, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) seems to have forgotten this while concretising roads in localities such as Ulsoor and Jogupalya.
The road at Sri Ayyappa Temple junction has no provision to drain rain water. The streets are waterlogged even during summer. Many people on G 9th Street are not happy with the concretising of the road.
“We are thankful to the BBMP for developing our road but we feel uncomfortable every morning since there is no provision to drain the water that we use for cleaning the garden before putting the rangoli,’’ says Ramanamma, a housewife.
“Earlier, there was no such problem.
We are facing it only after concretising our road,’’ says Nagaiah.
Ironically, the roads were concretised without replacing the sewage pipes that were not capable to carry the load of sewage water. “There are many occasions where sewage pipes get clogged. The need of the hour is to replace the existing small sewage pipes with bigger ones since the number of houses have gone up.
Most of the houses have become multi-storied buildings but the sewage pipes remain same,’’ says a house-owner, who likes to remain anonymous.
If the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board decide to replace the existing sewage pipes, it would be an additional expenditure for the BBMP to concretise the roads after laying the sewage pipes. The BBMP also depends heavily on contractors who hardly do follow-ups after concretising the roads.
When contacted, Liyaqat Ali, engineer, BBMP (East), said that he was not aware of the concretised roads in Jogupalya. “The work was done a few years ago when I was working at another division of the BBMP. I will visit the area shortly and try to do something to solve the problem,’’ says Ali. Meanwhile, N A Haris, MLA of Shanthinagar, said that he would visit the area shortly and do the needful.
maheswarareddy@expressbuzz.com
Where the streets have no drain
Y Maheswara Reddy First Published : 21 Jan 2010 06:06:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 21 Jan 2010 07:18:19 AM IST
BANGALORE: Ensuring a proper drainage system is considered essential while laying roads. However, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) seems to have forgotten this while concretising roads in localities such as Ulsoor and Jogupalya.
The road at Sri Ayyappa Temple junction has no provision to drain rain water. The streets are waterlogged even during summer. Many people on G 9th Street are not happy with the concretising of the road.
“We are thankful to the BBMP for developing our road but we feel uncomfortable every morning since there is no provision to drain the water that we use for cleaning the garden before putting the rangoli,’’ says Ramanamma, a housewife.
“Earlier, there was no such problem.
We are facing it only after concretising our road,’’ says Nagaiah.
Ironically, the roads were concretised without replacing the sewage pipes that were not capable to carry the load of sewage water. “There are many occasions where sewage pipes get clogged. The need of the hour is to replace the existing small sewage pipes with bigger ones since the number of houses have gone up.
Most of the houses have become multi-storied buildings but the sewage pipes remain same,’’ says a house-owner, who likes to remain anonymous.
If the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board decide to replace the existing sewage pipes, it would be an additional expenditure for the BBMP to concretise the roads after laying the sewage pipes. The BBMP also depends heavily on contractors who hardly do follow-ups after concretising the roads.
When contacted, Liyaqat Ali, engineer, BBMP (East), said that he was not aware of the concretised roads in Jogupalya. “The work was done a few years ago when I was working at another division of the BBMP. I will visit the area shortly and try to do something to solve the problem,’’ says Ali. Meanwhile, N A Haris, MLA of Shanthinagar, said that he would visit the area shortly and do the needful.
maheswarareddy@expressbuzz.com
Citizen Matters, Bangalore: JP Nagar residents demand cleaner neighbourhood
Citizen Matters, Bangalore: JP Nagar residents demand cleaner neighbourhood
JP Nagar residents demand cleaner neighbourhood
JP Nagar ward’s residents share their concerns, that soon-to-be elected corporators need to understand.
By Anuradha Prasad 20 Jan 2010, Citizen Mattersbookmark email print
BBMP, state government and political aspirants may be gearing up for the elections on February 21st 2010. But with campaigning yet to start, the elections are not a hard reality yet for many residents. Resident Welfare Associations too are waiting and watching for the candidates to be announced. We spoke to a few people from JP Nagar, Ward 177 in south Bangalore to find out what are the improvements they wished to see around their neighbourhood.
JP Nagar ward map. Credit: Google Maps.
K M Handyal, a retired engineer has lived in JP Nagar II phase, for 27 years now. He highlights the problem of rainwater floods. "During the rains, the water floods the streets, ruining the roads." Handyal is also concerned about people dumping waste on footpath, and sweepers not clearing it. Homemakers Vatsala Vittal and Mala Jayaram agree. Vatsala points out how litter in the JP Nagar mini forest park makes it difficult for walkers.
Vatsala and Mala believe that it is time BBMP deal with the poor lighting on streets, particularly on 11th Cross in JP Nagar III phases, having heard of a few chain snatching incidents in the area.
Ward 177 - J P Nagar
Reserved: Backward Cat A
Population: 28508 (Male: 14747, Female: 13761, SC: 2497, ST 457)
Area: 1.79 sq. km.
Assembly Constituency: Jayanagar
Localities: JP Nagar 2nd Phase, JP Nagar 3rd Phase, JP Nagar 4th Phase (Sarakki Dollar Layout), Shivananda Sharma Memorial RV College
Boundaries: North By Marenahalli Road 45th Cross. East By Bannergatta Road. South By Stream/Storm Water Drain, 8th A Main Road, 13th Cross, 13th Main, Sarakki Main Road 9th Cross. West By Aurobinda Marg 24th Main.
Source: bbmpwards.info
Mala, like others in the neighbourhood, is unhappy about the state of pavements. She says it was quite tricky and dangerous to walk down from Delmia Circle towards Ragigudda SLV as the pavements are dug up or uneven.
Vijay Pinto, a travel agent in JP Nagar II phase, points out the pavements were usually used to park vehicles. He felt the roads were improving these days but wondered why the good roads were tarred over and over again while others that needed repair were ignored. Along with some neighbours, Pinto had pooled in Rs 6000 to have the gutters cleaned last year.
BSNL employee and a writer, Vasudha Murthy, from JP Nagar V phase wants "a young, dynamic corporator who will change the scenario at BBMP and take care of the basic necessities of the citizens". She appreciates Jayanagar MLA, B N Vijay Kumar's initiative in addressing some of the concerns in the neighbourhood like introducing a bus and fixing sewerage lines.
JP Nagar ward concerns:
1. Better Footpaths
2. Road improvements
3. Traffic management
4. Garbage clearance and Solid Waste Management
5. Drain improvements
6. Mosquito eradication and health initiatives
7. Unmarked speedbreakers
Which is your ward? What are your top 3 concerns?
SMS "TOP , to 9740918300
E.g. "TOP BTM, drains, roads, trees"
Look out for coverage of other south Bangalore wards.
Dr Meundi, a paediatrician and the President of the JP Nagar Citizen's Association is worried the underpass delay and road widening. He is keen that BBMP develops the existing Dhanvantri Park with additional facilities for senior citizens. He also wants the JP Nagar primary health center to be upgraded as there is only one medical officer at present.
Munniamma, a vegetable vendor from JP Nagar V phase, says the major problems in her area include really bad road, lack of drinking water supply, non-working sewerage lines and stagnant water.
A senior citizen (who didn't want to be named) residing near Dhanvantri park, finds the property tax, water and electricity charges too high. She is also troubled by heavy traffic, dug up roads and unmarked speedbreakers.
Will BBMP surprise citizens with a cleaner and greener Bangalore, smooth roads and pavements, and streets that don't turn into streams during the rains? 2010 will show what's in store. ⊕
Anuradha Prasad
20 Jan 2010
JP Nagar residents demand cleaner neighbourhood
JP Nagar ward’s residents share their concerns, that soon-to-be elected corporators need to understand.
By Anuradha Prasad 20 Jan 2010, Citizen Mattersbookmark email print
BBMP, state government and political aspirants may be gearing up for the elections on February 21st 2010. But with campaigning yet to start, the elections are not a hard reality yet for many residents. Resident Welfare Associations too are waiting and watching for the candidates to be announced. We spoke to a few people from JP Nagar, Ward 177 in south Bangalore to find out what are the improvements they wished to see around their neighbourhood.
JP Nagar ward map. Credit: Google Maps.
K M Handyal, a retired engineer has lived in JP Nagar II phase, for 27 years now. He highlights the problem of rainwater floods. "During the rains, the water floods the streets, ruining the roads." Handyal is also concerned about people dumping waste on footpath, and sweepers not clearing it. Homemakers Vatsala Vittal and Mala Jayaram agree. Vatsala points out how litter in the JP Nagar mini forest park makes it difficult for walkers.
Vatsala and Mala believe that it is time BBMP deal with the poor lighting on streets, particularly on 11th Cross in JP Nagar III phases, having heard of a few chain snatching incidents in the area.
Ward 177 - J P Nagar
Reserved: Backward Cat A
Population: 28508 (Male: 14747, Female: 13761, SC: 2497, ST 457)
Area: 1.79 sq. km.
Assembly Constituency: Jayanagar
Localities: JP Nagar 2nd Phase, JP Nagar 3rd Phase, JP Nagar 4th Phase (Sarakki Dollar Layout), Shivananda Sharma Memorial RV College
Boundaries: North By Marenahalli Road 45th Cross. East By Bannergatta Road. South By Stream/Storm Water Drain, 8th A Main Road, 13th Cross, 13th Main, Sarakki Main Road 9th Cross. West By Aurobinda Marg 24th Main.
Source: bbmpwards.info
Mala, like others in the neighbourhood, is unhappy about the state of pavements. She says it was quite tricky and dangerous to walk down from Delmia Circle towards Ragigudda SLV as the pavements are dug up or uneven.
Vijay Pinto, a travel agent in JP Nagar II phase, points out the pavements were usually used to park vehicles. He felt the roads were improving these days but wondered why the good roads were tarred over and over again while others that needed repair were ignored. Along with some neighbours, Pinto had pooled in Rs 6000 to have the gutters cleaned last year.
BSNL employee and a writer, Vasudha Murthy, from JP Nagar V phase wants "a young, dynamic corporator who will change the scenario at BBMP and take care of the basic necessities of the citizens". She appreciates Jayanagar MLA, B N Vijay Kumar's initiative in addressing some of the concerns in the neighbourhood like introducing a bus and fixing sewerage lines.
JP Nagar ward concerns:
1. Better Footpaths
2. Road improvements
3. Traffic management
4. Garbage clearance and Solid Waste Management
5. Drain improvements
6. Mosquito eradication and health initiatives
7. Unmarked speedbreakers
Which is your ward? What are your top 3 concerns?
SMS "TOP , to 9740918300
E.g. "TOP BTM, drains, roads, trees"
Look out for coverage of other south Bangalore wards.
Dr Meundi, a paediatrician and the President of the JP Nagar Citizen's Association is worried the underpass delay and road widening. He is keen that BBMP develops the existing Dhanvantri Park with additional facilities for senior citizens. He also wants the JP Nagar primary health center to be upgraded as there is only one medical officer at present.
Munniamma, a vegetable vendor from JP Nagar V phase, says the major problems in her area include really bad road, lack of drinking water supply, non-working sewerage lines and stagnant water.
A senior citizen (who didn't want to be named) residing near Dhanvantri park, finds the property tax, water and electricity charges too high. She is also troubled by heavy traffic, dug up roads and unmarked speedbreakers.
Will BBMP surprise citizens with a cleaner and greener Bangalore, smooth roads and pavements, and streets that don't turn into streams during the rains? 2010 will show what's in store. ⊕
Anuradha Prasad
20 Jan 2010
Your agenda for a better city - Bangalore - City - The Times of India
Your agenda for a better city - Bangalore - City - The Times of India
Your agenda for a better city
TNN, Jan 17, 2010, 05.28am IST
Article
Comments (3)
Tags:elections|bbmp
BANGALORE: First it was a citizen corporator, now there is citizens' agenda for the BBMP elections. This is in the form of ABIDe's vision document — Plan Bengaluru 2020.
On Saturday, the document's architects said that unlike other such efforts that gather dust, this one will take the city's governance to the next level and involve the Bangalorean in more ways than one.
ABIDe convener Rajeev Chandrsekhar said: "We have nearly nine million people in the city striving for basic amenities. As somebody said, it is urban chaos. Imagine this: in 2020, there will be nearly 16 million people and the same amount of space. That will be urban anarchy! This document was prepared to have a vision for governance in the near future."
Joining him was R K Misra. "We want this to be a baseline document. If there is no such paper for people to debate, what really is development? There would be no measure. Though the contents are not carved in stone, people can argue and change the way the system runs. For example, Varthur lake is full of weeds and can be potentially turned into a water resource. But there is no clear idea about who should take it up. The lake is under minor irrigation department while the land is in BBMP limits; BWSSB is in charge of water supply. So there is no clear consensus. The vision document has outlined the role of each authority in such a scenario," he said.
The CM's adviser on urban affairs, A Ravindra, said bringing in reforms is a difficult process in urban planning. "Sometimes, it takes more than 10 years to bring in a change."
Ashwin Mahesh and R K Misra emphasized on the need for empowering citizens in every sphere of development. The document is said to be a window for citizens to engage themselves in governance. A campaign will soon be launched whereby every RWA, MLA and MP associated with the city will get a copy to spread the word among citizens.
Your agenda for a better city
TNN, Jan 17, 2010, 05.28am IST
Article
Comments (3)
Tags:elections|bbmp
BANGALORE: First it was a citizen corporator, now there is citizens' agenda for the BBMP elections. This is in the form of ABIDe's vision document — Plan Bengaluru 2020.
On Saturday, the document's architects said that unlike other such efforts that gather dust, this one will take the city's governance to the next level and involve the Bangalorean in more ways than one.
ABIDe convener Rajeev Chandrsekhar said: "We have nearly nine million people in the city striving for basic amenities. As somebody said, it is urban chaos. Imagine this: in 2020, there will be nearly 16 million people and the same amount of space. That will be urban anarchy! This document was prepared to have a vision for governance in the near future."
Joining him was R K Misra. "We want this to be a baseline document. If there is no such paper for people to debate, what really is development? There would be no measure. Though the contents are not carved in stone, people can argue and change the way the system runs. For example, Varthur lake is full of weeds and can be potentially turned into a water resource. But there is no clear idea about who should take it up. The lake is under minor irrigation department while the land is in BBMP limits; BWSSB is in charge of water supply. So there is no clear consensus. The vision document has outlined the role of each authority in such a scenario," he said.
The CM's adviser on urban affairs, A Ravindra, said bringing in reforms is a difficult process in urban planning. "Sometimes, it takes more than 10 years to bring in a change."
Ashwin Mahesh and R K Misra emphasized on the need for empowering citizens in every sphere of development. The document is said to be a window for citizens to engage themselves in governance. A campaign will soon be launched whereby every RWA, MLA and MP associated with the city will get a copy to spread the word among citizens.
On the periphery of development
On the periphery of development
Plagued by water, sanitary and garbage problems
On the periphery of development
Poornima Nataraj, Bangalore, Jan 16, DHNS
Once a City Municipal Council (CMC) area, Bommanahalli is now a key ward under the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Yet, the area is plagued by water, sanitary and garbage problems like any other under-developed locality in the City.
Bommanahalli is also home to more than 100 factories, mainly garment companies, the lifeline of many lower middle class families with a floating crowd of over 70,000 people.
Bommanahalli falls on the edge of the busy National Highway No 7, and thus its residents have to bear the traffic congestions associated with the place. As a resident, Sajid, put it, crossing the road at Bommanhalli, Begur Road junction is one the most difficult tasks, especially for the aged.
"It takes 25 minutes to cross the roads here. The junction is not planned well for pedestrians and is not able to handle the crowd with slow development works. The traffic is a mess here despite the presence of traffic police. Cars and autorickshaws are parked haphazardly and two way traffic makes it a challenge to drive on Begur Road," he said.
No water to drink:
Acute shortage of drinking water and improper underground drainage are some of the other major problems associated with Bommanahalli. Although few areas are supplied Cauvery water once in a week, for others the local governing body is providing water through tractors. Gauri, who lives in Rupena Agrahana slum, said that sometimes they have to walk long distances to bring drinking water.
"There is huge problem for water here. Forget water for washing and bathing, there has been no drinking water supply, even through tractors for over a month now,” she said.
Although BWSSB has laid pipelines to supply Cauvery water to this area, the water supply is expected only in 2013, according to Manjunatha Reddy, a BJP aspirant in BBMP elections. "We are supplying drinking water to some areas here. Cauvery water will take time for its supply. UGD has been sanctioned to our areas through a Japan based company, but due to certain conditions implied by the company, the project is taking its own time to surface," said Manjunatha.
Garbage everywhere
Like many other wards, garbage is serious problem in Bommanahalli too. Lack of civic sense among public is creating quite a havoc making way for mosquitoes and stray dogs. The BBMP had introduced door to door garbage collection in the second week of January and will be streamlined soon.
Satish Reddy
MLA, Bommanahalli
Assembly Constituency
On the civic works in the constituency:
Bommanahalli has improved a lot from the last few years. We have done our best and nearly 70 percent civic works which were taken up have been completed. Another 20 percent work is in the process of completion.
On Begur Main Road:
Begur road was really bad a year ago, now as the road has developed. Traffic problems have surfaced. Widening this road to 80 ft road will begin soon.
On Garbage collection:
We launched the door-to-door garbage collection in the second week of January, it will take some time for the whole system to streamline. We have spent 14 crore on this system, we will make sure it works.
On UGD lines
Some UGD work are yet to begin. We are in the process of laying the pipelines.
Plagued by water, sanitary and garbage problems
On the periphery of development
Poornima Nataraj, Bangalore, Jan 16, DHNS
Once a City Municipal Council (CMC) area, Bommanahalli is now a key ward under the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Yet, the area is plagued by water, sanitary and garbage problems like any other under-developed locality in the City.
Bommanahalli is also home to more than 100 factories, mainly garment companies, the lifeline of many lower middle class families with a floating crowd of over 70,000 people.
Bommanahalli falls on the edge of the busy National Highway No 7, and thus its residents have to bear the traffic congestions associated with the place. As a resident, Sajid, put it, crossing the road at Bommanhalli, Begur Road junction is one the most difficult tasks, especially for the aged.
"It takes 25 minutes to cross the roads here. The junction is not planned well for pedestrians and is not able to handle the crowd with slow development works. The traffic is a mess here despite the presence of traffic police. Cars and autorickshaws are parked haphazardly and two way traffic makes it a challenge to drive on Begur Road," he said.
No water to drink:
Acute shortage of drinking water and improper underground drainage are some of the other major problems associated with Bommanahalli. Although few areas are supplied Cauvery water once in a week, for others the local governing body is providing water through tractors. Gauri, who lives in Rupena Agrahana slum, said that sometimes they have to walk long distances to bring drinking water.
"There is huge problem for water here. Forget water for washing and bathing, there has been no drinking water supply, even through tractors for over a month now,” she said.
Although BWSSB has laid pipelines to supply Cauvery water to this area, the water supply is expected only in 2013, according to Manjunatha Reddy, a BJP aspirant in BBMP elections. "We are supplying drinking water to some areas here. Cauvery water will take time for its supply. UGD has been sanctioned to our areas through a Japan based company, but due to certain conditions implied by the company, the project is taking its own time to surface," said Manjunatha.
Garbage everywhere
Like many other wards, garbage is serious problem in Bommanahalli too. Lack of civic sense among public is creating quite a havoc making way for mosquitoes and stray dogs. The BBMP had introduced door to door garbage collection in the second week of January and will be streamlined soon.
Satish Reddy
MLA, Bommanahalli
Assembly Constituency
On the civic works in the constituency:
Bommanahalli has improved a lot from the last few years. We have done our best and nearly 70 percent civic works which were taken up have been completed. Another 20 percent work is in the process of completion.
On Begur Main Road:
Begur road was really bad a year ago, now as the road has developed. Traffic problems have surfaced. Widening this road to 80 ft road will begin soon.
On Garbage collection:
We launched the door-to-door garbage collection in the second week of January, it will take some time for the whole system to streamline. We have spent 14 crore on this system, we will make sure it works.
On UGD lines
Some UGD work are yet to begin. We are in the process of laying the pipelines.
Water contamination rampant
Water contamination rampant
BWSSB has not responded to outbreak of diseases
Water contamination rampant
Sangeetha Samuel
Like many wards in the City, now preparing for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections, the erstwhile Frazer Town, now renamed as Pulakeshinagar, is also plagued by acute water crisis.
Alongside beautiful parks, old Gulmohar trees, Sepian Victorian houses, and broad roads, Pulakeshinagar also has to deal with underdeveloped wards which require immediate attention and upgradation.
Although the main roads of Pulakeshinagar are relatively clean, “irregular” garbage clearance is the bane of the bylanes and streets of the ward. Despite being the hub of a number of eateries, regular and systematic garbage collection has been undermined.
Drinking water contamination is another problem which erupts in pockets of DJ Halli, Kaval Byrasandra and Sagayapuram. Pulakeshinagar, one of the oldest areas in the City, was established with smaller water and drain pipes catering to a few houses in the Cantonment areas.
However, as the area developed fast into a residential hub, the replacement of the water and drainage pipes did not keep pace with the growing population. This has been one major reason for the rampant water contamination leading to outbreak of diseases during summer.
Muthuswamy, a resident of Pottery Town, points to another lacuna: the lack of a good general hospital for citizens below the poverty line. “There is an old government maternity hospital in Pottery town in a dilapidated condition. It would help the entire residential pocket in and around S K Garden, Tannery Road, D J Halli, if the old hospital is renovated as a general hospital,” Muthuswamy said.
Ratnamma rued that drinking water is available only once a week, for two hours, in Sagayapuram. “Most of the time, women have to get up at 3 am or 4 am to fill water. If we miss water during the early hours, we will have to buy drinking water. In summer, water scarcity gets so worse that we end up spending nearly Rs 1,000 a month just to buy drinking water.”
Other problems facing the ward are the slow pace of road-widening projects, inability of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to provide drinking water and thereby pushing residents towards illegal water connections in D J Halli, Sagayapuram and Kaval Byrasandra; lack of proper garbage collection and disposal. These have made the ward’s residents vulnerable to diseases such as chikungunya, typhoid, malaria and stray dog menace.
BWSSB has not responded to outbreak of diseases
Water contamination rampant
Sangeetha Samuel
Like many wards in the City, now preparing for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections, the erstwhile Frazer Town, now renamed as Pulakeshinagar, is also plagued by acute water crisis.
Alongside beautiful parks, old Gulmohar trees, Sepian Victorian houses, and broad roads, Pulakeshinagar also has to deal with underdeveloped wards which require immediate attention and upgradation.
Although the main roads of Pulakeshinagar are relatively clean, “irregular” garbage clearance is the bane of the bylanes and streets of the ward. Despite being the hub of a number of eateries, regular and systematic garbage collection has been undermined.
Drinking water contamination is another problem which erupts in pockets of DJ Halli, Kaval Byrasandra and Sagayapuram. Pulakeshinagar, one of the oldest areas in the City, was established with smaller water and drain pipes catering to a few houses in the Cantonment areas.
However, as the area developed fast into a residential hub, the replacement of the water and drainage pipes did not keep pace with the growing population. This has been one major reason for the rampant water contamination leading to outbreak of diseases during summer.
Muthuswamy, a resident of Pottery Town, points to another lacuna: the lack of a good general hospital for citizens below the poverty line. “There is an old government maternity hospital in Pottery town in a dilapidated condition. It would help the entire residential pocket in and around S K Garden, Tannery Road, D J Halli, if the old hospital is renovated as a general hospital,” Muthuswamy said.
Ratnamma rued that drinking water is available only once a week, for two hours, in Sagayapuram. “Most of the time, women have to get up at 3 am or 4 am to fill water. If we miss water during the early hours, we will have to buy drinking water. In summer, water scarcity gets so worse that we end up spending nearly Rs 1,000 a month just to buy drinking water.”
Other problems facing the ward are the slow pace of road-widening projects, inability of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to provide drinking water and thereby pushing residents towards illegal water connections in D J Halli, Sagayapuram and Kaval Byrasandra; lack of proper garbage collection and disposal. These have made the ward’s residents vulnerable to diseases such as chikungunya, typhoid, malaria and stray dog menace.
Namma Metro drilling work crushes pipelines
Namma Metro drilling work crushes pipelines
Namma Metro drilling work crushes pipelines
S Lalitha, jan 11, Bangalore:
In a first such instance encountered by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), sanitary pipelines located in the vicinity of Metro Rail construction works on M G Road have got crushed.
The damage is not due to the direct impact of the construction work as has been the case in countless instances, but due to the pressure caused by digging and drilling work undertaken nearby.
Sewage overflowing onto M G Road from manholes at two different locations, one near Trinity Circle and one in front of the Mittal Towers at the beginning of the weekend helped the water supply board findout the source of the problem. While providing a permanent solution to leakage at the Trinity Junction is expected to take months, the problem at the other location has been set right, said a top BWSSB official.
“Employees had to work non-stop during the weekend to remove the crushed pipeline running to a depth of ten feet in front of Mittal Towers. The pipeline of six inches diameter has now been replaced with that measuring nine inches,” he informed. Sewage from KEB power station and surrounding areas and big hotels passed through this pipeline.
The other pipeline at Trinity Circle, which runs 20-feet deep would take more than two months to be replaced with a bigger pipeline.
Suction pipes used
“It will also cost us Rs 21 lakh,” the official added. This line takes care of Defence area, 515 workshop and parts of Ulsoor. A temporary arrangement is being done here with BWSSB lorries making visits to the spot and using suction pipes to remove the blocked sewage.
“We have heard cases of pipelines bursting or cracking due to the strain of work carried out in the soil above them. But in these two cases, the piers were being constructed for Metro Rail in the centre of the road but the damage has taken place at pipes located at the end of the road,” the official said. The pressure caused due to the construction was the only plausible reason for the damage of pipelines, he felt.
Meanwhile, a Metro Rail engineer at the spot of construction, showed the spots where BWSSB was forced to lay a new sanitary pipeline. “Metro Rail has nothing to do with the issue,” he claimed.
DH News Service
Namma Metro drilling work crushes pipelines
S Lalitha, jan 11, Bangalore:
In a first such instance encountered by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), sanitary pipelines located in the vicinity of Metro Rail construction works on M G Road have got crushed.
The damage is not due to the direct impact of the construction work as has been the case in countless instances, but due to the pressure caused by digging and drilling work undertaken nearby.
Sewage overflowing onto M G Road from manholes at two different locations, one near Trinity Circle and one in front of the Mittal Towers at the beginning of the weekend helped the water supply board findout the source of the problem. While providing a permanent solution to leakage at the Trinity Junction is expected to take months, the problem at the other location has been set right, said a top BWSSB official.
“Employees had to work non-stop during the weekend to remove the crushed pipeline running to a depth of ten feet in front of Mittal Towers. The pipeline of six inches diameter has now been replaced with that measuring nine inches,” he informed. Sewage from KEB power station and surrounding areas and big hotels passed through this pipeline.
The other pipeline at Trinity Circle, which runs 20-feet deep would take more than two months to be replaced with a bigger pipeline.
Suction pipes used
“It will also cost us Rs 21 lakh,” the official added. This line takes care of Defence area, 515 workshop and parts of Ulsoor. A temporary arrangement is being done here with BWSSB lorries making visits to the spot and using suction pipes to remove the blocked sewage.
“We have heard cases of pipelines bursting or cracking due to the strain of work carried out in the soil above them. But in these two cases, the piers were being constructed for Metro Rail in the centre of the road but the damage has taken place at pipes located at the end of the road,” the official said. The pressure caused due to the construction was the only plausible reason for the damage of pipelines, he felt.
Meanwhile, a Metro Rail engineer at the spot of construction, showed the spots where BWSSB was forced to lay a new sanitary pipeline. “Metro Rail has nothing to do with the issue,” he claimed.
DH News Service
The gimmicks have started, News - City - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror
The gimmicks have started, News - City - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror
The gimmicks have started
Niranjan Kaggere and Suchith Kidiyoor
Posted On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 02:05:34 AM
Medical camps in full swing
Don’t be surprised if goons in the neighbourhood or a small-time netas suddenly start acting like saints. Because they have decided to shun argument for appeasement, with the countdown for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) polls having begun.
While some aspiring corporators have tied up with social services organisations and are doling out freebies to win the goodwill of the voters, others have begun to unleash development projects in their areas. With the poll code of conduct coming into effect on Jan 15, aspiring corporators are going full throttle to make themselves highly visible. All this even before the political parties could commence the candidate selection process. Political circles are expecting the campaign expenditure for the BBMP polls to touch the Rs 800-1,000 crore mark this time. A trailer of the same was out this weekend when some former corporators and those wanting to enter the BBMP council organised free health check-up camps.
On Sunday, members of the H D Kumaraswamy Fans Club had organised a free health check up camp for residents of KHB Colony off Magadi road at Kamakshipalya. The residents could go in for heart check-up and get their eyes tested, besides obtaining free medicines for general health problems. Several NGOs and reputed hospitals were part of the programme for which the main sponsor-cum-organiser was former corporator K Gopalaiah. As Kamakshipalya and adjoining areas are home for the middle-class and lower middle-class families, free health check-up camps is termed as one strategy to woo voters.
Same was the case in Byatarayanapura off Mysore Road. Here, a free medical camp was organised by Sneha Seva Samithi with a poster of former deputy mayor M Lakshminarayanato woo the residents of Gali Anjaneyaswamy ward. In other constituteuncies, the respective MLAs have taken the lead in trying to bond with the voters. While Congress MLA Krishna Byre Gowda organised ‘Hasiru Santhe’ (a programme to promote greenery) at Sahakarnagar recently, other netas have put up posters wishing people a ‘Happy Sankranthi.’
Here MLAs are smart and superfast!
It is the government department concerned that usually arranges foundation laying ceremony for any of the projects approved, but surprisingly, two opposition party MLAs of the city have voluntarily come forward to lay thefoundation for a water supply project worth Rs 6.15 crore as the BBMP election is nearing.
Followers of Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa and Priya Krishna, MLA of Govindaraj Nagar, were busy distributing pamphlets requesting people of K P Agrahara, Magadi road, Manjunathnagar, Cholurapalya, Vidyaranyanagar, Goplapur, Gangappa garden, Cheluvappa garden and Telecom garden to attend the programme organised at Magadi road and make it a grand success.
The MLAs’ followers have erected banners of their leaders, giving a grand welcome for them to inaugurate the project. Though the opposition party MLAs are ready with all the arrangements, the department concerned, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), is clueless about the arrangements made by the elected representatives to lay the foundation stone for the approved project.
Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, P B Ramamurthy, chairman of BWSSB said, “It is true that a project to supply water through Ground Level Reservoir (GLR) was approved. But the department has not arranged any foundation laying ceremony. As per the rules, we should inform elected representatives about officially arranged programmes and we will do that. But at this moment, our department has not arranged any programmes.”
But M Krishnappa, who has taken the initiative to arrange the programme, told Bangalore Mirror that the programme has been arranged with the knowledge of BWSSB officials. “GLR was built long back, but the water supply from the Reservoir was delayed for many years. The project will benefit for Vijayanagar as well as Gandhi Nagar constituency. The officials of BWSSB are also going to participate in the programme and everything done with their knowledge,” he said.
The gimmicks have started
Niranjan Kaggere and Suchith Kidiyoor
Posted On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 02:05:34 AM
Medical camps in full swing
Don’t be surprised if goons in the neighbourhood or a small-time netas suddenly start acting like saints. Because they have decided to shun argument for appeasement, with the countdown for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) polls having begun.
While some aspiring corporators have tied up with social services organisations and are doling out freebies to win the goodwill of the voters, others have begun to unleash development projects in their areas. With the poll code of conduct coming into effect on Jan 15, aspiring corporators are going full throttle to make themselves highly visible. All this even before the political parties could commence the candidate selection process. Political circles are expecting the campaign expenditure for the BBMP polls to touch the Rs 800-1,000 crore mark this time. A trailer of the same was out this weekend when some former corporators and those wanting to enter the BBMP council organised free health check-up camps.
On Sunday, members of the H D Kumaraswamy Fans Club had organised a free health check up camp for residents of KHB Colony off Magadi road at Kamakshipalya. The residents could go in for heart check-up and get their eyes tested, besides obtaining free medicines for general health problems. Several NGOs and reputed hospitals were part of the programme for which the main sponsor-cum-organiser was former corporator K Gopalaiah. As Kamakshipalya and adjoining areas are home for the middle-class and lower middle-class families, free health check-up camps is termed as one strategy to woo voters.
Same was the case in Byatarayanapura off Mysore Road. Here, a free medical camp was organised by Sneha Seva Samithi with a poster of former deputy mayor M Lakshminarayanato woo the residents of Gali Anjaneyaswamy ward. In other constituteuncies, the respective MLAs have taken the lead in trying to bond with the voters. While Congress MLA Krishna Byre Gowda organised ‘Hasiru Santhe’ (a programme to promote greenery) at Sahakarnagar recently, other netas have put up posters wishing people a ‘Happy Sankranthi.’
Here MLAs are smart and superfast!
It is the government department concerned that usually arranges foundation laying ceremony for any of the projects approved, but surprisingly, two opposition party MLAs of the city have voluntarily come forward to lay thefoundation for a water supply project worth Rs 6.15 crore as the BBMP election is nearing.
Followers of Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa and Priya Krishna, MLA of Govindaraj Nagar, were busy distributing pamphlets requesting people of K P Agrahara, Magadi road, Manjunathnagar, Cholurapalya, Vidyaranyanagar, Goplapur, Gangappa garden, Cheluvappa garden and Telecom garden to attend the programme organised at Magadi road and make it a grand success.
The MLAs’ followers have erected banners of their leaders, giving a grand welcome for them to inaugurate the project. Though the opposition party MLAs are ready with all the arrangements, the department concerned, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), is clueless about the arrangements made by the elected representatives to lay the foundation stone for the approved project.
Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, P B Ramamurthy, chairman of BWSSB said, “It is true that a project to supply water through Ground Level Reservoir (GLR) was approved. But the department has not arranged any foundation laying ceremony. As per the rules, we should inform elected representatives about officially arranged programmes and we will do that. But at this moment, our department has not arranged any programmes.”
But M Krishnappa, who has taken the initiative to arrange the programme, told Bangalore Mirror that the programme has been arranged with the knowledge of BWSSB officials. “GLR was built long back, but the water supply from the Reservoir was delayed for many years. The project will benefit for Vijayanagar as well as Gandhi Nagar constituency. The officials of BWSSB are also going to participate in the programme and everything done with their knowledge,” he said.
Filth, water scarcity plague BTM Layout
Filth, water scarcity plague BTM Layout
Concept of neighbourhood gone with renting of houses
Filth, water scarcity plague BTM Layout
G Manjusainath
The ambitious face of Bangalore could be seen in the BTM Layout ward, which is one among the seven wards that make up the Assembly constituency of the same name.
But this does not imply that the place is free from civic problems.
The absence of a corporator is quite evident here. The Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy refuses to own responsibility to sort out the civic problems in this ward.
When Deccan Herald drew his attention to problems in the ward, Reddy wanted to know why he was being questioned when there are the BBMP officials and the Member of Parliament, Ananth Kumar.
An otherwise peaceful and serene area, BTM Layout is today plagued by the garbage menace and rising criminal activities.
“Just a few days ago, two youth in a motorcycle came to our street and fled after snatching a gold necklace from a woman. This happened so suddenly that we could not react. Our area was so peaceful a couple of years back. But now we are not safe here,” said Krishnamurthy Rao, a resident of Second Stage in BTM Layout.
However, BTM Layout is fares better when compared to any other part of the City. Good roads, nice parks and lush green streets characterise the identity of many BDA developed localities here.
But one major problem people are facing at present is water supply. Residents say the quality and quantity of water supplied in the area is below the mark. The BTM Layout Residents’ Forum (BLRF) too says that the water is a major problem in the area.
“We have been complaining to the BWSSB authorities about the water problem in our area, but in vain,” said Madhusudan, an office-bearer of the BLRF. However, MLA Ramalinga Reddy did not see any problem there. “Don’t listen to the BLRF. They have a tendency of complaining. There is no such problem in BTM Layout,” Reddy said.
With only a few residents as members, the BLRF is very weak in this area. One of the major reasons is that many of the residents have rented out their houses to outsiders and do not associate themselves with the local issues.
“The concept of a strong neighbourhood has gone with many of our neighbours renting out their houses to outsiders. We are living in fear now,” said Rajeshwari, a resident of BTM Layout. Without corporators, the BLRF is forced to struggle alone to fight for resolution of the civic problems in the area.
Other wards
Koramangala: 151
The Agrahara lake in this ward is choked with weeds and has become a breeding place for mosquitoes. Due to the road widening in front of Forum Mall, the footpath has disappeared and the road is narrowed. The work is generating dust.
Lakkasandra: 146
This is one of the dirtiest areas in the City. It appears no cleanliness drive was ever carried out here. Heaps of garbage, dust, filth, choked drains and criminal activities are the hallmark of Lakkasandra.
Adugodi: 147
Adugodi is another dirty ward of the constituency. Due to the ongoing road widening work, the entire stretch is covered with dust.
Suddaguntepalya: 152
Garbage is a big menace in this ward. Footpaths have been damaged at several places.
Madiwala: 172
The Madiwala lake is getting filthier by the day. Though the entire lake is fenced, no attention is being paid to the mixing of sewage and the weeds that are gradually eating up the lake.
Jakkasandra: 173
This is a ward that is comparatively in good condition in terms of law and order, because of the police quarters here.
Concept of neighbourhood gone with renting of houses
Filth, water scarcity plague BTM Layout
G Manjusainath
The ambitious face of Bangalore could be seen in the BTM Layout ward, which is one among the seven wards that make up the Assembly constituency of the same name.
But this does not imply that the place is free from civic problems.
The absence of a corporator is quite evident here. The Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy refuses to own responsibility to sort out the civic problems in this ward.
When Deccan Herald drew his attention to problems in the ward, Reddy wanted to know why he was being questioned when there are the BBMP officials and the Member of Parliament, Ananth Kumar.
An otherwise peaceful and serene area, BTM Layout is today plagued by the garbage menace and rising criminal activities.
“Just a few days ago, two youth in a motorcycle came to our street and fled after snatching a gold necklace from a woman. This happened so suddenly that we could not react. Our area was so peaceful a couple of years back. But now we are not safe here,” said Krishnamurthy Rao, a resident of Second Stage in BTM Layout.
However, BTM Layout is fares better when compared to any other part of the City. Good roads, nice parks and lush green streets characterise the identity of many BDA developed localities here.
But one major problem people are facing at present is water supply. Residents say the quality and quantity of water supplied in the area is below the mark. The BTM Layout Residents’ Forum (BLRF) too says that the water is a major problem in the area.
“We have been complaining to the BWSSB authorities about the water problem in our area, but in vain,” said Madhusudan, an office-bearer of the BLRF. However, MLA Ramalinga Reddy did not see any problem there. “Don’t listen to the BLRF. They have a tendency of complaining. There is no such problem in BTM Layout,” Reddy said.
With only a few residents as members, the BLRF is very weak in this area. One of the major reasons is that many of the residents have rented out their houses to outsiders and do not associate themselves with the local issues.
“The concept of a strong neighbourhood has gone with many of our neighbours renting out their houses to outsiders. We are living in fear now,” said Rajeshwari, a resident of BTM Layout. Without corporators, the BLRF is forced to struggle alone to fight for resolution of the civic problems in the area.
Other wards
Koramangala: 151
The Agrahara lake in this ward is choked with weeds and has become a breeding place for mosquitoes. Due to the road widening in front of Forum Mall, the footpath has disappeared and the road is narrowed. The work is generating dust.
Lakkasandra: 146
This is one of the dirtiest areas in the City. It appears no cleanliness drive was ever carried out here. Heaps of garbage, dust, filth, choked drains and criminal activities are the hallmark of Lakkasandra.
Adugodi: 147
Adugodi is another dirty ward of the constituency. Due to the ongoing road widening work, the entire stretch is covered with dust.
Suddaguntepalya: 152
Garbage is a big menace in this ward. Footpaths have been damaged at several places.
Madiwala: 172
The Madiwala lake is getting filthier by the day. Though the entire lake is fenced, no attention is being paid to the mixing of sewage and the weeds that are gradually eating up the lake.
Jakkasandra: 173
This is a ward that is comparatively in good condition in terms of law and order, because of the police quarters here.
Poor response to rainwater harvesting rule
Poor response to rainwater harvesting rule
You are here: Home » City » Poor response to rainwater harvesting rule
Only 200 building owners have installed the structures
Poor response to rainwater harvesting rule
S Lalitha, Bangalore, Jan 8, DH News Service:
Much water has flowed down the bridge since the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act was amended to make Rainwater harvesting (RWH) compulsory in all new buildings and certain categories of existing buildings.
However, it is evoking a dismal response from the public, although half the duration of the nine-month deadline period has elapsed.
This is despite the countless street plays, interactive sessions with resident associations, free public workshops and pamphlet distribution programmes organised by the BWSSB since August 27, 2008, the date the amendment was incorporated.
Section 72A of the Act mandated that all new buildings of sital area of 1,200 square feet (30 x 40 site) and above and existing buildings having a sital area of 2,400 square feet (40 x 60) install RWH structures in their premises.
The deadline for complying with the Act expires on May 27 this year. According to a top BWSSB official, owners of all new buildings, roughly around 2,500 as on date (January 6), have made provision for RWH structures. “This is because BDA does not approve the house plan if RWH is not made and they are forced to adhere to the law,” he said.
The major problem is posed by owners of existing buildings. “It is proving very difficult to change the mindset of owners and make them opt for something new in their premises,” he said.
The sorry outcome is that only a minuscule percentage has opted for RWH, states another official. “Out of the six lakh houses that have BWSSB connections in the core BBMP areas, around one lakh fall under the 2,400 sq ft sital area category, which are supposed to install RWH structures.” The shocking aspect is that only 200 buildings have opted to install them, he revealed. “At this rate, there is no alternative in sight except an extension of the deadline date,” the official added.
There are no strict penalties specified for violators as on date, which ensures that building owners are not put under great pressure. “If the response continues to be poor, a review meeting will be held when the deadline expires and stronger measures considered to enforce them,” he opined.
Costs involved
The costs involved in putting in place RWH range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 50,000. The rate largely depends on the roof area of the house. A tank, filter and other minor equipments are required to implement RWH. Houses which have tanks already constructed or possess a water tank are in an advantageous position, since tank construction comprises the main expense, with Rs 5 being charged for every litre a tank can hold.
Public appeals
Meanwhile, letters from public expressing their inability to implement them are pouring inside BWSSB offices. The cost involved in installing the structures clearly seem to put off many owners.
Many letters appeal to the BWSSB to enter into a tie-up with banks so that some loan facility can be arranged for those who want to install RWH structures. Some of them have asked for subsidies for those who install the structures. Claiming to represent senior citizens, one elderly owner in Malleswaram had written thus, “The elderly are struggling to manage their daily lives with the pension amount, it is financially not possible to install them.”
Plumbers to get incentives for RWH
To motivate plumbers to carry out Rain Water Harvesting (RWH), the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced cash incentives if they attain specific targets.
Speaking after inaugurating seven models of RWH techniques at the premises of the BWSSB Plumbers Association at K R Road in Basavanagudi, BWSSB chairperson P B Ramamurthy said, the deadline to install rainwater harvesting structures in existing 60 x 40 houses expired on May 27. “Plumbers who are able to install RWH structures in 100 homes anywhere in the City between January and March will be awarded a sum of Rs 10,000.”
In addition, to that plumbers attached to each of the six divisions of BWSSB, who manage to install the structures in 50 houses will be rewarded Rs 5,000, he said.
Altogether one lakh houses which fall under the category must install RWH in their premises, he added.
The association’s general secretary Subbanna, president Shantappa and BWSSB chief engineers took part.
You are here: Home » City » Poor response to rainwater harvesting rule
Only 200 building owners have installed the structures
Poor response to rainwater harvesting rule
S Lalitha, Bangalore, Jan 8, DH News Service:
Much water has flowed down the bridge since the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act was amended to make Rainwater harvesting (RWH) compulsory in all new buildings and certain categories of existing buildings.
However, it is evoking a dismal response from the public, although half the duration of the nine-month deadline period has elapsed.
This is despite the countless street plays, interactive sessions with resident associations, free public workshops and pamphlet distribution programmes organised by the BWSSB since August 27, 2008, the date the amendment was incorporated.
Section 72A of the Act mandated that all new buildings of sital area of 1,200 square feet (30 x 40 site) and above and existing buildings having a sital area of 2,400 square feet (40 x 60) install RWH structures in their premises.
The deadline for complying with the Act expires on May 27 this year. According to a top BWSSB official, owners of all new buildings, roughly around 2,500 as on date (January 6), have made provision for RWH structures. “This is because BDA does not approve the house plan if RWH is not made and they are forced to adhere to the law,” he said.
The major problem is posed by owners of existing buildings. “It is proving very difficult to change the mindset of owners and make them opt for something new in their premises,” he said.
The sorry outcome is that only a minuscule percentage has opted for RWH, states another official. “Out of the six lakh houses that have BWSSB connections in the core BBMP areas, around one lakh fall under the 2,400 sq ft sital area category, which are supposed to install RWH structures.” The shocking aspect is that only 200 buildings have opted to install them, he revealed. “At this rate, there is no alternative in sight except an extension of the deadline date,” the official added.
There are no strict penalties specified for violators as on date, which ensures that building owners are not put under great pressure. “If the response continues to be poor, a review meeting will be held when the deadline expires and stronger measures considered to enforce them,” he opined.
Costs involved
The costs involved in putting in place RWH range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 50,000. The rate largely depends on the roof area of the house. A tank, filter and other minor equipments are required to implement RWH. Houses which have tanks already constructed or possess a water tank are in an advantageous position, since tank construction comprises the main expense, with Rs 5 being charged for every litre a tank can hold.
Public appeals
Meanwhile, letters from public expressing their inability to implement them are pouring inside BWSSB offices. The cost involved in installing the structures clearly seem to put off many owners.
Many letters appeal to the BWSSB to enter into a tie-up with banks so that some loan facility can be arranged for those who want to install RWH structures. Some of them have asked for subsidies for those who install the structures. Claiming to represent senior citizens, one elderly owner in Malleswaram had written thus, “The elderly are struggling to manage their daily lives with the pension amount, it is financially not possible to install them.”
Plumbers to get incentives for RWH
To motivate plumbers to carry out Rain Water Harvesting (RWH), the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced cash incentives if they attain specific targets.
Speaking after inaugurating seven models of RWH techniques at the premises of the BWSSB Plumbers Association at K R Road in Basavanagudi, BWSSB chairperson P B Ramamurthy said, the deadline to install rainwater harvesting structures in existing 60 x 40 houses expired on May 27. “Plumbers who are able to install RWH structures in 100 homes anywhere in the City between January and March will be awarded a sum of Rs 10,000.”
In addition, to that plumbers attached to each of the six divisions of BWSSB, who manage to install the structures in 50 houses will be rewarded Rs 5,000, he said.
Altogether one lakh houses which fall under the category must install RWH in their premises, he added.
The association’s general secretary Subbanna, president Shantappa and BWSSB chief engineers took part.
Water treatment, access becomes fast-growing biz
Water treatment, access becomes fast-growing biz
Water treatment, access becomes fast-growing biz
P B Jayakumar / Mumbai January 09, 2010, 0:20 IST
Orders are flowing for the water and wastewater treatment industry, as leading players in the domestic market such as VA Tech Wabag, Larsen and Toubro, Thermax and IVRCL Infra have bagged over Rs 2,500 crore worth of orders in the past two-to-three months.
VA Tech Wabag, headquartered in Chennai with a Rs 1,200-crore turnover, yesterday said it has been awarded the contract for implementing India’s largest seawater desalination project, by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Chennai Metro Water). The total cost of the project is Rs 1,033 crore and it will have a capacity of 100 million litres a day. The plant will be constructed on a DBO (design, build and operate) basis and will be commissioned in the next 24 months.
VA Tech Wabag had earlier designed and built seawater desalination plants for Adani Power in Gujarat, for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation at the Vizag Refinery, and for Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation.
“With this, our order book now stands at Rs 3,300 crore and we expect another Rs 500-600 crore of orders within the coming three to four months,” Rajiv Mittal, managing director, told Business Standard.
The Indian water treatment business is estimated to be about Rs 2,000 crore and growing at 15-20 per cent annually. This includes the Rs 1,200-crore industrial water treatment sector and the Rs 800-crore point-of-consumption market, which involves localised water treatment.
PSL Ltd, the largest manufacturer of pipes in India, today announced it had bagged orders worth over Rs 425 crore in the past 10 days for the manufacture of pipes for water supply projects from infrastructure companies like L&T, Lanco, Nagarjuna Construction Company, Subhash Projects (SPML), and South East Constructions.
“We expect various infrastructure players to place orders worth Rs 2500 crore for pipes for water supply projects within the next 18 months,” said Ashok Punj, managing director of the Rs 3,600 crore turnover PSL, which controls over half of the pipe market in the country.
In another announcement, IVRCL Infra and Projects yesterday said it had bagged infrastructure projects worth Rs 958 crore, which includes a Rs 253-crore order from the Gujarat government’s Gujarat Water Infrastructure for implementing the NC-24 water supply scheme in the state. The company also bagged a Rs 142.35-crore contract from Cauvery Neeravary Nigama and another Rs 133.64 -crore contract from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). With these, the company’s overall order book now stands at Rs 22,000 crore, IVRCL said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Last week, engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro had said the company got a Rs 189-crore order from the BWSSB. The contract includes fabrication and laying of a mild steel pipeline. The scheme, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency, envisages transmission of 500 million litres per day of clear water from the river Cauvery (Shiva Balancing Reservoir) to Bangalore. The project, to be completed in 24 months, involves laying a pipeline from Harohalli to Tataguni and Vajarahalli, along with associated civil work.
L&T’s water and water treatment business are handled by the Metallurgical, Material Handling and Water Operating Company, a part of its construction division. In October, the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam had entrusted L&T with a Rs 488-crore order for implementing projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), a massive city modernisation scheme funded by the Government of India. Of this, Rs 274 crore will go to provide a sewage system to Varanasi city in 30 months, another Rs 121 crore to provide water supply to Allahabad city in 24 months and Rs 93 crore to a wastewater management system for Mathura town, also in 24 months.
The allocation for JNNURM was increased by 87 per cent by the Union government for 2009-10 to Rs 12,887 crore. It had sanctioned 463 projects requiring an investment of Rs 49,743 crore, mainly for basic urban services like water supply, sewerage and stormwater drainage. Agencies such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation are also funding water and wastewater treatment projects.
Another leading player in the segment, Pune-based power solutions player Thermax, had bagged Rs 155 crore worth of orders for sewage treatment in Maharashtra and in Jammu and Kashmir.
Water treatment, access becomes fast-growing biz
P B Jayakumar / Mumbai January 09, 2010, 0:20 IST
Orders are flowing for the water and wastewater treatment industry, as leading players in the domestic market such as VA Tech Wabag, Larsen and Toubro, Thermax and IVRCL Infra have bagged over Rs 2,500 crore worth of orders in the past two-to-three months.
VA Tech Wabag, headquartered in Chennai with a Rs 1,200-crore turnover, yesterday said it has been awarded the contract for implementing India’s largest seawater desalination project, by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Chennai Metro Water). The total cost of the project is Rs 1,033 crore and it will have a capacity of 100 million litres a day. The plant will be constructed on a DBO (design, build and operate) basis and will be commissioned in the next 24 months.
VA Tech Wabag had earlier designed and built seawater desalination plants for Adani Power in Gujarat, for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation at the Vizag Refinery, and for Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation.
“With this, our order book now stands at Rs 3,300 crore and we expect another Rs 500-600 crore of orders within the coming three to four months,” Rajiv Mittal, managing director, told Business Standard.
The Indian water treatment business is estimated to be about Rs 2,000 crore and growing at 15-20 per cent annually. This includes the Rs 1,200-crore industrial water treatment sector and the Rs 800-crore point-of-consumption market, which involves localised water treatment.
PSL Ltd, the largest manufacturer of pipes in India, today announced it had bagged orders worth over Rs 425 crore in the past 10 days for the manufacture of pipes for water supply projects from infrastructure companies like L&T, Lanco, Nagarjuna Construction Company, Subhash Projects (SPML), and South East Constructions.
“We expect various infrastructure players to place orders worth Rs 2500 crore for pipes for water supply projects within the next 18 months,” said Ashok Punj, managing director of the Rs 3,600 crore turnover PSL, which controls over half of the pipe market in the country.
In another announcement, IVRCL Infra and Projects yesterday said it had bagged infrastructure projects worth Rs 958 crore, which includes a Rs 253-crore order from the Gujarat government’s Gujarat Water Infrastructure for implementing the NC-24 water supply scheme in the state. The company also bagged a Rs 142.35-crore contract from Cauvery Neeravary Nigama and another Rs 133.64 -crore contract from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). With these, the company’s overall order book now stands at Rs 22,000 crore, IVRCL said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Last week, engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro had said the company got a Rs 189-crore order from the BWSSB. The contract includes fabrication and laying of a mild steel pipeline. The scheme, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency, envisages transmission of 500 million litres per day of clear water from the river Cauvery (Shiva Balancing Reservoir) to Bangalore. The project, to be completed in 24 months, involves laying a pipeline from Harohalli to Tataguni and Vajarahalli, along with associated civil work.
L&T’s water and water treatment business are handled by the Metallurgical, Material Handling and Water Operating Company, a part of its construction division. In October, the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam had entrusted L&T with a Rs 488-crore order for implementing projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), a massive city modernisation scheme funded by the Government of India. Of this, Rs 274 crore will go to provide a sewage system to Varanasi city in 30 months, another Rs 121 crore to provide water supply to Allahabad city in 24 months and Rs 93 crore to a wastewater management system for Mathura town, also in 24 months.
The allocation for JNNURM was increased by 87 per cent by the Union government for 2009-10 to Rs 12,887 crore. It had sanctioned 463 projects requiring an investment of Rs 49,743 crore, mainly for basic urban services like water supply, sewerage and stormwater drainage. Agencies such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation are also funding water and wastewater treatment projects.
Another leading player in the segment, Pune-based power solutions player Thermax, had bagged Rs 155 crore worth of orders for sewage treatment in Maharashtra and in Jammu and Kashmir.
Give us water and take OUR votes - Bangalore - City - The Times of India
Give us water and take OUR votes - Bangalore - City - The Times of India
Give us water and take OUR votes
Aarthi R, TNN, Jan 9, 2010, 02.55am IST
BANGALORE: February 21, 2010. That’s the day citizens will elect their corporators after nine years. But voters in many areas, mainly the middle class and urban poor, are not even thinking about it. All their hopes have dried up, just like the taps in their houses. If some are aware of the date, they say their vote would be for those who can help fight their long-drawn battle for water.
Voters are aware that water shortage has gripped the entire city, but what irks them is ‘regular’ irregularities in supply and untamed sanitary lines for years now. This time, even political favouritism seems to have dried up.
Take the case of 300 residents of L G Ramanna Layout in Laggere. Areas like Bhuvaneshwarinagar, Kanakanagar and a few surrounding areas get minimal water during most days of the year. But before any election, they get a surprisingly ‘good’ stock even during dry days. Reason: ‘free’ water earns candidates a good number of votes. Locals say this happened during the last assembly elections as well.
Increasing measures for water conservation and projects to supply water for new areas apart, many old areas are increasingly being noticed for improper water supply for years. Two more cases to sample: JP Nagar 8th Phase and Shahdabnagar. The former, a well-planned BDA layout with no proper water for almost a decade.
JP NAGAR 8th PHASE
The two blocks in the area, each with 100 houses, are still waiting for proper water and sanitary conditions. “Six-inch pipes were laid in 2003 for water supply but no water yet,” says N Jagadish, a resident of Block I since 2003. On March 14, 2008, he filed an RTI to find out when they will get water for the area.
Forget water, a reply to the query from the BWSSB landed only on June 22, 2009, saying it will take them six months to fulfil the pending procedures for it. With that deadline also over, the residents sent a letter to BWSSB chairperson on December 30, but have not received a reply yet.“We’ve been paying for water all through. We don’t mind even fighting a legal battle for it. Will the upcoming BBMP elections change our plight?” they ask. This area is at walkable distance from the glass factory beyond Konankunte. The plight of the adjoining Block II is worse with no proper sanitary connections.
SHAHDABNAGAR
On August 15, 2009, residents here were on protest for water, which has continued to 2010 as well. There was some relief in between but the residents have been again facing hardships due to water shortage for the past one-and-a-half month.
“We are fed up. We have met almost everyone — from the water inspectors to even the PA of the BWSSB minister and our MLA. We have even written to the CM but to no avail. Earlier we used to get water at least once a week, but now no water at all. Only the reason changes. This time we were told its the low pressure from Malleswaram water unit and that is insufficient to supply water to entire Pillana Garden area of which our area is a small part of,” complains Mohammad Ghouse, a resident. On August 20, they requested for borewells but nothing happened.
Around 5,000 people reside in this area, majority of them from low-income groups. Many have been buying water from tankers for Rs 300 every alternate day and going to RT Nagar for drinking water. What surprises them is that RT Nagar, which is very close to their area, has remained unaffected.
BITING REALITIES
A student from Jogupalya says about a rather unpleasant ‘Bad Water & Sewerage Supply Board’ offer for months in their area. “It is one that makes people pay for water and gives dengue, chikungunya and even H1N1 for free,” says Dhanush Krishnan.
“Babus and leaders talk to us about big infrastructure plans, but they forget that we are fast losing our own health infrastructure. Don’t blame the Namma Metro work. We know it will take time. But, why can’t the BWSSB arrange for an alternative like going overhead if not underground?” he asks.
“We pay a minimum Rs 25 every month towards sanitary charges but sewerage flows on almost all the roads in this area. The ‘bored’ employees step out only if a minimum Rs 200 is paid. Our city has become ‘Bang hell ooru’, ‘Guard dengue city’ that scares even youths like me,” signs off this I PU student.
Give us water and take OUR votes
Aarthi R, TNN, Jan 9, 2010, 02.55am IST
BANGALORE: February 21, 2010. That’s the day citizens will elect their corporators after nine years. But voters in many areas, mainly the middle class and urban poor, are not even thinking about it. All their hopes have dried up, just like the taps in their houses. If some are aware of the date, they say their vote would be for those who can help fight their long-drawn battle for water.
Voters are aware that water shortage has gripped the entire city, but what irks them is ‘regular’ irregularities in supply and untamed sanitary lines for years now. This time, even political favouritism seems to have dried up.
Take the case of 300 residents of L G Ramanna Layout in Laggere. Areas like Bhuvaneshwarinagar, Kanakanagar and a few surrounding areas get minimal water during most days of the year. But before any election, they get a surprisingly ‘good’ stock even during dry days. Reason: ‘free’ water earns candidates a good number of votes. Locals say this happened during the last assembly elections as well.
Increasing measures for water conservation and projects to supply water for new areas apart, many old areas are increasingly being noticed for improper water supply for years. Two more cases to sample: JP Nagar 8th Phase and Shahdabnagar. The former, a well-planned BDA layout with no proper water for almost a decade.
JP NAGAR 8th PHASE
The two blocks in the area, each with 100 houses, are still waiting for proper water and sanitary conditions. “Six-inch pipes were laid in 2003 for water supply but no water yet,” says N Jagadish, a resident of Block I since 2003. On March 14, 2008, he filed an RTI to find out when they will get water for the area.
Forget water, a reply to the query from the BWSSB landed only on June 22, 2009, saying it will take them six months to fulfil the pending procedures for it. With that deadline also over, the residents sent a letter to BWSSB chairperson on December 30, but have not received a reply yet.“We’ve been paying for water all through. We don’t mind even fighting a legal battle for it. Will the upcoming BBMP elections change our plight?” they ask. This area is at walkable distance from the glass factory beyond Konankunte. The plight of the adjoining Block II is worse with no proper sanitary connections.
SHAHDABNAGAR
On August 15, 2009, residents here were on protest for water, which has continued to 2010 as well. There was some relief in between but the residents have been again facing hardships due to water shortage for the past one-and-a-half month.
“We are fed up. We have met almost everyone — from the water inspectors to even the PA of the BWSSB minister and our MLA. We have even written to the CM but to no avail. Earlier we used to get water at least once a week, but now no water at all. Only the reason changes. This time we were told its the low pressure from Malleswaram water unit and that is insufficient to supply water to entire Pillana Garden area of which our area is a small part of,” complains Mohammad Ghouse, a resident. On August 20, they requested for borewells but nothing happened.
Around 5,000 people reside in this area, majority of them from low-income groups. Many have been buying water from tankers for Rs 300 every alternate day and going to RT Nagar for drinking water. What surprises them is that RT Nagar, which is very close to their area, has remained unaffected.
BITING REALITIES
A student from Jogupalya says about a rather unpleasant ‘Bad Water & Sewerage Supply Board’ offer for months in their area. “It is one that makes people pay for water and gives dengue, chikungunya and even H1N1 for free,” says Dhanush Krishnan.
“Babus and leaders talk to us about big infrastructure plans, but they forget that we are fast losing our own health infrastructure. Don’t blame the Namma Metro work. We know it will take time. But, why can’t the BWSSB arrange for an alternative like going overhead if not underground?” he asks.
“We pay a minimum Rs 25 every month towards sanitary charges but sewerage flows on almost all the roads in this area. The ‘bored’ employees step out only if a minimum Rs 200 is paid. Our city has become ‘Bang hell ooru’, ‘Guard dengue city’ that scares even youths like me,” signs off this I PU student.
Are our cities ready for e-governance?-Politics/Nation-News-The Economic Times
Are our cities ready for e-governance?-Politics/Nation-News-The Economic Times
Are our cities ready for e-governance?
7 Jan 2010, 0218 hrs IST,
The mid-term appraisal of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (Eleventh Plan) is currently under way. The Planning Commission is assessing in detail the performance of the economy as well as the performance of individual sectors in relation to the targets set in the 11th Plan. Chapter 11 of the Eleventh Plan is on urban infrastructure, basic services and poverty alleviation. This chapter makes a case for e-governance, as specified in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
The key objectives of the JNNURM are to introduce e-governance in the municipalities to provide single-window services to the citizens, to increase efficiency and productivity of the urban local bodies (ULBs), and to provide timely and reliable management information. This chapter also emphasises the role of information technology in efficient governance and in provision and management of urban services.
We conducted a study to assess the state of e-governance and other related characteristics of India’s 35 cities with million-plus population. While the findings from this study are still preliminary, they have a number of implications for e-governance in India’s cities. With respect to e-governance, we categorised e-governance services of cities into two types: information-oriented and service-oriented.
In the area of information, we examined whether the budget of the city for the most-recent year was online, whether information for building sanctions and drainage/water connection were online, links to the Right to Information Act (RTI), and links to important locally-provided public services such as water supply, sanitation, sewerage, solid waste management, roads and street lighting. We examined whether the municipal corporation website has a map of the city and contacts for the city.
When we examined the scores on information attributes, we found Greater Mumbai was the only one with a perfect score. The closest score to this baseline was a distant Vijayawada. When we looked at attributes, the most popular one receiving attention on city websites was the link to the RTI which most (23 out of 35) cities adhered to, followed by their contact information. The one attribute that municipal corporations were unable to manage online was the information on drainage/water connection for which the customers’ physical presence seemed to be required. Only four out of the 35 cities could make this facility available online.
In the area of services, we considered the following six attributes: whether there is provision for online payment of property taxes, water charges, online registration of birth and death, online complaints registration, online feedback and whether provision existed for online tendering and auction. We found Greater Mumbai was again the one with a perfect score with all services considered being online, followed by Hyderabad.
When we examined scores across attributes, we found that the most popular one was the online registration of complaints, followed by online feedback. The one service on which most cities performed poorly was online payment of water charges, for which only four out of the 35 cities made a provision. This is a surprise because nearly 12 cities made provision for online payment of property tax.
However, this might be explained due to considerable variability in the institutional arrangement for water supply across cities. In Bangalore, for example, a utility, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB),
is entrusted with this responsibility, whereas in cities such as Pune, the municipal corporation itself has this responsibility. These expenditure responsibilities are mandated by the statute. Hence, the capacities
of the service provider might help explain variability in online payment of water charges.
We found that cities with an information orientation on their websites were Greater Mumbai, Chennai, Vijayawada, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Madurai, Bangalore, Patna and Ludhiana. We found that cities with a user-orientation, or service-focused, in their websites were Greater Mumbai, Hyderabad, Madurai, Pune, Indore, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Allahabad and Varanasi.
Our findings indicated that the cities with both low information and low service-orientation websites were Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Asansol and Dhanbad.
Summarising, our findings indicated that the largest cities, especially those with more than 10 million inhabitants, fared relatively well in their preparedness towards becoming digital compared to smaller cities. Despite the variance in the adoption of e-governance across the large Indian cities, we should recognise that cities in the e-governance era are much more open to citizen complaints and grievances than they were earlier. Though Indian cities are still evolving in their digital status, governments, private organisations and citizens should take cognisance of the fact that connectivity and information-sharing are the stepping stones for transparency and accountability in governance.
(Mr Sridhar is research fellow at Sasken Communication Technologies and Ms Sridhar is senior research fellow at Public Affairs Centre. Views are personal)
Are our cities ready for e-governance?
7 Jan 2010, 0218 hrs IST,
The mid-term appraisal of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (Eleventh Plan) is currently under way. The Planning Commission is assessing in detail the performance of the economy as well as the performance of individual sectors in relation to the targets set in the 11th Plan. Chapter 11 of the Eleventh Plan is on urban infrastructure, basic services and poverty alleviation. This chapter makes a case for e-governance, as specified in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
The key objectives of the JNNURM are to introduce e-governance in the municipalities to provide single-window services to the citizens, to increase efficiency and productivity of the urban local bodies (ULBs), and to provide timely and reliable management information. This chapter also emphasises the role of information technology in efficient governance and in provision and management of urban services.
We conducted a study to assess the state of e-governance and other related characteristics of India’s 35 cities with million-plus population. While the findings from this study are still preliminary, they have a number of implications for e-governance in India’s cities. With respect to e-governance, we categorised e-governance services of cities into two types: information-oriented and service-oriented.
In the area of information, we examined whether the budget of the city for the most-recent year was online, whether information for building sanctions and drainage/water connection were online, links to the Right to Information Act (RTI), and links to important locally-provided public services such as water supply, sanitation, sewerage, solid waste management, roads and street lighting. We examined whether the municipal corporation website has a map of the city and contacts for the city.
When we examined the scores on information attributes, we found Greater Mumbai was the only one with a perfect score. The closest score to this baseline was a distant Vijayawada. When we looked at attributes, the most popular one receiving attention on city websites was the link to the RTI which most (23 out of 35) cities adhered to, followed by their contact information. The one attribute that municipal corporations were unable to manage online was the information on drainage/water connection for which the customers’ physical presence seemed to be required. Only four out of the 35 cities could make this facility available online.
In the area of services, we considered the following six attributes: whether there is provision for online payment of property taxes, water charges, online registration of birth and death, online complaints registration, online feedback and whether provision existed for online tendering and auction. We found Greater Mumbai was again the one with a perfect score with all services considered being online, followed by Hyderabad.
When we examined scores across attributes, we found that the most popular one was the online registration of complaints, followed by online feedback. The one service on which most cities performed poorly was online payment of water charges, for which only four out of the 35 cities made a provision. This is a surprise because nearly 12 cities made provision for online payment of property tax.
However, this might be explained due to considerable variability in the institutional arrangement for water supply across cities. In Bangalore, for example, a utility, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB),
is entrusted with this responsibility, whereas in cities such as Pune, the municipal corporation itself has this responsibility. These expenditure responsibilities are mandated by the statute. Hence, the capacities
of the service provider might help explain variability in online payment of water charges.
We found that cities with an information orientation on their websites were Greater Mumbai, Chennai, Vijayawada, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Madurai, Bangalore, Patna and Ludhiana. We found that cities with a user-orientation, or service-focused, in their websites were Greater Mumbai, Hyderabad, Madurai, Pune, Indore, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Allahabad and Varanasi.
Our findings indicated that the cities with both low information and low service-orientation websites were Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Asansol and Dhanbad.
Summarising, our findings indicated that the largest cities, especially those with more than 10 million inhabitants, fared relatively well in their preparedness towards becoming digital compared to smaller cities. Despite the variance in the adoption of e-governance across the large Indian cities, we should recognise that cities in the e-governance era are much more open to citizen complaints and grievances than they were earlier. Though Indian cities are still evolving in their digital status, governments, private organisations and citizens should take cognisance of the fact that connectivity and information-sharing are the stepping stones for transparency and accountability in governance.
(Mr Sridhar is research fellow at Sasken Communication Technologies and Ms Sridhar is senior research fellow at Public Affairs Centre. Views are personal)
Every drop of water counts | | | Indian Express
Every drop of water counts | | | Indian Express
Every drop of water counts
N R Madhusudhan First Published : 07 Jan 2010 10:04:58 AM ISTLast Updated : 07 Jan 2010 10:53:16 AM IST
BANGALORE: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will be installing working models of ultra filtration plant and reverse osmosis water treatment plant at the Rain Water Harvesting Theme Park. The theme park that is being constructed at the cost of Rs 2.5 crore is aimed at creating awareness about the efficacy of these methods in purifying water.
The dirty and contaminated water would be purified in these models and the purity of the so purified water would be displayed to the visitors at the park.
The technology involved in purifying the water would also be explained to the visitors.
This measure is expected to clear the misconceptions about the use of filtered and treated water for various purposes. One of the BWSSB officials said, ``this is the first step to educate the people about the harmlessness of using the treated water for various purposes. All the water sources to the city would be exhausted very soon. Purified and treated sewage is seen as the one of the possible future sources of drinking water to the city.’’ According to the projections, the city would need nearly 2,550 MLD of water by 2040 and even if all the existing sources of water is exploited only1,500 MLD of water can be supplied to the city by then. There are practical and financial constraints in bringing distant water to the city. Treated sewage can meet the water requirements of the city, as more than 70 per cent of the water supplied is discharged as sewage.
It may be recalled that the BWSSB had to postpone its project to supply the purified and treated sewage for drinking purposes due to strong public disfavor. At present, the BWSSB is planning to supply the water that is treated in its sewage treatment plants for washing purposes through separate pipelines that would be laid for that purpose.
Every drop of water counts
N R Madhusudhan First Published : 07 Jan 2010 10:04:58 AM ISTLast Updated : 07 Jan 2010 10:53:16 AM IST
BANGALORE: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will be installing working models of ultra filtration plant and reverse osmosis water treatment plant at the Rain Water Harvesting Theme Park. The theme park that is being constructed at the cost of Rs 2.5 crore is aimed at creating awareness about the efficacy of these methods in purifying water.
The dirty and contaminated water would be purified in these models and the purity of the so purified water would be displayed to the visitors at the park.
The technology involved in purifying the water would also be explained to the visitors.
This measure is expected to clear the misconceptions about the use of filtered and treated water for various purposes. One of the BWSSB officials said, ``this is the first step to educate the people about the harmlessness of using the treated water for various purposes. All the water sources to the city would be exhausted very soon. Purified and treated sewage is seen as the one of the possible future sources of drinking water to the city.’’ According to the projections, the city would need nearly 2,550 MLD of water by 2040 and even if all the existing sources of water is exploited only1,500 MLD of water can be supplied to the city by then. There are practical and financial constraints in bringing distant water to the city. Treated sewage can meet the water requirements of the city, as more than 70 per cent of the water supplied is discharged as sewage.
It may be recalled that the BWSSB had to postpone its project to supply the purified and treated sewage for drinking purposes due to strong public disfavor. At present, the BWSSB is planning to supply the water that is treated in its sewage treatment plants for washing purposes through separate pipelines that would be laid for that purpose.
BWSSB’s drainage project suffers a setback | | | Indian Express
BWSSB’s drainage project suffers a setback | | | Indian Express
BWSSB’s drainage project suffers a setback
N R Madhusudhan First Published : 05 Jan 2010 04:40:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 05 Jan 2010 06:58:12 AM IST
BANGALORE: The efforts of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to provide proper underground drainage (UGD) to the newly-added areas of the city has received a temporary setback in some areas as the contractors have quoted high rates for undertaking the works in those areas.
BWSSB has sent a report about five more packages wherein the contractors had quoted high premiums to undertake the work. These packages relate to works that were supposed to be taken up in parts of Dasarahalli, Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka and Bommanahalli CMCs.
As per BWSSB sources, the works include connecting the existing sewage connections to the main lines after they are laid. Hence it is difficult to find people who are willing to do such jobs. Therefore, the contractors have sought high amounts of money to undertake these works.
A BWSSB official said, “If the rates sought by the contractors were 10 or 15 per cent more than the sanctioned sum, the negotiating committee would have tried to negotiate with the contractors and we would have gone ahead with the projects.
However, the contractors have quoted more than 40 per cent above the sanctioned amount. Now, we will have to re-tender these packages”.
BWSSB has already modified a bid of a package that involves works to be taken up in some parts of Dasarahalli CMC and has sent the same for World Bank’s approval.
BWSSB had planned to lay 2,000 kilometres of lateral UGDs and 300 kilometres of main and sub-main UGDs in the newly-added areas of the city at a cost of Rs 965.69 crore. It is in the process of implementing the same.
World Bank is sponsoring the project. Funds from Jn- NURM will also be utilised.
It is supposed to be a timebound project.
BWSSB’s drainage project suffers a setback
N R Madhusudhan First Published : 05 Jan 2010 04:40:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 05 Jan 2010 06:58:12 AM IST
BANGALORE: The efforts of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to provide proper underground drainage (UGD) to the newly-added areas of the city has received a temporary setback in some areas as the contractors have quoted high rates for undertaking the works in those areas.
BWSSB has sent a report about five more packages wherein the contractors had quoted high premiums to undertake the work. These packages relate to works that were supposed to be taken up in parts of Dasarahalli, Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka and Bommanahalli CMCs.
As per BWSSB sources, the works include connecting the existing sewage connections to the main lines after they are laid. Hence it is difficult to find people who are willing to do such jobs. Therefore, the contractors have sought high amounts of money to undertake these works.
A BWSSB official said, “If the rates sought by the contractors were 10 or 15 per cent more than the sanctioned sum, the negotiating committee would have tried to negotiate with the contractors and we would have gone ahead with the projects.
However, the contractors have quoted more than 40 per cent above the sanctioned amount. Now, we will have to re-tender these packages”.
BWSSB has already modified a bid of a package that involves works to be taken up in some parts of Dasarahalli CMC and has sent the same for World Bank’s approval.
BWSSB had planned to lay 2,000 kilometres of lateral UGDs and 300 kilometres of main and sub-main UGDs in the newly-added areas of the city at a cost of Rs 965.69 crore. It is in the process of implementing the same.
World Bank is sponsoring the project. Funds from Jn- NURM will also be utilised.
It is supposed to be a timebound project.
IVRCL Infrastructures Bags Orders For Rs.958 Cr.
IVRCL Infrastructures Bags Orders For Rs.958 Cr.
IVRCL Infrastructures Bags Orders For Rs.958 Cr.
1/5/2010 1:12 AM ET
(RTTNews) - IVRCL Infrastructures & Projects said that the company bagged orders for Rs.958.07 crore in transportation, water & irrigation, buildings and power sectors.
The first order is for balance work of rehabilitation, strengthening and four laning of Bhogpur to Mukerian section of NH -1A from Km. 26 to Km 70 in Punjab state from National Highways Authority of India . The work includes construction of minor and major bridges,underpasses with approaches, 2 lane truss bridge over irrigation canal , culverts, grade separators , widening / rehabilitation and repair of existing bridges. The order is valued at Rs.359.96 crore and is to be completed in 30 months.
The second project is from Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board for providing distribution system, construction of distribution station, laying of conveying mains for two packages under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission or JNNURM. The project is to be completed in 24 months and is valued at Rs.123.25 crore.
The third project is a drinking water supply scheme project under Hemavathy project in Karnataka from Cauvery Neeravary Nigama, a Karnataka Government enterprise. The total completion period of the project is 24 months and is valued at Rs.142.35 crore.
The fourth project valued at Rs.133.64 crore is from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (II) for civil and electromechanical works for reservoirs at GKVK/ Bettahalli plantation, OMBR, Hudi and Booster Pumping station under JICA Loan -ID-P 168. The contract is to be completed in 24 months.
The fifth order includes construction of buildings in various places, modification of transmission lines package in power sector construction of water treatment plant in Jharkhand and is to be completed in 18 months. The project is valued at Rs.198.87 crore.
IVRCL Infrastructures Bags Orders For Rs.958 Cr.
1/5/2010 1:12 AM ET
(RTTNews) - IVRCL Infrastructures & Projects said that the company bagged orders for Rs.958.07 crore in transportation, water & irrigation, buildings and power sectors.
The first order is for balance work of rehabilitation, strengthening and four laning of Bhogpur to Mukerian section of NH -1A from Km. 26 to Km 70 in Punjab state from National Highways Authority of India . The work includes construction of minor and major bridges,underpasses with approaches, 2 lane truss bridge over irrigation canal , culverts, grade separators , widening / rehabilitation and repair of existing bridges. The order is valued at Rs.359.96 crore and is to be completed in 30 months.
The second project is from Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board for providing distribution system, construction of distribution station, laying of conveying mains for two packages under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission or JNNURM. The project is to be completed in 24 months and is valued at Rs.123.25 crore.
The third project is a drinking water supply scheme project under Hemavathy project in Karnataka from Cauvery Neeravary Nigama, a Karnataka Government enterprise. The total completion period of the project is 24 months and is valued at Rs.142.35 crore.
The fourth project valued at Rs.133.64 crore is from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (II) for civil and electromechanical works for reservoirs at GKVK/ Bettahalli plantation, OMBR, Hudi and Booster Pumping station under JICA Loan -ID-P 168. The contract is to be completed in 24 months.
The fifth order includes construction of buildings in various places, modification of transmission lines package in power sector construction of water treatment plant in Jharkhand and is to be completed in 18 months. The project is valued at Rs.198.87 crore.
Govt mulls regularising irrigation pumpsets | Eshwarappa | Nirantara Jyoti | Indian Express
Govt mulls regularising irrigation pumpsets | Eshwarappa | Nirantara Jyoti | Indian Express
Govt mulls regularising irrigation pumpsets
Express News Service First Published : 03 Jan 2010 04:05:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 03 Jan 2010 08:23:03 AM IST
BANGALORE: In the run up to the state-wide launch of Nirantara Jyoti — the uninterrupted power supply programme for the benefit of nonagricultural activities in the rural limits — Power Minister Eshwarappa on Saturday said that the government was thinking of regularising unauthorised irrigation pumpsets too.
There are an estimated 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh unauthorised IP sets against their authorised tally of 17 lakh, the minister said, expressing confidence that the contemplated measure will go a long way in curbing theft of power. Eshwarappa also reiterated that students would have no problem preparing for the exams this year. The government is attuned to their issue; a special meeting will be held with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in this regard, he said.
The Nirantara Jyoti programme will be launched at Hoskote on January 16; both Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will be in attendance, Eshwarappa said.
Nirantara Jyoti will address the energy requirements of streetlighting, drinking water supply and small industries, he said.
A sum of Rs 2,120 crore is being spent on the programme; as many as 76 taluks will be covered in the first phase (Rs 1,200 crore) and another 56 will be covered in the second phase (Rs 960 crore) Eshwarappa said. All the 142 taluks will covered over the next nine months, he said.
The uninterrupted rural power supply programme will be mean an increase of 12 per cent on the prevalent demand for power in the state. Eshwarappa noted that 600 MW of power which is expected from the Udupi Thermal Power Plant by March this year and another 200 MW from the Raichur Thermal Power Plant later in the year will take care of the additional demand.
Govt mulls regularising irrigation pumpsets
Express News Service First Published : 03 Jan 2010 04:05:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 03 Jan 2010 08:23:03 AM IST
BANGALORE: In the run up to the state-wide launch of Nirantara Jyoti — the uninterrupted power supply programme for the benefit of nonagricultural activities in the rural limits — Power Minister Eshwarappa on Saturday said that the government was thinking of regularising unauthorised irrigation pumpsets too.
There are an estimated 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh unauthorised IP sets against their authorised tally of 17 lakh, the minister said, expressing confidence that the contemplated measure will go a long way in curbing theft of power. Eshwarappa also reiterated that students would have no problem preparing for the exams this year. The government is attuned to their issue; a special meeting will be held with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in this regard, he said.
The Nirantara Jyoti programme will be launched at Hoskote on January 16; both Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will be in attendance, Eshwarappa said.
Nirantara Jyoti will address the energy requirements of streetlighting, drinking water supply and small industries, he said.
A sum of Rs 2,120 crore is being spent on the programme; as many as 76 taluks will be covered in the first phase (Rs 1,200 crore) and another 56 will be covered in the second phase (Rs 960 crore) Eshwarappa said. All the 142 taluks will covered over the next nine months, he said.
The uninterrupted rural power supply programme will be mean an increase of 12 per cent on the prevalent demand for power in the state. Eshwarappa noted that 600 MW of power which is expected from the Udupi Thermal Power Plant by March this year and another 200 MW from the Raichur Thermal Power Plant later in the year will take care of the additional demand.
‘Hike in water tariff inevitable’
‘Hike in water tariff inevitable’
Hike in water tariff inevitable’
Bangalore, Jan 2, DH News Service:
Warning of an inevitable hike in water tariffs in the near future, BWSSB Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu on Saturday said revenue of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board have fallen by 50 per cent.
Speaking after releasing the 2010 technical diary of the Bangalore Jalamandali Abhiyantharara Sangha here, the Minister, without specifying the quantum of hike proposed or the date of its implementation, said: “The increasing water connections, due to the growth of the City has also resulted in wastage of water and there is absolutely no saving.”
He then suggested that BWSSB adopt about 1,085 lakes on the outskirts of the City for maintenance. Also small check dams could be constructed to harvest rainwater that could be used for the City. “There exists a dire need to harvest rainwater and even recycle water. The government will also allocate Rs 1,000 crore for implementation of rainwater harvesting schemes. Institutes of excellence such as Tata Institute and PSUs - HAL and BEL - housed in large campuses can also effectively implement rainwater harvesting” Katta said.
Tribunal award
The minister added that the City would require 1,200 MLD of water by 2011-12 and rued the 25 per cent shortage that exists. “We are able to supply only 800 MLD, out of which 500 MLD comes from the Cauvery. The saturation point is 1,350 MLD. We cannot supply water beyond this as per the tribunal award” he pointed out and issued a stern warning to those found directing sewerage water into storm water drains. “We are adopting a zero sewerage policy ” the minister stated.
He also instructed BWSSB to adopt better borewell management initiatives to control borewell water and stop leakages.
On the positive side, he lauded BWSSB for being accorded first place by the Centre, in water management schemes.
Hike in water tariff inevitable’
Bangalore, Jan 2, DH News Service:
Warning of an inevitable hike in water tariffs in the near future, BWSSB Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu on Saturday said revenue of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board have fallen by 50 per cent.
Speaking after releasing the 2010 technical diary of the Bangalore Jalamandali Abhiyantharara Sangha here, the Minister, without specifying the quantum of hike proposed or the date of its implementation, said: “The increasing water connections, due to the growth of the City has also resulted in wastage of water and there is absolutely no saving.”
He then suggested that BWSSB adopt about 1,085 lakes on the outskirts of the City for maintenance. Also small check dams could be constructed to harvest rainwater that could be used for the City. “There exists a dire need to harvest rainwater and even recycle water. The government will also allocate Rs 1,000 crore for implementation of rainwater harvesting schemes. Institutes of excellence such as Tata Institute and PSUs - HAL and BEL - housed in large campuses can also effectively implement rainwater harvesting” Katta said.
Tribunal award
The minister added that the City would require 1,200 MLD of water by 2011-12 and rued the 25 per cent shortage that exists. “We are able to supply only 800 MLD, out of which 500 MLD comes from the Cauvery. The saturation point is 1,350 MLD. We cannot supply water beyond this as per the tribunal award” he pointed out and issued a stern warning to those found directing sewerage water into storm water drains. “We are adopting a zero sewerage policy ” the minister stated.
He also instructed BWSSB to adopt better borewell management initiatives to control borewell water and stop leakages.
On the positive side, he lauded BWSSB for being accorded first place by the Centre, in water management schemes.
‘Cannot hold back water price hike any more’ | Katta Subramanya Naidu | PB Ramamurthy | Indian Express
‘Cannot hold back water price hike any more’ | Katta Subramanya Naidu | PB Ramamurthy | Indian Express
Cannot hold back water price hike any more’
Express News Service First Published : 03 Jan 2010 03:47:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 03 Jan 2010 07:58:42 AM IST
BANGALORE: Water prices may soon be hiked by the government to compensate for the difference between demand and supply of water, Minister for IT/BT and BWSSB Katta Subramanya Naidu said at the release function of the New Year diary brought out by engineers of the Bangalore Water Supply and Service Board on Saturday.
The Minister said that the price rise seemed inevitable as the demand exceeded supply in the state.
He said that there would be efforts to encourage institutions and other bodies to recycle sewage water and subsidies would be provided by the government. Naidu said that not all the borewells in the city were functioning and promised that he would ensure that there was one inspector for every 10 borewells.
He said that the borewells were used 24 hours a day and this was affecting the water table. Efforts would be made to regulate the use of water by fixing timings. The inspectors would monitor the same, Naidu said.
“The depth of the lakes in the city will be increased to accommodate more water, so that they become a source during monsoon," he said.
The government was also committed to use rainwater effectively, he said. Small dams would be built on the outskirts of Bangalore to bring in more water. PB Ramamurthy, HS Basavaraju, Narayan and other officials were present on the occasion.
Cannot hold back water price hike any more’
Express News Service First Published : 03 Jan 2010 03:47:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 03 Jan 2010 07:58:42 AM IST
BANGALORE: Water prices may soon be hiked by the government to compensate for the difference between demand and supply of water, Minister for IT/BT and BWSSB Katta Subramanya Naidu said at the release function of the New Year diary brought out by engineers of the Bangalore Water Supply and Service Board on Saturday.
The Minister said that the price rise seemed inevitable as the demand exceeded supply in the state.
He said that there would be efforts to encourage institutions and other bodies to recycle sewage water and subsidies would be provided by the government. Naidu said that not all the borewells in the city were functioning and promised that he would ensure that there was one inspector for every 10 borewells.
He said that the borewells were used 24 hours a day and this was affecting the water table. Efforts would be made to regulate the use of water by fixing timings. The inspectors would monitor the same, Naidu said.
“The depth of the lakes in the city will be increased to accommodate more water, so that they become a source during monsoon," he said.
The government was also committed to use rainwater effectively, he said. Small dams would be built on the outskirts of Bangalore to bring in more water. PB Ramamurthy, HS Basavaraju, Narayan and other officials were present on the occasion.
Mumbai: Now, cops under scanner for water-related offences, News - City - Mumbai Mirror
Now, cops under scanner for water-related offences, News - City - Mumbai Mirror
Now, cops under scanner for water-related offences
Shivaji Nagar, Deonar police allegedly set up booster pumps to enhance supply; ironically, they have filed the most cases against the water mafia in the city
Nazia Sayed
Posted On Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 02:08:13 AM
The Shivaji Nagar and Deonar police, who have together registered the maximum number of cases against the water mafia in the city, have themselves come under the scanner for alleged water-related offences.
It has been found that both these police stations have set up booster pumps in their premises to enhance water supply. What’s more, the water connection to these two police stations is itself questionable.
The booster pump (circled and right) seen in the premises of the Shivaji Nagar Police Station
Since November, the Deonar police seized 17 booster pumps and arrested 22 people for illegal water theft, while the Shivaji Nagar police confiscated 164 booster pumps and arrested 104 people.
As per BMC rules, the use of booster pumps to enhance supply is illegal, and those involved in such acts can be booked under criminal charges.
Accordingly, both these police stations booked those found using booster pumps under Sections 379 (punishment for theft), 430 (mischief by injury to works of irrigation or by wrongfully diverting water), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC.
Speaking on the two police stations, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of M East Ward Milind Sawant said, “Setting up booster pumps is illegal. If they have done so, we will take action against them, too. But right now, our priority is to crack down on the water mafia.”
When asked about the authenticity of the water connections to the two police stations, Sawant replied, “I will have to verify that first.”
Assistant Engineer Arun Kadam of M East Ward neither confirmed nor denied that the water connections at the police stations were illegal. Kadam said, “The connection given by us to the Shivaji Nagar Police Station is just a diversion from the main supply. Actually there are two connections given to the Shivaji Nagar police, but as supply is inadequate, a third connection was given from the closest water line.”
When contacted, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kaiser Baig said, “Please ask the BMC. I am not an engineer.”
Joint Commissioner of Police Himanshu Roy, however, said that strict action would be taken against those responsible for diverting water illegally. “We will definitely look into the matter and take appropriate action if anyone is found guilty,” he said.
Now, cops under scanner for water-related offences
Shivaji Nagar, Deonar police allegedly set up booster pumps to enhance supply; ironically, they have filed the most cases against the water mafia in the city
Nazia Sayed
Posted On Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 02:08:13 AM
The Shivaji Nagar and Deonar police, who have together registered the maximum number of cases against the water mafia in the city, have themselves come under the scanner for alleged water-related offences.
It has been found that both these police stations have set up booster pumps in their premises to enhance water supply. What’s more, the water connection to these two police stations is itself questionable.
The booster pump (circled and right) seen in the premises of the Shivaji Nagar Police Station
Since November, the Deonar police seized 17 booster pumps and arrested 22 people for illegal water theft, while the Shivaji Nagar police confiscated 164 booster pumps and arrested 104 people.
As per BMC rules, the use of booster pumps to enhance supply is illegal, and those involved in such acts can be booked under criminal charges.
Accordingly, both these police stations booked those found using booster pumps under Sections 379 (punishment for theft), 430 (mischief by injury to works of irrigation or by wrongfully diverting water), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC.
Speaking on the two police stations, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of M East Ward Milind Sawant said, “Setting up booster pumps is illegal. If they have done so, we will take action against them, too. But right now, our priority is to crack down on the water mafia.”
When asked about the authenticity of the water connections to the two police stations, Sawant replied, “I will have to verify that first.”
Assistant Engineer Arun Kadam of M East Ward neither confirmed nor denied that the water connections at the police stations were illegal. Kadam said, “The connection given by us to the Shivaji Nagar Police Station is just a diversion from the main supply. Actually there are two connections given to the Shivaji Nagar police, but as supply is inadequate, a third connection was given from the closest water line.”
When contacted, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kaiser Baig said, “Please ask the BMC. I am not an engineer.”
Joint Commissioner of Police Himanshu Roy, however, said that strict action would be taken against those responsible for diverting water illegally. “We will definitely look into the matter and take appropriate action if anyone is found guilty,” he said.
BWSSB: Digging hard for water | | | Indian Express
BWSSB: Digging hard for water | | | Indian Express
BWSSB: Digging hard for water
Express News Service First Published : 29 Dec 2009 04:43:00 AM IST
ALL the sources of drinking water in and around Bangalore will not be able to quench the city's thirst in the next 30 years. Estimates suggest that Bangalore will need at least 2,550 MLD of water by 2040. Even if all the sources of drinking water are exploited, only 1,500 MLD of water will be available for the city.
Looking down the barrel on the unavoidable fact, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB) amended the BWSSB act 1964 on August 27, 2009 to make way for rain water harvesting as a source of water for the city.
If the plans are implemented according to the amended laws, the harvested rain water is expected to meet the water requirements of the city for nearly six months in a year.
The BWSSB managed to supply Cauvery water to 16,000 households in the newly added areas of the city this year. More than 1,000 bore wells were dug to supply drinking water to these areas.
To bring in more water for the city, the department awarded most of the contracts for the implementation of Cauvery IV Stage II project and officials say the project will be completed in time — by 2012.
The water wastage has been causing a major dent in the department’s revenue. BWSSB has installed bulk flow meters to monitor the flow of water in different areas and to check the wastage of water. The geographic information system that is being currently developed is expected to help the department in checking the unaccounted for water. BWSSB has undertaken two major pilot projects to study the feasibility of implementing the system. The first of the two is expected to help the department trace the leakage in the city through satellite imagery.
The jetting machines inducted for clearing blockages in the sewage lines have proved effective.
BWSSB is also in the process of laying 2,300 kms of sewerage lines in the new areas of the city with World Bank aid. This project is expected to take shape in 2010.
Around 72 kms of major sewage lines were laid to ease the sewage flow from the city this year.
BWSSB: Digging hard for water
Express News Service First Published : 29 Dec 2009 04:43:00 AM IST
ALL the sources of drinking water in and around Bangalore will not be able to quench the city's thirst in the next 30 years. Estimates suggest that Bangalore will need at least 2,550 MLD of water by 2040. Even if all the sources of drinking water are exploited, only 1,500 MLD of water will be available for the city.
Looking down the barrel on the unavoidable fact, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB) amended the BWSSB act 1964 on August 27, 2009 to make way for rain water harvesting as a source of water for the city.
If the plans are implemented according to the amended laws, the harvested rain water is expected to meet the water requirements of the city for nearly six months in a year.
The BWSSB managed to supply Cauvery water to 16,000 households in the newly added areas of the city this year. More than 1,000 bore wells were dug to supply drinking water to these areas.
To bring in more water for the city, the department awarded most of the contracts for the implementation of Cauvery IV Stage II project and officials say the project will be completed in time — by 2012.
The water wastage has been causing a major dent in the department’s revenue. BWSSB has installed bulk flow meters to monitor the flow of water in different areas and to check the wastage of water. The geographic information system that is being currently developed is expected to help the department in checking the unaccounted for water. BWSSB has undertaken two major pilot projects to study the feasibility of implementing the system. The first of the two is expected to help the department trace the leakage in the city through satellite imagery.
The jetting machines inducted for clearing blockages in the sewage lines have proved effective.
BWSSB is also in the process of laying 2,300 kms of sewerage lines in the new areas of the city with World Bank aid. This project is expected to take shape in 2010.
Around 72 kms of major sewage lines were laid to ease the sewage flow from the city this year.
Proposal for India’s first Aqua Park gathers moss
Proposal for India’s first Aqua Park gathers moss
Proposal for India’s first Aqua Park gathers moss
Pavan Kumar H, Bangalore, Dec 27, DHNS:
The project remains on paper, thanks to lack of financial support, administrative will.
A proposal to set up India’s first Aqua Park in Bangalore, mooted two years ago continues to gathering dust. The project was all set to become a reality, when a sum of Rs two crore was announced in 2007, for setting up the Park.
In preparation, cive teams from the State Fisheries Department had visited all the major fishery hubs in India.However, the project has remained on paper due to lack of financial support and administrative will.
Sources in the State Fisheries Department said that ever since the new Government was formed last May, not a single review meeting has been held to discuss the project.
“Of the Rs two crore announced, only Rs one crore was released this year,” said Dr N R Ramakrishna, State Joint Director, Department of Fisheries. “We are also technically hamstrung as our engineers were transferred out with no replacement,” he added.
Even if the project started immediately, sources said it would take another year and a half to complete.
Of the Rs one crore that has been released, Rs 35 lakh has been sanctioned for levelling of the ground, sinking of borewells and drains. The construction work is expected to start in January 2010.
On 13 acres land
The proposed Aqua Park is supposed to come up on 13 acres of land at Hessaraghatta on the outskirts of Bangalore. It will have facilities like laboratory, quarantine, power and water supply, covering six acres of land provided by the Government to private entrepreneurs. The remaining land will be divided into half-an-acre each, for the establishment of tanks and offices for private parties.
“The Government will provide all the technical support like laboratories, quarantines and certification of fishes. The private entrepreneurs will establish their setup and produce ornamental fishes. They can either do business locally or export them,” said Ramakrishna, the prime mover of the project.
Presently, the State is getting its ornamental fish from either Chennai or Kolkata. “There are about 500 fish-related shops in Bangalore and almost all of them are getting fish from Chennai, Bombay or Kolkata,” said Narayana K, Curator of Government Aquarium.
State’s contribution nil
“The present contribution of Karnataka to the Fisheries is very little with only a few private entrepreneurs trading. If an Aqua Park is established, all those shops will be benefited and acclimatisation will increase the lifespan of the fish”, he added. According to the joint director, the Aqua Park would help farmers. “The fish seeds (eggs or seedlings) produced by private entrepreneurs in the Aqua Park could be sent to farmers who would rear them in their farm or house. Once they are big enough they will be returned to the private parties or sold. This will generate employment and economy in villages,” said Ramkrishna.
Proposal for India’s first Aqua Park gathers moss
Pavan Kumar H, Bangalore, Dec 27, DHNS:
The project remains on paper, thanks to lack of financial support, administrative will.
A proposal to set up India’s first Aqua Park in Bangalore, mooted two years ago continues to gathering dust. The project was all set to become a reality, when a sum of Rs two crore was announced in 2007, for setting up the Park.
In preparation, cive teams from the State Fisheries Department had visited all the major fishery hubs in India.However, the project has remained on paper due to lack of financial support and administrative will.
Sources in the State Fisheries Department said that ever since the new Government was formed last May, not a single review meeting has been held to discuss the project.
“Of the Rs two crore announced, only Rs one crore was released this year,” said Dr N R Ramakrishna, State Joint Director, Department of Fisheries. “We are also technically hamstrung as our engineers were transferred out with no replacement,” he added.
Even if the project started immediately, sources said it would take another year and a half to complete.
Of the Rs one crore that has been released, Rs 35 lakh has been sanctioned for levelling of the ground, sinking of borewells and drains. The construction work is expected to start in January 2010.
On 13 acres land
The proposed Aqua Park is supposed to come up on 13 acres of land at Hessaraghatta on the outskirts of Bangalore. It will have facilities like laboratory, quarantine, power and water supply, covering six acres of land provided by the Government to private entrepreneurs. The remaining land will be divided into half-an-acre each, for the establishment of tanks and offices for private parties.
“The Government will provide all the technical support like laboratories, quarantines and certification of fishes. The private entrepreneurs will establish their setup and produce ornamental fishes. They can either do business locally or export them,” said Ramakrishna, the prime mover of the project.
Presently, the State is getting its ornamental fish from either Chennai or Kolkata. “There are about 500 fish-related shops in Bangalore and almost all of them are getting fish from Chennai, Bombay or Kolkata,” said Narayana K, Curator of Government Aquarium.
State’s contribution nil
“The present contribution of Karnataka to the Fisheries is very little with only a few private entrepreneurs trading. If an Aqua Park is established, all those shops will be benefited and acclimatisation will increase the lifespan of the fish”, he added. According to the joint director, the Aqua Park would help farmers. “The fish seeds (eggs or seedlings) produced by private entrepreneurs in the Aqua Park could be sent to farmers who would rear them in their farm or house. Once they are big enough they will be returned to the private parties or sold. This will generate employment and economy in villages,” said Ramkrishna.
BWSSB hopes to end for water woes
BWSSB hopes to end for water woes
BWSSB hopes to end for water woes
S Lalitha
The year 2009 saw Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) taking up the work on the second phase of Cauvery Water Supply Stage IV.
The project, that would supply 500 Million Litres of Water Per Day (MLPD) to the City after its completion in 2012, is expected to redress the prevailing water shortage and cater to the requirements of the projected population then.
Groundwork
Much of the groundwork for the Rs 3,384-crore project funded by The Japan International Corporation Agency has been completed. Steel was transported to the City and tenders were awarded to convert the steel into pipes.
Foundation has been laid for groundlevel reservoirs and the groundwork for supply of water has to be carried out in the new year. On the other hand, the water tariff continues to be a worrying issue for citizens. The hike in power tariff is sure to cast a cascading effect on the water tariff as well.
With a hike of 35 paise per unit of power, an increase in the water tariff appears imminent.
This is because 50 pc of BWSSB’s revenue from water goes to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) due to power consumed in pumping of Cauvery water from T K Halli reservoir, located nearly 100 kms away from the City.
“Water tariff has remained stable for the last four years despite increase in power tariff and the hike effected this time is pretty steep,” a top official hinted.
BWSSB hopes to end for water woes
S Lalitha
The year 2009 saw Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) taking up the work on the second phase of Cauvery Water Supply Stage IV.
The project, that would supply 500 Million Litres of Water Per Day (MLPD) to the City after its completion in 2012, is expected to redress the prevailing water shortage and cater to the requirements of the projected population then.
Groundwork
Much of the groundwork for the Rs 3,384-crore project funded by The Japan International Corporation Agency has been completed. Steel was transported to the City and tenders were awarded to convert the steel into pipes.
Foundation has been laid for groundlevel reservoirs and the groundwork for supply of water has to be carried out in the new year. On the other hand, the water tariff continues to be a worrying issue for citizens. The hike in power tariff is sure to cast a cascading effect on the water tariff as well.
With a hike of 35 paise per unit of power, an increase in the water tariff appears imminent.
This is because 50 pc of BWSSB’s revenue from water goes to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) due to power consumed in pumping of Cauvery water from T K Halli reservoir, located nearly 100 kms away from the City.
“Water tariff has remained stable for the last four years despite increase in power tariff and the hike effected this time is pretty steep,” a top official hinted.
Bangalore looks beyond Cauvery to quench thirst
Bangalore looks beyond Cauvery to quench thirst
Bangalore looks beyond Cauvery to quench thirst
Praveen Bose / Bangalore December 25, 2009, 0:52 IST
The city is examining options, including rainwater harvesting.
Bangalore, which draws all its drinking water from the Cauvery has been lauded as a model city for its well-metered water supply system and an effective complaint redress mechanism.
The city, also an information technology (IT) hub, has metered its water supply and made its revenue collection allegedly leak-proof, with solutions provided by IT companies in its 580,000 water connections in a population of about 7.4 million.
But Bangalore is now on an expansion mode, with a new supply line being readied for the Greater Bangalore City Corporation, which will include seven city municipalities and one town municipality.
To meet its future requirement, the city is looking beyond the Cauvery. It is examining the options of supplying water tapped through rainwater harvesting, as well as a different model for funding the new project.
There are various options for managing supplies, including end treatment, source treatment and roof water harvesting, says K V Raju, economic advisor to the chief minister of Karnataka, and professor and head, Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources of the Institute for Social and Economic Change.
He says these could take care of 40 per cent of the needs of the city, which receives about 1,000 millimetre of rains every year.
In addition, recycled water would ensure there is lots available for local consumption. But, for that we will need to lay a second pipeline to deal with the accessibility issue, says Raju.
The actual demand-supply gap for water in the city is around 10 per cent as far as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is concerned. But, a significant amount of water distress is seen in the city because of the private layouts and developments that have come up around the city.
Despite the issues pertaining to water supply, Bangalore is said to have the best metered water connections among the metros. “No city in India has metered better than Bangalore. This ensures better accountability and revenue models,” said Raju.
The current per capita water supply in Bangalore is 100 to 125 (gross) litres per capita per day (LPCD), which is below the national standard of 150 LPCD. The per capita availability of water for the vast majority of poor people in Bangalore is only 40-45 LPCD. The gross demand for the city’s population is 900 million litres a day (MLD). However, BWSSB is able to supply only about 810 MLD.
According to M N Tippeswamy, a retired chief engineer of BWSSB and now a consultant with the board, there is need for a catchment area authority in Bangalore, like the Sydney Catchment Authority in Australia. But, the multiplicity of agencies is a hurdle to any projects for protecting the catchment areas.
BWSSB spends 55 per cent of its budget on power, 12 per cent on establishment costs, 3 per cent on chemicals, while revenue expenditure makes for about 15 per cent and rest goes on repayments.
Reforms
The reforms undertaken by BWSSB are the first steps towards increasing its financial resources, enabling an investment in the automation of systems such as accounting processes.
Administrative reforms have set the pace for the financial reforms at BWSSB, as well as for streamlining its accounting processes. Meanwhile, the utility also worked on improving its relationship with the public. “The provision of spot billings and 24-hour automated payment kiosks has increased customer friendliness,” said a top ranking official. The Board is also moving towards adopting international accounting standards to improve its credit ratings.
Supplies
About 90 per cent of the water supplied by the BWSSB comes from the river Cauvery. Water is pumped over a distance of about 100 km to the city, which is 3,000 feet above sea level. The scheme nominally supplies 810 MLD to the city. The second phase of Cauvery Stage-IV, which is under construction, is expected to enhance the water supply by another 500 MLD.
Bangalore looks beyond Cauvery to quench thirst
Praveen Bose / Bangalore December 25, 2009, 0:52 IST
The city is examining options, including rainwater harvesting.
Bangalore, which draws all its drinking water from the Cauvery has been lauded as a model city for its well-metered water supply system and an effective complaint redress mechanism.
The city, also an information technology (IT) hub, has metered its water supply and made its revenue collection allegedly leak-proof, with solutions provided by IT companies in its 580,000 water connections in a population of about 7.4 million.
But Bangalore is now on an expansion mode, with a new supply line being readied for the Greater Bangalore City Corporation, which will include seven city municipalities and one town municipality.
To meet its future requirement, the city is looking beyond the Cauvery. It is examining the options of supplying water tapped through rainwater harvesting, as well as a different model for funding the new project.
There are various options for managing supplies, including end treatment, source treatment and roof water harvesting, says K V Raju, economic advisor to the chief minister of Karnataka, and professor and head, Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources of the Institute for Social and Economic Change.
He says these could take care of 40 per cent of the needs of the city, which receives about 1,000 millimetre of rains every year.
In addition, recycled water would ensure there is lots available for local consumption. But, for that we will need to lay a second pipeline to deal with the accessibility issue, says Raju.
The actual demand-supply gap for water in the city is around 10 per cent as far as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is concerned. But, a significant amount of water distress is seen in the city because of the private layouts and developments that have come up around the city.
Despite the issues pertaining to water supply, Bangalore is said to have the best metered water connections among the metros. “No city in India has metered better than Bangalore. This ensures better accountability and revenue models,” said Raju.
The current per capita water supply in Bangalore is 100 to 125 (gross) litres per capita per day (LPCD), which is below the national standard of 150 LPCD. The per capita availability of water for the vast majority of poor people in Bangalore is only 40-45 LPCD. The gross demand for the city’s population is 900 million litres a day (MLD). However, BWSSB is able to supply only about 810 MLD.
According to M N Tippeswamy, a retired chief engineer of BWSSB and now a consultant with the board, there is need for a catchment area authority in Bangalore, like the Sydney Catchment Authority in Australia. But, the multiplicity of agencies is a hurdle to any projects for protecting the catchment areas.
BWSSB spends 55 per cent of its budget on power, 12 per cent on establishment costs, 3 per cent on chemicals, while revenue expenditure makes for about 15 per cent and rest goes on repayments.
Reforms
The reforms undertaken by BWSSB are the first steps towards increasing its financial resources, enabling an investment in the automation of systems such as accounting processes.
Administrative reforms have set the pace for the financial reforms at BWSSB, as well as for streamlining its accounting processes. Meanwhile, the utility also worked on improving its relationship with the public. “The provision of spot billings and 24-hour automated payment kiosks has increased customer friendliness,” said a top ranking official. The Board is also moving towards adopting international accounting standards to improve its credit ratings.
Supplies
About 90 per cent of the water supplied by the BWSSB comes from the river Cauvery. Water is pumped over a distance of about 100 km to the city, which is 3,000 feet above sea level. The scheme nominally supplies 810 MLD to the city. The second phase of Cauvery Stage-IV, which is under construction, is expected to enhance the water supply by another 500 MLD.
Commerce is off the street!, News - City - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror
Commerce is off the street!, News - City - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror
Praveen Kumar
Posted On Friday, December 11, 2009 at 01:23:18 AM
For the Commercial Street, one of the top shopping destinations in Bangalore, commerce will be the biggest casualty during New Year and Christmas shopping season as the street will ‘remain closed for traffic indefinitely’. Reason: The BWSSB plans to replace century-old rusted water pipes passing under the road.
While the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board is in a hurry to begin work and complete it at the earliest, traders are requesting the board to delay the work in view of the New Year shopping season.
REVENUE GROSSER
Traders said the New Year season is a big revenue grosser for them. It is during this season that they illuminate the road, put up colourful posters and banners, and create a festive atmosphere.
“If the BWSSB digs up the road and closes it for traffic during this season, how do you expect us to keep our shops open? We have requested the BWSSB to start work in the new year,” Ajai Motwani, vice-president of Bangalore Commercial Association, a traders’ body, told Bangalore Mirror.
But the BWSSB seems to be in a hurry. Asked about the traders’ plea, BWSSB’s executive engineer Sathish said, “We are replacing the 100-year-old existing four-inch water pipes passing under the road with 12-inch concrete pipes. We have to dig the road and find out where these pipes are passing.”
PIPES ON ROAD
He said the pipes have been kept on the road and more materials will arrive soon. “Hopefully, the work should begin next week.”
Sathish also said he has not received any request from anyone, including the Commercial Street traders, on when to commence work.
Commercial Street traders’ body vice-president, however, said it has appealed to the BWSSB to start work only after the New Year shopping season. They hadone more request. They want the BWSSB to move elsewhere the concrete pipes kept on the road until the end of this shopping season.
NO TIME-FRAME
Meanwhile, the BWSSB is not sure how long it will take to replace the pipes. “Only when we start work will be know. I cannot tell you the exact time,” said the BWSSB officials.
“Once the BWSSB completes work, the road has to be relaid. It will take some more time. If the BBMP decides to lay a solid concrete road with an asphalt coating, it will take more time,” sources said.
Traders hope the authorities will take up work on war-footing and complete it in a few days without causing inconvenience to them as well as the shoppers.
The Commercial Street traffic police inspector had a different take on this matter. “I was told the traders and the BWSSB have come to an understanding. It might not take more than three days. Traders have agreed to shut shop during this period,” he said.
But, going by the track record of our civic agencies, if they complete the task in three days, it will be a record of sorts.
Praveen Kumar
Posted On Friday, December 11, 2009 at 01:23:18 AM
For the Commercial Street, one of the top shopping destinations in Bangalore, commerce will be the biggest casualty during New Year and Christmas shopping season as the street will ‘remain closed for traffic indefinitely’. Reason: The BWSSB plans to replace century-old rusted water pipes passing under the road.
While the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board is in a hurry to begin work and complete it at the earliest, traders are requesting the board to delay the work in view of the New Year shopping season.
REVENUE GROSSER
Traders said the New Year season is a big revenue grosser for them. It is during this season that they illuminate the road, put up colourful posters and banners, and create a festive atmosphere.
“If the BWSSB digs up the road and closes it for traffic during this season, how do you expect us to keep our shops open? We have requested the BWSSB to start work in the new year,” Ajai Motwani, vice-president of Bangalore Commercial Association, a traders’ body, told Bangalore Mirror.
But the BWSSB seems to be in a hurry. Asked about the traders’ plea, BWSSB’s executive engineer Sathish said, “We are replacing the 100-year-old existing four-inch water pipes passing under the road with 12-inch concrete pipes. We have to dig the road and find out where these pipes are passing.”
PIPES ON ROAD
He said the pipes have been kept on the road and more materials will arrive soon. “Hopefully, the work should begin next week.”
Sathish also said he has not received any request from anyone, including the Commercial Street traders, on when to commence work.
Commercial Street traders’ body vice-president, however, said it has appealed to the BWSSB to start work only after the New Year shopping season. They hadone more request. They want the BWSSB to move elsewhere the concrete pipes kept on the road until the end of this shopping season.
NO TIME-FRAME
Meanwhile, the BWSSB is not sure how long it will take to replace the pipes. “Only when we start work will be know. I cannot tell you the exact time,” said the BWSSB officials.
“Once the BWSSB completes work, the road has to be relaid. It will take some more time. If the BBMP decides to lay a solid concrete road with an asphalt coating, it will take more time,” sources said.
Traders hope the authorities will take up work on war-footing and complete it in a few days without causing inconvenience to them as well as the shoppers.
The Commercial Street traffic police inspector had a different take on this matter. “I was told the traders and the BWSSB have come to an understanding. It might not take more than three days. Traders have agreed to shut shop during this period,” he said.
But, going by the track record of our civic agencies, if they complete the task in three days, it will be a record of sorts.
Thanks to BBMP, no water supply in Rajajinagar | | | Indian Express
Thanks to BBMP, no water supply in Rajajinagar | | | Indian Express: "hanks to BBMP, no water supply in Rajajinagar
Express News Service First Published : 08 Dec 2009 08:31:59 AM ISTLast Updated : 08 Dec 2009 09:07:48 AM IST
BANGALORE: Thanks to BBMP's negligence, residents of Rajajinagar had no water supply on Monday. BBMP which started work on drilling a borewell opposite ESI Hospital damaged the main water line which supplied water to Rajajinagar and surrounding areas. The damage also caused a loss of around 4 mld water.
However, the work on restoration is in process and by evening the water will be restored and supplied to the localities, said authorities.
According to residents, BBMP went ahead with the work on drilling the borewell without checking the main lines on the way.
“We had to suffer for a lack of understanding between the BBMP and BWSSB,' a resident of Rajajinagar said.�"
Express News Service First Published : 08 Dec 2009 08:31:59 AM ISTLast Updated : 08 Dec 2009 09:07:48 AM IST
BANGALORE: Thanks to BBMP's negligence, residents of Rajajinagar had no water supply on Monday. BBMP which started work on drilling a borewell opposite ESI Hospital damaged the main water line which supplied water to Rajajinagar and surrounding areas. The damage also caused a loss of around 4 mld water.
However, the work on restoration is in process and by evening the water will be restored and supplied to the localities, said authorities.
According to residents, BBMP went ahead with the work on drilling the borewell without checking the main lines on the way.
“We had to suffer for a lack of understanding between the BBMP and BWSSB,' a resident of Rajajinagar said.�"
Dorekere lake revival doomed - dnaindia.com
Dorekere lake revival doomed - dnaindia.com
Bangalore: Dorekere lake in Padmanabhanagar, was all set for resuscitation. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) called for tenders in July this year for the comprehensive improvement of the lake.
Last week, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa inaugurated a range of development works in Padmanabhanagar constituency. Among the works listed was the restoration of Dorekere lake. Residents were jubilant. It now appears, however, that even before it starts, work on the Dorekere lake might be doomed.
A sewerage line, 250 metres long, runs through the Dorekere lake bed is set to be developed.
This is rocky terrain, and BBMP authorities rule out the possibility of shifting the sewer line before work on the rejuvenation of the lake begins. The concrete pipeline with sewage water will thus flow on the bed of the lake, and any breakage of that pipe will cause contamination of the lake water.
Unless the sewerage line is diverted, residents feel, there is little point in undertaking work on the lake.
R Prasad, who lives in the vicinity, said, "There are miscreants who might deliberately break the concrete, and allow the sewage in the drain to mix with the lake water. Why do the authorities want to pollute something, and then restore it?"
BV Mahesh Kumar, another resident of the area, said, "There is a trunk drain of the BBMP in the vicinity of the lake. This drain flows from Yelachenahalli to Mayasandra. Why cannot the BBMP coordinate with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to divert the water in the sewer to this trunk drain? If this is not done now, the lake will need to be rejuvenated again in a couple of years."
As per BBMP records, the total area of the lake, including its catchment area, is 27 acres and 23 guntas. The area of the water body is 81,306 sq metres. However, what exists to the naked eye is a pipeline, with little trace of water.
Residents say that until 2002, there was even boating happening on the lake. Deterioration of the lake started from 2004, when the nearby Gowdanapalya was developed into an industrial belt, and chemical effluents began to flow into the sewage lines in the area.
By 2006, the water began to smell foul, and the public stayed away.
A senior BBMP official said, "The lake water was foul-smelling. We are trying to improve it. Diversion of the sewerage line is just not possible. We have ensured that the water will not mix -- the sewerage line is a concrete one."
Officials add that the area is rocky, and excavating rocks to divert the line would be expensive. Besides, even if the pipe is embedded in the earth and laid such that the lake water is not directly in contact with it, it would be next to impossible to detect any leakage.
De-silting of the lake bed, strengthening the bund, creation of a wetland and the formation of an island within the lake are all part of the development works planned.
Bangalore: Dorekere lake in Padmanabhanagar, was all set for resuscitation. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) called for tenders in July this year for the comprehensive improvement of the lake.
Last week, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa inaugurated a range of development works in Padmanabhanagar constituency. Among the works listed was the restoration of Dorekere lake. Residents were jubilant. It now appears, however, that even before it starts, work on the Dorekere lake might be doomed.
A sewerage line, 250 metres long, runs through the Dorekere lake bed is set to be developed.
This is rocky terrain, and BBMP authorities rule out the possibility of shifting the sewer line before work on the rejuvenation of the lake begins. The concrete pipeline with sewage water will thus flow on the bed of the lake, and any breakage of that pipe will cause contamination of the lake water.
Unless the sewerage line is diverted, residents feel, there is little point in undertaking work on the lake.
R Prasad, who lives in the vicinity, said, "There are miscreants who might deliberately break the concrete, and allow the sewage in the drain to mix with the lake water. Why do the authorities want to pollute something, and then restore it?"
BV Mahesh Kumar, another resident of the area, said, "There is a trunk drain of the BBMP in the vicinity of the lake. This drain flows from Yelachenahalli to Mayasandra. Why cannot the BBMP coordinate with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to divert the water in the sewer to this trunk drain? If this is not done now, the lake will need to be rejuvenated again in a couple of years."
As per BBMP records, the total area of the lake, including its catchment area, is 27 acres and 23 guntas. The area of the water body is 81,306 sq metres. However, what exists to the naked eye is a pipeline, with little trace of water.
Residents say that until 2002, there was even boating happening on the lake. Deterioration of the lake started from 2004, when the nearby Gowdanapalya was developed into an industrial belt, and chemical effluents began to flow into the sewage lines in the area.
By 2006, the water began to smell foul, and the public stayed away.
A senior BBMP official said, "The lake water was foul-smelling. We are trying to improve it. Diversion of the sewerage line is just not possible. We have ensured that the water will not mix -- the sewerage line is a concrete one."
Officials add that the area is rocky, and excavating rocks to divert the line would be expensive. Besides, even if the pipe is embedded in the earth and laid such that the lake water is not directly in contact with it, it would be next to impossible to detect any leakage.
De-silting of the lake bed, strengthening the bund, creation of a wetland and the formation of an island within the lake are all part of the development works planned.
Plagued by lack of civic amenities
Plagued by lack of civic amenities
You are here: Home » City » Plagued by lack of civic amenities
Plagued by lack of civic amenities
From traffic chaos to land mafia and from water supply problems to sanitary woes, Rajarajeshwari Nagar has been plagued by lack of civic amenities.
This constituency comprising of nine BBMP wards was identified with dust, dirt, garbage, open drains and lack of street lights. While Bangalore grew by leaps and bounds, the fruits of City’s growth could not reach many areas of the R R Nagar constituency.
It has a sizable revenue pocket when compared to any other part of Bangalore. Five of the nine wards namely Jalahalli, Yeshawantapur, Lakshmidevi Nagar, Laggere and Kottegepalya were in a pathetic state a couple of years back.
The residents of the area say that there were no efforts to develop these areas. For decades many of these revenue pockets had open drains running through the mud roads.
“Until five years ago people hesitated coming to our locality. The entire area used to stink, being flooded with dirty water. In the last one-and-half years, road laying work is done. We have come to know that soon under ground drainage (UGD) and storm water drains would be constructed,” said M Siddaiah, a resident of Kempegowda Nagar, a revenue pocket.
Water Shortage
Water shortage is the most haunting of problems faced by the five ailing wards in the constituency.
“There is acute drinking water shortage. We have been appealing to the engineers from the civic agencies to provide us the relief, but to no vain,” said Siddegowda, owner of a marriage hall in the area. Locals suggest that the most common excuse given by the authorities is: “The pipelines are over 100 years old. we will provide you with water when they are replaced as soon as possible.” While the pipeline replacement drive has begun, water is yet to flow through the taps. People in Laggere ward have been depending upon tankers at Rs 400 per trip and the few borewells for drinking water.
There also exists the problem of traffic chaos and congestion. “With the growth of the City, the traffic volume has also increased. The only approach roads that exist, Mysore Road, has been in a neglected state,” said Parthasarthy, resident of R R Nagar. The potholes and craters that exist on the road have disrupted the smooth flow of traffic in and out of R R Nagar.
Even as the city receives more funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme for public transport, there has been a minimal change in the connectivity to this area. “The bus frequency towards the evening is extremely negligible. Between 6.15 pm and 8 pm there seems to be only one bus that ply in R R Nagar,” rues Parthsarthy.
Law and order?
The land mafia is active in this area. In Laggere, IOB colony, locals state that the same site has been distributed to nearly four or five people. “While the land will be in somebody’s name, the registered GPA will be given to someone else,” said Venkatraju, a bank employee.
Residents in the area seem to have no respite as crime rates have been on the rise across the constituency. “Last Sunday a chain snatching incident took place in the neighbourhood. It is extremely dangerous for women and elderly to walk on the streets after dark,” said Venkatraju.
Lack of direction
As the water and sanitary pipe replacement programme intensifies, the cutting and digging up of roads have increased many fold.
However, people suggest that the works have only caused more trouble for the people.
“They first dig up the road remove the old pipes and then close it for the time being without any replacements. Authorities have been suggesting that the work will commence once there is water supply available. they will once again dig the same road to relay the sanitary pipes,” laments Venkatraju.
You are here: Home » City » Plagued by lack of civic amenities
Plagued by lack of civic amenities
From traffic chaos to land mafia and from water supply problems to sanitary woes, Rajarajeshwari Nagar has been plagued by lack of civic amenities.
This constituency comprising of nine BBMP wards was identified with dust, dirt, garbage, open drains and lack of street lights. While Bangalore grew by leaps and bounds, the fruits of City’s growth could not reach many areas of the R R Nagar constituency.
It has a sizable revenue pocket when compared to any other part of Bangalore. Five of the nine wards namely Jalahalli, Yeshawantapur, Lakshmidevi Nagar, Laggere and Kottegepalya were in a pathetic state a couple of years back.
The residents of the area say that there were no efforts to develop these areas. For decades many of these revenue pockets had open drains running through the mud roads.
“Until five years ago people hesitated coming to our locality. The entire area used to stink, being flooded with dirty water. In the last one-and-half years, road laying work is done. We have come to know that soon under ground drainage (UGD) and storm water drains would be constructed,” said M Siddaiah, a resident of Kempegowda Nagar, a revenue pocket.
Water Shortage
Water shortage is the most haunting of problems faced by the five ailing wards in the constituency.
“There is acute drinking water shortage. We have been appealing to the engineers from the civic agencies to provide us the relief, but to no vain,” said Siddegowda, owner of a marriage hall in the area. Locals suggest that the most common excuse given by the authorities is: “The pipelines are over 100 years old. we will provide you with water when they are replaced as soon as possible.” While the pipeline replacement drive has begun, water is yet to flow through the taps. People in Laggere ward have been depending upon tankers at Rs 400 per trip and the few borewells for drinking water.
There also exists the problem of traffic chaos and congestion. “With the growth of the City, the traffic volume has also increased. The only approach roads that exist, Mysore Road, has been in a neglected state,” said Parthasarthy, resident of R R Nagar. The potholes and craters that exist on the road have disrupted the smooth flow of traffic in and out of R R Nagar.
Even as the city receives more funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme for public transport, there has been a minimal change in the connectivity to this area. “The bus frequency towards the evening is extremely negligible. Between 6.15 pm and 8 pm there seems to be only one bus that ply in R R Nagar,” rues Parthsarthy.
Law and order?
The land mafia is active in this area. In Laggere, IOB colony, locals state that the same site has been distributed to nearly four or five people. “While the land will be in somebody’s name, the registered GPA will be given to someone else,” said Venkatraju, a bank employee.
Residents in the area seem to have no respite as crime rates have been on the rise across the constituency. “Last Sunday a chain snatching incident took place in the neighbourhood. It is extremely dangerous for women and elderly to walk on the streets after dark,” said Venkatraju.
Lack of direction
As the water and sanitary pipe replacement programme intensifies, the cutting and digging up of roads have increased many fold.
However, people suggest that the works have only caused more trouble for the people.
“They first dig up the road remove the old pipes and then close it for the time being without any replacements. Authorities have been suggesting that the work will commence once there is water supply available. they will once again dig the same road to relay the sanitary pipes,” laments Venkatraju.
Steel Guru : Pratibha and Gammon JV bags Bangalore water supply order - 123488 - 2009-12-05
Steel Guru : Pratibha and Gammon JV bags Bangalore water supply order - 123488 - 2009-12-05: "Pratibha Industries in JV with Gammon India has bagged an order worth INR 309.46 crore from the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board for procurement, fabrication and laying of clear water main from Vajarahalli to HBR on the East of Bangalore.
The project has various components
1. MS trunk mains of diameter from 1,800 mm to 700 mm of total length of 45 km
2. DI trunk main of diameter 500 mm of 5 km
3. External / internal coating and epoxy painting of the pipes
4. Fabrication, laying, jointing, erection and construction of pipe specials, valves, saddle supports, thrust blocks and anchor blocks
5. Interconnection with existing water supply system.
The work has to be executed in 26 months and is funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation."
The project has various components
1. MS trunk mains of diameter from 1,800 mm to 700 mm of total length of 45 km
2. DI trunk main of diameter 500 mm of 5 km
3. External / internal coating and epoxy painting of the pipes
4. Fabrication, laying, jointing, erection and construction of pipe specials, valves, saddle supports, thrust blocks and anchor blocks
5. Interconnection with existing water supply system.
The work has to be executed in 26 months and is funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation."
UNDERPASS ZONE - Bangalore - City - The Times of India
UNDERPASS ZONE - Bangalore - City - The Times of India
UNDERPASS ZONE
A T Subrahmanya & Sruthy Susan Ullas, TNN, Dec 22, 2009, 03.43am IST
Tags:south bangalore|bangalore
BANGALORE: South Bangalore, called the biggest residential locality in Asia, has more than its share of problems. Apart from niggling issues like solid waste management, dog menace, the glaring problem is several infrastructure projects going on simultaneously, severely hampering movement around the area. Metro work, which started amidst many protests over tree-felling, is chugging along but has also severed commutability.
Citizens rose in unison against delayed deadlines of underpass works in Puttenahalli and Kadirenahalli. Even the Tagore Circle underpass works were much opposed.
PUTTENAHALLI UNDERPASS
The JN-NURM underpass project on Puttenahalli Ring Road was started in May 2008 with an estimated cost of Rs 22.99 crore. The 100-Feet Ring Road connects Bannerghatta Road to Outer Ring Road. Construction work has already seen three deadlines pass by and a new deadline of January 15 has been set now. But a visit to the site shows that work is still going ahead, but at a slow pace. According to BBMP itself, only about 40% works have been completed.
“Twenty metres of the deck is completed. The remaining 30 m is still under progress. The deadlines have been postponed several times. We have filed a complaint against the contractor at our head office in Chennai. I will ask the engineers to file a criminal case against him if the deck is not finished by the end of December,” said an official, who did not want to be named.
D V Raghunath, a resident of Puttenahalli Ring Road, whose house is located right in front of the underpass works, is an exhausted man. Raghunath waited for some time after work started last year at the site. The underpass work not only made him immobile but has also cut off water supply lines. He says: “The work completely cut off my house, and we cannot move out, so we had to shift to Jayanagar. Though we are waiting for the underpass to be finished, work seems to be going on forever. We even tried to approach court but BBMP conveniently washed its hands of everything by putting the blame on contractors and showing that they had fined them.’’
KADIRENAHALLI UNDERPASS
The JN-NURM project at Kadirenalli road junction Outer Ring Road was started in March 2008 at an estimated cost of Rs 28.72 crore, which was supposed to be completed in 10 months. But even after 21 months, project work is still crawling at snail’s pace and has also thrown traffic movement in the area in disarray.
“The issue here is land acquisition. Once we overcome that hurdle, probably by the end of January, then work will speed up,” said the official.
“Business has been dull for the past one year. A bakery and a restaurant next to my complex were shutdown because they were running on loss,’’ rues Kumar K, a businessman near the underpass construction work. Beside the construction site is a dusty field, in which all the lorries are parked. Commuters take a detour on these roads to reach Padmanabhanagar.
“The ride through these roads near the construction work is extremely dangerous. We ride over iron rods and nails everyday. And we need to travel an extra kilometre to reach home,’’ stated Laisy Thomas, a resident of Kumaraswamy Layout. The latest deadline seems to be March 2010, but again, the ground reality shows that it is obvious work will not be complete by the next deadline.
TAGORE CIRCLE UNDERPASS
One of the most controversial underpass works at Tagore Circle in Basavanagudi, under JN-NURM, has drawn the ire of residents as well as several NGOs. Project work, with an estimated cost of Rs 19.49 crore started in October this year at the ‘staggered’ junction, is supposed to connect two roads at different locations on KR Road. Work is being slowed down due to shifting of water lines, the authorities informed TOI.
But the underpass has drawn wide criticism from local residents and even had people starting online petition campaigns, urging people to sign the cause to stop the work. The residents mainly feel that the underpass is unnecessary infrastructure when there was not much of a problem. Though BBMP anticipates high traffic density in the coming years, residents dismiss the idea.
“I filed an RTI about the roads under my ward three weeks ago. The authorities asked me to wait because even they didn’t know which ones belonged where after delimitation,’’ says S R Venkatram, member of the resident welfare association on BP Wadia Road in Basavanagudi.
Apart from these infrastructure works, now Metro work in Jayanagar South End stretch and Vijayanagar area has also made commuting a challenge.
“The traffic jam gets real bad during peak hours. It takes 10 minutes to cross 100 m on these roads,’’ said Nagendra G, a businessman, near Metro work in Vijayanagar.
POTHOLES EVERYWHERE
Potholes have been a major woe of commuters in almost all locations. Vasanth P, a private company employee at JP Nagar, says that each year though the roads are re-laid, the road is pitted after a month.
Though there are several problems in the South, expectations are high that once the elected representatives are in the corporation, infrastructure issues would be addressed quickly.
UNDERPASS ZONE
A T Subrahmanya & Sruthy Susan Ullas, TNN, Dec 22, 2009, 03.43am IST
Tags:south bangalore|bangalore
BANGALORE: South Bangalore, called the biggest residential locality in Asia, has more than its share of problems. Apart from niggling issues like solid waste management, dog menace, the glaring problem is several infrastructure projects going on simultaneously, severely hampering movement around the area. Metro work, which started amidst many protests over tree-felling, is chugging along but has also severed commutability.
Citizens rose in unison against delayed deadlines of underpass works in Puttenahalli and Kadirenahalli. Even the Tagore Circle underpass works were much opposed.
PUTTENAHALLI UNDERPASS
The JN-NURM underpass project on Puttenahalli Ring Road was started in May 2008 with an estimated cost of Rs 22.99 crore. The 100-Feet Ring Road connects Bannerghatta Road to Outer Ring Road. Construction work has already seen three deadlines pass by and a new deadline of January 15 has been set now. But a visit to the site shows that work is still going ahead, but at a slow pace. According to BBMP itself, only about 40% works have been completed.
“Twenty metres of the deck is completed. The remaining 30 m is still under progress. The deadlines have been postponed several times. We have filed a complaint against the contractor at our head office in Chennai. I will ask the engineers to file a criminal case against him if the deck is not finished by the end of December,” said an official, who did not want to be named.
D V Raghunath, a resident of Puttenahalli Ring Road, whose house is located right in front of the underpass works, is an exhausted man. Raghunath waited for some time after work started last year at the site. The underpass work not only made him immobile but has also cut off water supply lines. He says: “The work completely cut off my house, and we cannot move out, so we had to shift to Jayanagar. Though we are waiting for the underpass to be finished, work seems to be going on forever. We even tried to approach court but BBMP conveniently washed its hands of everything by putting the blame on contractors and showing that they had fined them.’’
KADIRENAHALLI UNDERPASS
The JN-NURM project at Kadirenalli road junction Outer Ring Road was started in March 2008 at an estimated cost of Rs 28.72 crore, which was supposed to be completed in 10 months. But even after 21 months, project work is still crawling at snail’s pace and has also thrown traffic movement in the area in disarray.
“The issue here is land acquisition. Once we overcome that hurdle, probably by the end of January, then work will speed up,” said the official.
“Business has been dull for the past one year. A bakery and a restaurant next to my complex were shutdown because they were running on loss,’’ rues Kumar K, a businessman near the underpass construction work. Beside the construction site is a dusty field, in which all the lorries are parked. Commuters take a detour on these roads to reach Padmanabhanagar.
“The ride through these roads near the construction work is extremely dangerous. We ride over iron rods and nails everyday. And we need to travel an extra kilometre to reach home,’’ stated Laisy Thomas, a resident of Kumaraswamy Layout. The latest deadline seems to be March 2010, but again, the ground reality shows that it is obvious work will not be complete by the next deadline.
TAGORE CIRCLE UNDERPASS
One of the most controversial underpass works at Tagore Circle in Basavanagudi, under JN-NURM, has drawn the ire of residents as well as several NGOs. Project work, with an estimated cost of Rs 19.49 crore started in October this year at the ‘staggered’ junction, is supposed to connect two roads at different locations on KR Road. Work is being slowed down due to shifting of water lines, the authorities informed TOI.
But the underpass has drawn wide criticism from local residents and even had people starting online petition campaigns, urging people to sign the cause to stop the work. The residents mainly feel that the underpass is unnecessary infrastructure when there was not much of a problem. Though BBMP anticipates high traffic density in the coming years, residents dismiss the idea.
“I filed an RTI about the roads under my ward three weeks ago. The authorities asked me to wait because even they didn’t know which ones belonged where after delimitation,’’ says S R Venkatram, member of the resident welfare association on BP Wadia Road in Basavanagudi.
Apart from these infrastructure works, now Metro work in Jayanagar South End stretch and Vijayanagar area has also made commuting a challenge.
“The traffic jam gets real bad during peak hours. It takes 10 minutes to cross 100 m on these roads,’’ said Nagendra G, a businessman, near Metro work in Vijayanagar.
POTHOLES EVERYWHERE
Potholes have been a major woe of commuters in almost all locations. Vasanth P, a private company employee at JP Nagar, says that each year though the roads are re-laid, the road is pitted after a month.
Though there are several problems in the South, expectations are high that once the elected representatives are in the corporation, infrastructure issues would be addressed quickly.
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