Environment

Last year ended on a high note and the new year began on a higher note for PNLIT! December was when our project was open for voting in Mahindra Spark the Rise Project Championship. Those were hectic days of campaigning and canvassing for votes. From among the submitted projects, Times Now channel chose PNLIT for their Amazing Indians series. We combined our monthly Nature Walk with the film shoot and invited some 75 school children to visit the lake. The kids' excitement at seeing the birds was incomparable.Spark the Rise result announcement was postponed from 4th to 9th January, prolonging…

I am circulating Johan Enqvist's clarification on the several errors in the article about his speech in Bangalore. It is a pity that the article was so inaccurate. Dear all,I have just read an article in The Hindu published yesterday, regarding a presentation I did on January 9th of a study I am conducting on Hasiru Usiru and other citizen's groups (the text is included further down).The article is not representing what I said correctly, there are a number of errors that I would like to clarify in this forum since the article concerns Hasiru Usiru. These are among the more…

I am circulating Johan Enqvist's clarification on the several errors in the article about his speech in Bangalore. It is a pity that the article was so inaccurate. Dear all,I have just read an article in The Hindu published yesterday, regarding a presentation I did on January 9th of a study I am conducting on Hasiru Usiru and other citizen's groups (the text is included further down).The article is not representing what I said correctly, there are a number of errors that I would like to clarify in this forum since the article concerns Hasiru Usiru. These are among the more…

Construction wastes and unwanted materials on pedestrian footpaths have been creating a hindrance to vehicular traffic and do not present a pretty picture of the city. BBMP had already made several requests to the public not to dispose of the construction material remains on footpaths and drains. Penalty was imposed when people were caught red-handed disposing the construction materials. But in spite of all this the bad practice has continued. Hence BBMP has identified about 20 unused quarry pits around the city where the people can leave construction waste. The following are the places identified: K.R Puram       - Haralooru…

Construction wastes and unwanted materials on pedestrian footpaths have been creating a hindrance to vehicular traffic and do not present a pretty picture of the city. BBMP had already made several requests to the public not to dispose of the construction material remains on footpaths and drains. Penalty was imposed when people were caught red-handed disposing the construction materials. But in spite of all this the bad practice has continued. Hence BBMP has identified about 20 unused quarry pits around the city where the people can leave construction waste. The following are the places identified: K.R Puram       - Haralooru…

Citizen Matters had earlier covered Kaikondrahalli lake being threatened by road widening plans and illegal building encroachment. The temple is only a few metres from the lake, which violates the rule that a buffer zone of 30 metres be provided around lakes. Also, pillars of the temple have been erected only a feet away from the neighbouring Elements Layout compound. K N Devaraj, Joint Commissioner (Mahadevpura zone) had said that he stopped the construction work. The temple builders had obtained permission from the Tahsildar earlier and not from BBMP. "They have applied to us for plan sanction now, but we…

Citizen Matters had earlier covered Kaikondrahalli lake being threatened by road widening plans and illegal building encroachment. The temple is only a few metres from the lake, which violates the rule that a buffer zone of 30 metres be provided around lakes. Also, pillars of the temple have been erected only a feet away from the neighbouring Elements Layout compound. K N Devaraj, Joint Commissioner (Mahadevpura zone) had said that he stopped the construction work. The temple builders had obtained permission from the Tahsildar earlier and not from BBMP. "They have applied to us for plan sanction now, but we…

We wanted a home mate But could not confine dogs, birds or fish to the indoors So we consoled ourselves Observing neigbours' pets Watching stray creatures And recalling childhood companions Until Ms. Columbidae came visiting We chased her away And wanted to 'grill' her out But she returned And: Built her nest Laid two eggs Warmed them well Hatched the squabs Who pecked at her crop And chirped, jumped and pooped As they grew Mr. Dove helped too And one fine day Away they flew All within a month   She's back in our balcony Or is she someone else?…

We wanted a home mate But could not confine dogs, birds or fish to the indoors So we consoled ourselves Observing neigbours' pets Watching stray creatures And recalling childhood companions Until Ms. Columbidae came visiting We chased her away And wanted to 'grill' her out But she returned And: Built her nest Laid two eggs Warmed them well Hatched the squabs Who pecked at her crop And chirped, jumped and pooped As they grew Mr. Dove helped too And one fine day Away they flew All within a month   She's back in our balcony Or is she someone else?…

One doesn't always get an opportunity to do something extraordinary. When you do, you've got to grab it! This is what we did when we saw the Puttenahalli Lake dying. We campaigned and lobbied for the BBMP to rejuvenate the lake. This is what PNLIT did when we saw the Mahindra Spark the Rise announcement inviting projects ("Sparks") for a competitive funding. We submitted "PNLIT - Nurturing Puttenahalli Lake back to its pristine glory" as a template for reviving lakes with active public participation. Click here to vote. Pic: PNLIT The many activities and events we conduct, such as the Children's Day Nature…