Good morning, Bengaluru!
☀️ Today’s weather: High: 35 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | Mainly clear sky.
🧐 Did you know? Kadalekai Parishe, celebrated near Basavanagudi Bull temple in Bengaluru, marks the day farmers offer their first groundnut harvest of the year.
⛐ Rising road fatalities
Bengaluru witnessed a significant increase in road fatalities in the first two months of 2024, with 174 deaths reported.
What’s it about? The city’s Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), MN Anucheth, highlighted this concerning trend during a road safety campaign. He noted that Bengaluru has the highest traffic density in India, with a vehicle-to-population ratio of 1:1, contributing to the growing number of accidents.
- In 2023, there were 914 fatalities, with two-wheelers and pedestrians being the most affected groups.
- Approximately 10% of the total fatalities occurred at Devanahalli due to high speeds on the elevated corridor, followed by Kengeri due to the NICE Road.
What’s being done? The Bengaluru police are implementing advanced technologies like AI, Big Data, and IoT-based solutions to optimise traffic flow and enhance road safety. Initiatives include AI-based adaptive signals, digital platforms for reporting violations, and collaboration with research institutions for innovative solutions.
🚦 Relief for Bengaluru traffic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates key segments of Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) to ease city’s traffic congestion.
Controlling goods traffic: The STRR, spanning 288 kilometres, aims to provide a bypass route for goods traffic, thereby reducing congestion in the city’s core areas. With an investment of ₹17,000 crore, the project is executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- The first phase of the STRR, from Dabaspet to Hoskote via Doddaballapur, is set to open in March 2024.
- The project will interconnect three national highways, enhancing regional connectivity.
The other two: The inaugurated sections include the 42-kilometre Dobbaspet–Doddaballapur bypass and the 37.6-kilometre Doddaballapur bypass–Hoskote section.
🏏 IPL amid water crisis
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is confident of managing IPL 2024 matches in Bengaluru despite severe water shortage.
Three matches: The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host three IPL matches, starting with Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Punjab Kings on March 25. The city is currently experiencing its worst water crisis in four decades, raising concerns about hosting the tournament.
- KSCA CEO Shubendu Ghosh stated that the association is following state government guidelines on water usage and is not facing any crisis at the moment.
- The stadium will use water from its sewage treatment plant for watering the outfield and pitch, ensuring no need for groundwater usage.
RCB is prepared: Royal Challengers officials, known for their green initiatives, are also confident about conducting matches smoothly. They are in touch with KSCA and are preparing to comply with National Green Tribunal norms, ensuring a sustainable approach to managing the water crisis during the IPL.
🐟 Fish kill incidents
A study highlights persistent fish kill incidents in Bengaluru’s lakes, indicating inadequate utilisation of sewage treatment plants.
What’s it about? Despite the presence of sewage treatment plants in four lakes, including Bhattarahalli, Munnekollala, Chelekere, and Iblur, 61 fish kill incidents have been reported in 2024. The study, conducted by ActionAid Association, points to a failure in effectively using these facilities, leading to continued pollution and fish deaths.
- Sewage inflow into lakes is identified as the primary cause, with most affected lakes located around 110 villages.
- Kothnur Lake reported the highest number of incidents, followed by Haralur, Madiwala, Bhattarahalli, and Kundalhalli.
More effort needed: The report calls for measures such as rainwater harnessing, water quality monitoring, and ensuring sewage diversion channels are clear. It emphasises the importance of wetlands in lake conservation and urges immediate action to address the root causes of fish kills, ensuring the long-term health of Bengaluru’s lakes.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Which shoe do you usually wear first – left or right?
- I usually wear the left shoe first.
- I usually wear the right shoe first.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Describe Bengaluru in one word.
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- On the Dharmapuri-Hosur-Bengaluru route, a new railway line will be established with a projected cost of ₹2,500 crore.
- The BBMP has launched a new online scheme for building plan approvals.
- In Bengaluru’s Whitefield area, Mahindra Lifespaces has acquired a land parcel spanning 9.4 acres.
- Suvaii – A Pandyan Legacy brings Madurai’s signature dishes to Bengaluru.
- India’s newest regional airline, Fly91, has announced its first commercial flight from Goa to Bengaluru on March 18.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I tear up while watching emotional movie scenes: 80.0% 🏆
- I don’t tear up while watching emotional movie scenes: 20.0%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!