Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 32 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? Electronics City is spread across 903 acres, with a road length of 16.72 kilometres.
🐦 Bird species decline
Bird species in Bengaluru have sharply declined over the last three decades due to vanishing natural habitats.
The numbers: Observations from eBird show a decrease in bird species at Hebbal Lake from 133 between 2015-2020 to 119 between 2020-2024. Kaikondrahalli Kere saw a reduction from 112 species in 2016 to 86 in the last year. The total number of bird species recorded in the 1980s was around 340, but this number has now fallen to double digits at many lakes.
- Unscientific rejuvenation of lakes, concretisation, and declining lung spaces are major factors impacting bird populations.
- Lake conservationists argue that the BBMP’s management of lakes caters more to human activities, disrupting wildlife habitats.
Sparse knowledge: Experts like Garima Bhatia and M B Krishna highlight the lack of knowledge among authorities and the impact of urbanisation on lake ecosystems. Efforts are being made to rejuvenate and replenish at least 10 lakes in the city, but the challenge remains in balancing ecological development with urban demands.
🍇 Grapes and Watermelon Mela
The ‘Grapes and Watermelon Mela’ organised by HOPCOMS marks the beginning of summer in Bengaluru.
Fruits galore: The mela, inaugurated on February 19 at an outlet near Hudson Circle, offers 11 varieties of grapes and three varieties of watermelon at a 10% discount. Horticultural Producer’s Co-operative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS) aims to sell 500 metric tonnes of grapes and 900 metric tonnes of watermelon this year.
- Grapes are cultivated on 36,117 hectares in Karnataka, producing 7.74 lakh metric tonnes, while watermelons are grown on 4,700 hectares, yielding 1.92 lakh metric tonnes.
- Consumers appreciate the freshness of the produce available at HOPCOMS, despite the modest price difference compared to other retailers.
Popular among the masses: The mela is popular among Bengaluru residents for its fresh produce and variety, and it also benefits farmers by providing a direct platform for their products.
🔋 Karnataka leads in EV infrastructure
Karnataka leads the nation in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with 5,059 stations.
What’s it about? BESCOM is collaborating with Reliance BP Mobility Limited for a Public-Private Partnership to establish 225 public charging stations across Bengaluru, with 150 in the city and 75 in rural areas. This initiative is part of a larger plan to set up 1,190 EV charging stations across the state.
- The project aims to provide both AC and DC chargers, with the CCS2 DC chargers capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously.
- BESCOM is currently conducting surveys to identify suitable locations for these stations, which will mostly be on government properties.
Varying unit rates: While BESCOM charges users ₹7.38 per unit, Reliance will charge ₹15.99 per unit, reflecting the need for profitability and investment in the infrastructure. The partnership aims to enhance the EV charging network and support the growing EV ecosystem in the region.
🚧 Flyovers along Metro lines
Karnataka government proposes building flyovers along Metro lines to ease Bengaluru’s traffic congestion.
What’s it about? Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the state’s plan to construct flyovers on certain stretches of Bengaluru Metro lines to alleviate traffic issues. The proposal has been sent to the Union government for approval.
- Bengaluru has consistently ranked as one of the most traffic-congested cities globally in various surveys.
- According to the latest TomTom traffic index, Bengaluru remains India’s most congested city in 2023, ranking sixth worldwide.
Dispersing the jams: The proposed flyovers aim to tackle the city’s notorious traffic jams by providing alternative routes along metro lines, potentially improving commute times and overall traffic flow in India’s IT capital.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you ever written a love letter?
- I have written a love letter.
- I’ve never written a love letter.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Given the experience you have now, what advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Karaga festival in Bengaluru is set to take place from April 15 to 23 this year.
- Generating over ₹160 crore in revenue, Arvind SmartSpaces has successfully sold 220 residential plots in Bengaluru.
- The Dwija Art Gallery is set to captivate art and architecture enthusiasts in Bengaluru.
- Tata Group’s Air India and TASL plan to invest ₹2,300 crore in Karnataka projects, creating jobs for around 1,650 people.
- Concerns are being voiced by residents due to the authorities’ lack of response to urgent pleas for footpath repairs.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I believe in Ayurveda: 71.4% 🏆
- I don’t believe in Ayurveda: 28.6%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!